Specific patient factors that increase the likelihood of keloid formation include a personal or family history of keloids, darker skin phototypes (such as those of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent), younger age, and certain anatomical sites prone to tension and movement like the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and upper back. These factors should be carefully considered during consultations to assess keloid risk before any skin trauma or procedures.
Additionally, patients undergoing skin-related procedures while on isotretinoin may have an altered risk profile for keloid formation and other skin complications, suggesting a need for cautious evaluation in this subgroup Latifaltojar et al. 2025.
Overall, the UK clinical context aligns with the literature emphasizing genetic predisposition and skin type as key determinants, while recent studies highlight medication interactions such as isotretinoin use as emerging considerations in keloid risk assessment Frech et al. 2023Latifaltojar et al. 2025 NICE NG198.
Key References
- NG198 - Acne vulgaris: management
- NG211 - Rehabilitation after traumatic injury
- CKS - Leg ulcer - venous
- CKS - Pressure ulcers
- CG179 - Pressure ulcers: prevention and management
- CKS - Scalds and burns
- CKS - Burns and scalds
- (Frech et al., 2023): Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: Advances in Treatment and Review of Established Therapies.
- (Latifaltojar et al., 2025): Keloid Formation and Any Skin Complications in Patients Treated With Isotretinoin and Undergone Any Skin-Related Procedures.