Keloid scars can cause not only physical and aesthetic impairment but also psychosocial
sequelae, which can further impair quality of life.[1]
[2] They show significant pain, persistent itching, stiffness, and scar contracture.[1]
[2] In addition, they can have psychological effects, including diminished self-esteem,
disruption of daily life, anxiety, and depression.[1]
[2]
[3]
Currently, various treatment options for the treatment of keloid scars have been introduced.
Nevertheless, the scars cannot be eradicated completely and the treatment of scars
often takes several months.[4] Physical symptoms, such as pain, itching, stiffness, and contracture, are targeted
for aggressive treatment, but there is no guidance on psychological factors.[4] Besides, the psychosocial impact of scars is hard to standardize as individual response
to scars is not generalizable.[3]
[5]
This deficiency of management of psychological factors might be due to inadequate
training, insufficient clinical experiences, or lack of awareness of their responsibility.[4]
Multidisciplinary approach is required in the recognition and management of psychosocial
effects associated with scars. Multidisciplinary team should include experts including
dermatologists, plastic surgeons, general surgeons, medical, rehabilitation and burn
specialists, psychosocial and behavioral researchers, epidemiologists, and beauticians.[1]
The treatment should start before scarring in inpatient and outpatient setting to
explain to patients what scars are, why they form, how to prevent and treat them,
and how to manage potential psychosocial effects.[5]
Within this multidisciplinary approach, plastic surgeons should be aware of that it
is our role to overall manage the keloid scars and overall patient quality of like.
