Keloid scars can occur after ear piercings. They are typically large raised, firm nodules that occur at the site of the piercing. They can become painful and physically disfiguring.

The cause is thought to be epithelial (skin) entrapment along the piercing tract. This can occur if the piercing gets inflamed or is allowed to seal. Trapped skin proliferates uncontrollably and causes inflammatory scar reaction. Cartilage piercing is particularly sensitive to this complication. 

Initial treatment involves injection of steroids into the keloid. If that does not help, injection with a chemotherapy drug such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is done. If that does not work, then surgical removal of the keloid is needed. Re-piercing of the ear can be performed approximately one month after surgery. After re-piercing the ear, it is important to keep the area clean, by cleaning with hydrogen peroxide. Frequent twisting of the earring also keeps the hole open. Most patients do very well after removal and re-piercing of the ear. Rarely, recurrence of the keloid scar may occur. With close follow-up keloids can be prevented with steroid injections.

Acne is caused by a variety of factors. These factors include increased p. acnes bacteria, increased oil production by oil glands, “clogged pores,” genetic susceptibility, and increased androgen hormones. It is important to target multiple causes of acne to best control it. There are many “tried and true” options and some newer and less well known treatment options. 

Initial treatment options for mild to moderate acne focus on consistent application of topical products. 

Face washes should contain an active ingredient against acne. Examples include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. After washing the face, topical retinoids are used. Prescription retinoids such as retin-A and tretinoin increase cell turnover and prevent “clogged pores.” Retinoids work best against comedonal acne which refers to whitehead and blackhead acne. Retinoids are a staple of acne management and are also a popular anti-aging product as they improve skin texture and fine lines. 

Antibiotics are another cornerstone of acne management- especially inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne usually appears as red bumps or nodules. Topical and oral antibiotics reduce p. acnes bacteria and reduce inflammation leading to acne lesions. These are usually used in conjunction with topical retinoids. 

Hormones contribute to acne because androgens stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil. Oil rich environments allow p. acne bacteria to thrive and cause more acne breakouts. Females who break out during their menstrual cycle or primarily have bumps and nodules along their jawline often respond to hormonal therapies including oral contraceptives and oral spironolactone. Unfortunately, these options are not available to males. However, a new drug, Winlevi, offers a topical antiandrogen option for both males and females. 

The ultimate acne treatment is isotretinoin, previously known by a brand name, “Accutane.” Some patients may be nervous about isotretinoin because it is highly regulated due to causing birth defects in pregnant women. However, it is usually well tolerated and is extremely effective at eliminating active acne. Isotretinoin is also the only medication shown to cause long term remission of acne. 

The above options can control acne well, but it can be frustrating when there are breakthrough lesions. Some additional options for breakthrough lesions include chemical TCA peels (VIPeels), vascular laser (V-beam laser) treatments, and steroid (kenalog) injections. 

VIPeels are a chemical peel that include anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to promote cell turnover and reduce inflammation and hydroquinone to lighten acne scarring. 

V-beam and Kenalog can be used to spot treat a stubborn or inflamed lesion. V-beam is a laser that delivers energy to kill active acne bacteria or treat red scars left behind by previous acne lesions. Kenalog is a steroid that is injected directly into an acne lesion to reduce inflammation. Kenalog is especially useful before a big event because it works quickly, usually reducing a lesion within 24-48 hours. Kenalog is also useful to treat hypertrophic or keloid scars from cystic acne. 

With so many options available, it is important to meet with a provider to discuss which option(s) are best for you. 

“I’ve got some good news, no more cancer.” Dr. Adam Aronson calmly said to Wade Jackson. A dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Aronson confirmed that all cancer had been removed from Wade’s lower eyelid, through the process of Mohs surgery, where layers of skin are removed and viewed under a microscope until cancer cells are no longer present.

Wade was then ushered next door to the SCARS Surgery Center, where oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Justin Karlin reconstructed the eyelid tissue. Although the news was good, it was just one more step in Wade’s years-long dance with skin cancer.

Four years earlier, he was at the SCARS Center having skin cancer removed from his nose, also with Mohs surgery. The deficit was so large that it required an extensive reconstruction by plastic surgeon Dr. Simon Madorsky. Not just one operation, but a multi-stage process was required to rebuild that part of Wade’s nose (see page 3).

When asked what he thinks led to these cancers, Wade is quick to respond. “Well, it was simply a lack of knowledge. Back in the late 60s and 70s, the only time we would apply anything was after we were already burnt to a crisp.” Years of outdoor sports and surfing, and then sun exposure while serving in the US Coast Guard sealed his fate.

“Dr. Madorsky had to perform major reconstruction on my nose, and did so with amazing results. This man is truly an artist.”

Quite a compliment from Wade Jackson, who is himself a professional artist.

When a traumatic brain bleed in 2007 upended his life, Wade was unable to return to the business that he and his family had built. He started to sculpt as a way to get his brain working again. With knowledge of welding from his Coast Guard days, Wade utilized metal and stone as his primary media. A passion for all things aquatic inspires his work. While he still struggles with analytical thinking, the creative side of his brain took off.

By 2013 he had created enough works to sell, and was accepted to the Festival of The Arts in Laguna Beach. “This was my breakout.”

When he met Dr. Madorsky in 2017, little did he know the impact they would have on each other. Over the many months of reconstruction and healing, they developed a connection. “At some point, Simon became a friend,” said Wade.