Definition

Noun: A cheloid is a type of raised, often pinkish, scar tissue that forms at the site of a healed skin injury. It results from an excessive and ongoing process of tissue repair, extending beyond the boundaries of the original wound.

Usage

The word "cheloid" is a medical term used specifically in dermatology and pathology to describe an abnormal, overgrown scar. It is synonymous with the more common term "keloid."

Examples

• After the ear piercing, she developed a cheloid that was larger than the original wound.
• The dermatologist explained that the raised, itchy patch on his shoulder was a cheloid.
• Treatment for a cheloid can be challenging because simple removal may lead to its recurrence.

Advanced Usage

• Cheloid formation is a known complication of surgeries, burns, acne, and even minor skin injuries like scratches, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

Variants and Related Words

• Keloid (noun): The standard and more frequently used synonym for "cheloid." The terms are interchangeable.
• Keloidal (adjective): Describing something related to or resembling a keloid/cheloid.
  • The biopsy showed keloidal tissue.

Synonyms

• Keloid
• Hypertrophic scar (Note: A closely related type of raised scar, but it typically stays within the wound boundaries and may improve over time, unlike a cheloid/keloid.)

Notes on Meaning

While "cheloid" and "keloid" are identical in meaning, "keloid" is the predominant spelling in modern medical literature. "Cheloid" is an accepted variant.

Noun

1. raised pinkish scar tissue at the site of an injury; results from excessive tissue repair