Dear Doctor
I’ve had this swelling for a month now. It was caused by underwear friction. How can I solve this?
Dear Patient
From the history you have given, these lesions are suggestive of friction keloids.
Causes of Keloids
Keloids develop when excessive collagen is deposited after the skin is injured. This injury can be caused by burns, cuts and piercings. Minor scratches and cuts can also cause keloids to form and therefore I suppose excessive friction that scratches the skin can also lead to the formation of keloids.
Treatment of Keloids
The first step in the treatment of treatment of friction keloids is to prevent the friction that is injuring the skin. In your case it would mean not wearing tight underwear.
In addition, the treatment of keloids includes:
Silicone Gel
Silicone gels like ScarAway can be applied to the keloids.
Corticosteroid Injections
Keloids can be injected with corticosteroids like Triamcinolone Acetonide (Kenalog) by your nearest dermatologist. This form of treatment has a keloid recurrence rate of around 50%.
Corticosteroid Tapes
Tapes which have been impregnated with corticosteroids like Cordran tape (or Haelan tape) are also used to soften and flatten keloids.
Surgical Removal
Keloidectomy is a surgical procedure in which the doctor removes the keloids. This operation has a keloids recurrence rate of around 50%. This high recurrence rate can be reduced by injecting the operation site with corticosteroids. Imiquimod 5% cream can also be applied after keloidectomy to prevent the keloids from reforming.
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