Suppurative keloidosis in a black woman

The development of suppuration and sinus tract formation within previously well developed keloidal scars is a rare event, predominantly occurring in the beard, neck, and presternal areas of black men. Keloidal entrapment of epithelial cystic elements, such as pilosebaceous units, has been suggested as one possible mechanism for the occurrence of suppurative keloids. We report the extremely rare development of a large, submental, submaxillary suppurative keloid in a black woman, with resulting sinus tract formation and intraoral drainage. The important clinical characteristics and treatment of suppurative keloidosis are discussed. The gross pathologic picture of keloidal epithelial-cystic entrapment and inflammation is also demonstrated.