Biopsychosocial impact of keloids on quality of life

Keloids are a prevalent, although understudied, dermatologic condition commonly affecting people of color. In the clinical setting, keloids negatively impact many aspects of patient quality of life (QoL), but this area has not been comprehensively characterized. This review identifies and summarizes studies in which the QoL impact of keloids has been measured utilizing validated survey and questionnaire instruments, including the SCAR-Q and Dermatology Life Quality Index. Study findings are grouped into physical and emotional factors that together comprise 7 biopsychosocial domains: pain and itch, mobility, visibility, gender and age, psychosocial, stigma, and cosmetic. These domains interact in a complex network that negatively impacts QoL of patients with keloid. Enhanced understanding of the significance of these domains will pave the way for the performance of large, rigorous epidemiologic studies that will lead to the development of efficacious keloid therapies that improve not only physical but also psychosocial functioning, enabling clinicians to provide holistic care that enhances patient QoL.