Dermatology and Cosmetic Medicine

Keloid and Pityriasis rosea

Keloid

Keloid scars are defined as abnormal scars that grow beyond the boundary of the original site of a skin injury. The scar is a raised and ill-defined growth of skin in the area of damaged skin. A keloid (key-loid) is a type of raised scar. Unlike other raised scars, keloids grow much larger than the wound that caused the scar. In very rare cases, keloids form when people do not injure their skin. These are called “spontaneous keloids.” A keloid usually takes time to appear. After an injury, months can pass before this scar appears. A keloid can also form more quickly.

Pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a medical condition that causes red rashes on the skin. It’s fairly common and usually doesn’t lead to severe complications beyond the presence of the rash.  Pityriasis rosea is a type of skin rash. Classically, it begins with a single red and slightly scaly area known as a "herald patch". This is then followed, days to weeks later, by a pink whole body rash. It typically lasts less than three months and goes away without treatment. Sometime a fever may occur before the start of the rash or itchiness may be present, but often there are few other symptoms. While the cause is not entirely clear, it is believed to be related to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) or human herpesvirus 7 (HHV7). It does not appear to be contagious. Certain medications may result in a similar rash. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms.