Definition

Noun: A keloid is a type of raised, often pinkish or reddish, scar tissue that forms at the site of a skin injury. It results from an overgrowth of collagen during the healing process, extending beyond the boundaries of the original wound.

Usage

A keloid is a specific medical term for an abnormal scar. It is used to describe the physical result of excessive fibrous tissue formation. - The keloid on his shoulder was a permanent reminder of the surgery. - Some people have a genetic predisposition to develop keloids after minor cuts or piercings.

Advanced Usage

• Keloid formation: The process by which a keloid develops.
  • Doctors aim to minimize keloid formation through careful wound closure techniques.
• Keloid scarring: A term often used interchangeably with "keloid" to describe the condition.
  • Keloid scarring can be both a cosmetic and a physical concern for patients.

Variants and Related Words

• Cheloid: An alternate, less common spelling for keloid.
• Keloidal (adjective): Relating to or resembling a keloid.
  • The dermatologist noted the keloidal tissue around the old burn.

Synonyms

• Hypertrophic scar: A raised scar that, unlike a keloid, typically stays within the boundaries of the original wound and may improve over time.
• Cicatrix: A general medical term for a scar.

Antonyms

• Atrophic scar: A scar that is sunken or depressed below the surrounding skin level.
• Normal scar: A flat, pale scar that forms through typical wound healing.

Noun

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