Earlobe keloids: Emerging cosmetic complacation of ear-piercing

Abstract

Keloid is not a homogeneous biological entity. The exact pathologic mechanism of the lesion continues to be an enigma for physicians and researchers alike and no specific gene or sets of genes have been identified. The art of body piercing is ancient to people in the developed countries but over years it has rejuvenated to part of their fashion process. Ear-piercing or extra ear-piercing is becoming more rampant among youths in this part of the world, this however have been shown to cause hypertrophic scaring, keloids and its attendant cosmetic problems. The objective of the study was to retrospectively review the number of keloids that were managed by the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, between the period of September 2006 and April 2007. We reviewed the number of keloids that were managed in our unit for the period of 8-months. Twenty six (26) patients had enough information for analysis. Fourteen patients (53.9%) had ear-lobe keloids and 11 (42.3%) of the patients developed the keloid from ear-piercing. Majority of the patients had surgical excision with post-operative intralesional triamcenelone as treatment modalities. Keloids are more likely to develop when ears are pierced in the susceptible age group. Keloids of the ear are a challenging problem with many treatment modalities advocated. Given the difficulty and cost of treating keloids and other infective complications that may arise from ear-piercing, preventive remains the best approach.