Keloid scars, or simply keloids, are skin growths that form when the body produces too much scar tissue after an injury. Keloids are not dangerous, but for many people they are a cosmetic problem. They can be difficult to treat, so the first thing to do would be to avoid their formation; however, once formed, there are several medical treatments that can help reduce or even remove them.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Medical Treatments
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about cortisone injections
He may give you a series of cortisone injections on the keloids every 4 to 8 weeks to reduce their size and flatten them to the level of the skin. However, sometimes this method makes the scars darker.
An alternative solution is interferon, which can be injected like cortisone, although its application as a keloid therapy is still being studied
Step 2. Consider undergoing cryotherapy
This is a very effective method for keloids and can significantly reduce them. Cryotherapy consists of applying liquid nitrogen to the scar, in order to freeze the excess cells. It is a procedure that takes only a few minutes and can usually be done at the doctor's office. It may take several treatments a few weeks apart to completely remove a keloid.
Step 3. Learn about laser therapy
This is a relatively recent technique for treating keloids, which has not been researched as much as other types of therapies or cures, but appears to offer good results in reducing or eliminating keloids. Each type of laser works best on different types of skin and, consequently, on the various types of keloids. Ask your dermatologist for advice on whether it is a suitable treatment for your specific situation.
Step 4. Consider having them surgically removed
Doctors are reluctant to remove keloids with surgery, because there is actually a high chance that additional scar tissue could form on the area. However, in some cases, it can be useful or necessary.
If you have a keloid removed surgically, be sure to carefully follow all post-operative directions to prevent a new scar from forming
Step 5. Ask for more details about radiotherapy
It seems like an extreme solution, but radiation has been used for more than a century in the treatment of keloids, often in combination with surgery or other types of therapies or cures. Despite fears of an increased risk of cancer, a recent study found that radiation remains a safe choice, as long as appropriate precautions are used (protection of tissues particularly prone to cancerous growths).
This type of procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis in hospitals, under the responsibility of an experienced radiologist
Part 2 of 4: Home Treatments
Step 1. Be careful when trying to do home procedures to treat keloids
The safe remedies to reduce them are pressure (silicone gel patches) and the application of healing substances. Do not try to physically remove or reduce a keloid by cutting it, smoothing it, forcing it with compression bands or rubber bands, or by any other method that may traumatize the skin. Not only would you increase the chances of triggering new scar formation on the keloid area, but you could also risk a serious infection.
Step 2. Apply Vitamin E to the keloid
This element has been shown to be useful in healing and preventing scars, so it can also help reduce those already present. Apply a vitamin E oil or cream to the keloid twice a day, in the morning and in the evening for 2-3 months.
- You can buy vitamin E oil in health food stores, pharmacies and major supermarkets that are particularly well stocked.
- Alternatively, you can also buy vitamin E capsules, cut them in half and squeeze the oil on the scar. Each capsule should be sufficient for several applications.
Step 3. Use silicone gel sheets to treat existing keloids and prevent new ones from forming
These are soft dressings consisting of reusable self-adhesive sheets that are applied to the wound, to prevent scars from forming, or are placed on existing scars and keloids, to reduce their size and appearance. For positive results these "patches" should be worn on the injury site or keloid for at least 10 hours a day for several months.
Silicone gel sheets are sold under different brand names, such as "FarmaGel Sheet" or "Cica-Care", and you can purchase them in major pharmacies and many online retailers
Step 4. Apply topical ointment
There are several new topical scar healing treatments on the market that appear to be effective in visibly reducing keloids. The main active ingredient in many of these products is silicone. Look for one that clearly states on the label that it is a scar cream or scar gel, and apply it according to the instructions on the package.
Part 3 of 4: Preventing Keloids
Step 1. Keep in mind the importance of prevention
The best way to treat keloids is always to prevent them from forming. Those who already have them or those who are particularly prone to having them, must take special precautions and treat skin lesions more carefully, precisely to avoid the formation of keloid scars.
Step 2. Take care of skin lesions to prevent infection and scarring
Don't overlook skin wounds, even minor ones, and make sure all wounds are cleaned thoroughly. Apply antibiotic cream and put a bandage on if the wound is open. Also, make sure you change your dressing often.
- Wear loose clothing over the wound site to avoid further irritation of the skin.
- The silicone gel sheets described above are very effective in avoiding the formation of keloids.
Step 3. Avoid skin trauma if you are particularly susceptible to keloid formation
Keep in mind that piercings and tattoos can also leave these scars on some people. If you have developed keloids in the past or have a previous history of keloids in your family, you should avoid getting piercings and tattoos or you should consult a dermatologist before proceeding.
Part 4 of 4: Getting to know the keloids
Step 1. Learn how keloids form
Basically they are scars that remain raised with respect to the epidermis and can form on any part of the body that has suffered a skin wound. They develop when the body produces excess collagen (a form of scar tissue) to repair the injury. The wound could be large and very visible, like a surgical incision or burn, but also small like an insect bite or pimple. Keloids typically begin to develop about 3 months after the original injury and can continue to grow for weeks or even months.
- In some people, keloids can form after ear piercings and tattoos.
- Keloids usually form on the chest, shoulders, and upper back.
Step 2. Recognize what a keloid looks like
These scars are generally raised from the epidermis and have a rubber-like appearance, with a smooth, shiny surface. The shape usually follows that of the lesion, but, over time, the keloid can grow and go well beyond the original wound. It can be of various colors, from silvery to the color of the same complexion, up to brown or dark red.
- This is not usually a painful scar, but for some people it can cause itching or a burning sensation.
- Although it is not dangerous, it is still important to have it checked periodically by a doctor to make sure it is not a more serious skin condition.
Step 3. Assess if you are at risk of developing keloids
Some people are more likely to suffer from this disorder than others, and if you have noticed that one has formed on your skin, you are at greater risk of developing others in the future as well. If you know you are particularly sensitive to exuberant scarring, you should pay particular attention to skin lesions, just to avoid the formation of this tissue.
- People with darker complexions are more likely to develop keloids.
- Those under the age of 30 have greater risks, particularly adolescents during puberty.
- Pregnant women are also more likely to develop keloids.
- People with a family history of this disorder are more likely to suffer from it.
Step 4. See your doctor if you suspect you have a keloid
It is very important to bring a suspicious scar to your doctor to make sure it is not a more serious problem. In some cases, the doctor is able to visually diagnose the keloid. At other times, however, it may be necessary to perform a biopsy of the tissue and have it analyzed in the laboratory to rule out possible cancer.
- Most effective treatments for keloids are done under the supervision of a doctor; remember that early treatment is often the key to success.
- A skin biopsy is a simple procedure, during which the doctor takes a small sample of skin tissue and sends it to a laboratory to be analyzed under a microscope. Often it can also be done by the doctor in the hospital's office at the time of the visit.
