Dr. Rockoff received his undergraduate degree from Yeshiva College with the distinction of Summa Cum Laude. He received his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His internship and two years of Pediatric residency were at the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center, followed by training in Dermatology at the combined residency program at Tufts and Boston Universities. Dr. Rockoff is certified by both the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Pediatrics.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
"I have a massive keloid on my chest, one on my left shoulder, and another on my back. The keloid on my chest has defied all forms of treatment (injections, surgery, silicone...you name it). It measures 12 cm x 9 cm and is still growing (started as
two pimples). I also have to deal with recurring abscesses on this same keloid, and it is such an irritating feeling. I'd be the happiest person on planet earth to know of some definitive cure for keloid scars."
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What is a keloid?
Keloids can be considered to be "scars that don't know when to stop." A
keloid, sometimes referred to as a keloid scar, is a tough heaped-up scar that
rises quite abruptly above the rest of the skin. It usually has a smooth top and a pink
or purple color. Keloids are irregularly shaped and tend to enlarge progressively. Unlike scars, keloids do not subside over time.
What is the difference between a keloid and a
hypertrophic scar?
After the skin is injured, the healing process usually leaves a flat scar.
Sometimes the scar is hypertrophic, or thickened, but confined to the margin of
the wound. Hypertrophic scars tend to be redder and may subside by themselves (a process which can
take one year or more). Treatment such as injections of cortisone (steroids) can
speed this process.
Keloids, by contrast, may start some time after the injury and extend beyond
the wound site. This tendency to migrate into surrounding areas that weren't
injured to begin with distinguishes keloids from hypertrophic scars. Keloids
typically appear following surgery or injury, but they can also appear
spontaneously or as a result of some slight inflammation, such as an acne pimple
on the chest (even one that wasn't scratched or otherwise irritated). Other minor injuries that can
trigger keloids are burns and
piercings.
What are the signs and symptoms of keloids?
Keloids are raised and look shiny and dome-shaped, ranging in color from pink
to red. Some keloids become quite large and unsightly. Aside from causing
potential cosmetic problems, these exuberant scars tend to be
itchy, tender, or
even painful to the touch.
Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the
base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form
of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
Ingrown hairs may be caused by improper shaving, waxing or blockage of the hair follicle. Symptoms and signs of ingrown hairs include itching, tenderness, and small red pus bumps. Ingrown hairs usually heal on their own, but topical antibiotics, chemical depilatories, and hair-removal laser may be used in the treatment of ingrown hairs.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The damage is more severe with second degree burns, leading to blistering and more intense pain. The skin turns white and loses sensation with third degree burns. Burn treatment depends upon the location, total burn area, and intensity of the burn.
Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. The depth and size of the wound incision and the location of the injury impact the scar's characteristics, but your age, heredity and even sex or ethnicity will affect how your skin reacts.
Infections, bites and stings, infestations, chronic diseases, sun exposure, and dry skin are among the numerous causes of itching.
Anti-itch creams and lotions containing camphor, menthol, phenol,
pramoxine (Caladryl, Tronolane), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or benzocaine can bring relief.
Some cases of itching will respond to corticosteroid medications.
It is best to avoid scratching and itch when possible to avoid worsening of the condition and disruption of the skin that could lead to bacterial infection.
If itching persists with time or worsens, or is associated with skin lesions, consulting a health-care practitioner is advisable.
What is an itch?
Itch is an irritation in the skin that elicits an urge to scratch. Itches are a common problem and can be localized (limited to one area of the bo...
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