Ahmed A. Hawash, Giuseppe Ingrasci, Keyvan Nouri, Gil Yosipovitch
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3923

Keloids are scars that extend beyond the margins of an insulting cutaneous injury. Keloids are often thought to be primarily a cosmetic issue, as they are typically quite raised and pigmented. However, these scars also present with functional symptoms of pruritus and pain that significantly impact quality of life. The symptom of pruritus is frequently overlooked by dermatologists, and treatments are often primarily focused on the gross appearance of the scar. This review describes the prevalence and importance of pruritus in keloids. In addition, the putative mechanisms underlying the development of keloid pruritus, which include neuronal and immunological mechanisms, are discussed. Furthermore, this review describes keloid treatments that have been shown to reduce pruritus, treatments that specifically target the itch, and emerging therapies.

Keloids are a specific type of scar that develop following injury to the skin. Keloid scars tend to overgrow and extend beyond the margins of the original injury. Usually, they are approached primarily as a cosmetic issue. However, these scars also present with functional symptoms of itch and pain that significantly impact quality of life. The symptom of pruritus is frequently overlooked by dermatologists, and treatments are often primarily focused on the gross appearance of the scar. This review describes the rates of itch in keloid scars and the potential mechanisms underlying the development of the itch. In addition, this review also discusses the available keloid treatments and how effective they are at controlling itch.