Keloids can be unsightly and annoying because they continue to grow despite the healing process is over. They are raised from the rest of the skin and usually have a smooth end, are rough to the touch and have a pink or purplish tint. They are more likely to form in olive-skinned people between the ages of ten and thirty. To eliminate or reduce their spread, a number of treatments need to be considered, including steroid injections and laser treatments. Alternatively, you can try some natural, but less effective, remedies.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: See Your Doctor
Step 1. Ask your doctor what treatments you can use
There are various approaches to improving skin affected by a keloid, including topical ointments, laser treatment, steroid injections, and surgery. Your doctor can help you choose the best option based on your needs. For example, some treatments are only effective on newly formed scars and keloids. Others are expensive and invasive and may not solve the problem.
Step 2. Go for a topical retinoid medication
At the pharmacy you can find ointments, creams and gels formulated to reduce skin roughness caused by keloid over time. Retinoids work by regulating collagen production and smoothing the uneven texture of hypertrophic scars. They are also able to relieve the itching associated with the scar lesion. Ask your trusted pharmacist for advice.
- It will likely take several months for the treatment to work;
- Apply the ointment, cream or gel following the directions in the package insert for the entire recommended period.
Step 3. Try steroid injections
They can help flatten raised scars relative to the surrounding surface. Usually, they are given every 2-6 weeks, until the problem begins to improve. In some cases, the cycle could last several months. The treatment allows to reduce the roughness of the keloids and the swelling.
Although steroid injections help smooth out scars, they are unable to permanently remove keloids
Step 4. Resort to laser therapy
It is widely used in the removal of scars and has also been shown to be effective in reducing keloids. The pulsed dye laser and the long pulse Nd: YAG laser are considered to be the most effective in treating these scar lesions, but not on dark skin. Laser therapy can be quite expensive because it is performed by a specialist and several sessions are required before the results are noticeable.
Side effects associated with laser treatment include redness and mild irritation
Step 5. Ask your doctor about silicone sheets
They are effective when applied to the injured area before it heals. They work by keeping the area hydrated and preventing the development of scar tissue. They must adhere well to the scar and must be kept for days or even months after the injury.
Silicone sheets are one of the few recommended treatments for children
Step 6. Consider surgical excision
If you want to completely remove the keloid rather than simply reducing its roughness, you can try surgical excision. It is an invasive procedure, but it could remove the entire lesion. The only problem is that it often causes new scars to form.
- Surgery can be expensive, but it is sometimes the most effective way to significantly reduce the appearance of hypertrophic scars.
- You can treat the post-operative scar by applying a topical retinoid and resorting to compression therapy to reduce the risk of other keloids forming. Some surgeons also use radiation after surgery, but it is a controversial method.
- Keep in mind that surgical excision is risky and can encourage the formation of an even larger keloid.
Step 7. Try cryotherapy on newly formed keloids
It works by freezing scar tissue with a substance similar to liquid nitrogen. Often, it is used in conjunction with other treatments, especially steroid injections, to reduce the visibility of the scar. It flattens the keloid, but the limitation of this treatment is hypopigmentation (skin discoloration).
Part 2 of 3: Natural Treatments
Step 1. Try pressotherapy
It involves compression of the injured or injured area in order to reduce skin tension. Experts believe it reduces cell production and flattens scars. Treatment is most effective on newly formed scars. You will need to wear a compression bandage or patch all day for several weeks or even months.
If a keloid has formed on the ear due to a piercing, you can intervene by wearing special earrings that exert pressure
Step 2. Try aloe vera
It can help ease the keloid's roughness, especially if it has recently developed. Buy it in gel or extract it from the plant. Apply the gel at least twice a day.
You can also make a paste by mixing 2 teaspoons of aloe with 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil and 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter. Spread a compact layer on the injured area and let it act for 30 minutes. Then, get rid of any skin residue and let the rest air dry
Step 3. Apply lemon juice
With this remedy you can lighten the top layer of the skin so that the scar appears less noticeable. For best results, rub a few drops of fresh lemon juice on the scar tissue twice a day.
Step 4. Use onion extract
According to some research, the quercetin contained in the onion is a powerful antioxidant that inhibits the production of collagen and reduces the appearance of keloids. Purchase onion extract gel at a health food store and apply it several times a day until you notice a reduction in scar tissue.
Step 5. Try Vitamin E
Helps reduce the appearance of scars by promoting healthy skin growth. Buy a vitamin E cream or take the vitamin E oil capsules and rub them directly on the keloid.
Part 3 of 3: Reduce the Risk of Developing Keloids
Step 1. Avoid tattoos and piercings
The problem with keloids can be hereditary, so the best way to reduce their risk is to avoid certain procedures that promote scar tissue production. For example, many people experience this problem after getting a piercing or tattoo.
Step 2. Avoid cosmetic surgery
Another way to prevent keloid development is to avoid any type of elective or cosmetic surgery. This is especially true if you have a predisposition to developing scar tissue.
If it is necessary for health reasons, consult your doctor to protect yourself by treating scar tissue with steroid injections before a keloid forms
Step 3. Resist the urge to pop pimples
In severe cases, acne can also cause scarring by promoting the formation of keloids. If you suffer from this skin disease, don't hesitate to treat it. This way, you will reduce the risk of scarring. Also, avoid squeezing pimples because you could get wounds that can heal abnormally.
Advice
- Protect keloids from the sun with sunscreen. Sun exposure can further alter the color of scars.
- Always apply sunscreen or cover the keloid with clothing. Scar tissue can burn easily.
