Understanding C-Section Keloid Scars
Imagine you’ve just welcomed a bundle of joy in your life via c-section, but instead of a neat scar, a visible, angry-looking mark appears. This noticeable scar is known as a c-section keloid scar. If you are wondering what is a Caesarean section scar and why it appears, let say It’s your body’s way of saying, “Oops, we got carried away!”. Keloid c-section scars form when your body starts producing overdriven collagen during healing.
Formation of C-Section Keloid Scars
C-section keloid develops at the site of a cesarean delivery incision on the abdomen. Our body naturally produces collagen to heal any cut or injury. But when our body starts producing too much scar tissue during the healing process after c-section it results in keloid formation. They might be itchy, tender, or even painful to the touch, which may result in discomfort. Sometimes, it may become larger than the original incision.
Infection is common and may occur at any surgical site if you don’t take care of it properly. To avoid infections, keep your incision clean and protected.
Factors That Influence C-Section Keloid Scars Formation
Based on babycenter.com, C-section delivery of a baby usually takes place in two types:
Transverse C-section incisions
The most common type of skin incision for C-sections is transverse, which means side to side. This type of incision is also called a bikini cut, because of its location low on your abdomen. The transverse cut may be slightly curved or straight.
Transverse incisions follow the natural lines of tension in your skin, which results in better cosmetic healing, less pain after the surgery, and lower rates of hernias.
Vertical C-section incisions
A vertical incision is made up and down (vertically) on your abdomen. Vertical incisions are less common. A doctor may choose a vertical incision when the delivery needs to happen quickly a vertical incision gives a slightly quicker entry. It’s also used more often in obese patients. Unfortunately, a vertical incision takes longer to heal. They might be more painful, and is less cosmetically appealing than a transverse incision. Other factors affecting C-section keloids:
It has also been seen that some people are more prone to developing keloids due to their genetic makeup compared to others.
It may sound uncommon to many but, fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy and postpartum can also increase the risk of keloid formation.
Symptoms of an infected C-Section Keloid Scars:
Do look for signs of increasing pain at the incision site. In case of any visible sign of pus reaching out, or a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, consult your doctor. Your abdomen might feel numb as it heals due to nerve damage that might occur during a C-section.
Scars are common after C-section, and some scars may become keloid C-section scars. These scars may vary in shape and size, and the duration of their healing time may also vary from person to person. Sometimes, it may heal on its own with time, or by using external or oral supplements. While in others, you may need to choose a surgical or laser option.
Treatment options for Infected C-Section keloid Scars:
Based on Keloidresearch.com, Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (ITA) injection has been used for the treatment of keloids for many decades, but its efficacy in the treatment of cesarean section keloids has not been assessed.
Method:
Keloids from previous C-sections were surgically removed during subsequent C-sections. After removal, 1 mL of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL) was injected into the upper and lower edges of the wound. The injections were given using a 1 mL insulin syringe and a 25G long needle. Subcuticular sutures were used to close the wound. Post-operative dressing was applied over the scar. Patients received two doses of intravenous antibiotics during the first 24 hours after the operation to prevent infection. All other aspects of the C-section surgery and post-operative wound care were carried out as per the hospital’s standard protocol. Patients were monitored for potential side effects and complications during the first six days after the operation.
Other Treatment Options for Infected C-Section Keloid Scars
If your C-section keloid gets infected, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to fight against infection. Steroid injections also help reduce inflammation and flatten your thick angry-looking keloid. Healthcare professionals inject them directly into the scar. Surgical removal of the keloid may be suggested in some cases, but there’s a risk that the keloid may return after surgery. Nowadays, laser therapy is in demand. It helps reduce the size and appearance of keloid and targets excess collagen.
Conclusion :
Dealing with keloid after C-section can be challenging. Looking at the angry visible scar, larger than the original one, is unpleasant and sometimes irritating and bothersome. But, with proper treatment and care it is possible to manage. Preventing Cesarean scars can involve minimizing scars through post-operative care, careful monitoring, and professional medical treatments. If you are facing signs of infection don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
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