A Five Year Retrospective Study of Keloidal Patterns at a Tertiary Skin Clinic in South West Nigeria

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: A Keloid is a benign firm swelling arising from overgrowth of fibrous tissue following skin
damage. It is usually seen in predisposed individuals and the pattern of inheritance observed is consistent with
an autosomal dominant mode with variable expression. Although some epidemiological studies have shown
that more Keloid patients are female, other studies show equal incidence of Keloids in male and female
subjects.
METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective study over a five year period (between January 2003 and December
2008 of patients presenting in a skin clinic with diagnosis of Keloids at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching
Hospital, Ile-Ife. The case files of identified patients were retrieved from the hospital records. A total of 77 cases
were retrieved. Their bio-data, site of Keloid, presenting symptoms and treatment were noted.
RESULTS: There were 77patients retrieved over the period of 5years. There were 50 females (65%) and
27male patients (35%). The greatest age range involved was 20-29yrs accounting for 35% of cases. There were
106 sites affected because some patients had multiple site affectation. The greatest site of affectation is the
anterior chest wall affecting twenty six(34%) out of 77patients followed by head and neck 21 out of 77 (27%).
The least affected area was the pelvis 3 out of 77.
CONCLUSION: Keloidal scars affect both sexes affecting more females in this series probably because
females may be more exposed to beautification scars. Anterior chest wall continues to be a predilection site.
Preventive measure may be helpful in Keloid prone individuals. Effective treatment options for Keloidal scars
need to be looked for.
Keywords: Keloid, Pattern, Tertiary, Skin Clinic