Keloids are bumps formed from abnormal scar tissue that can be caused by acne, burns, body piercings, surgery, vaccinations, and even minor scratches or cuts. They can be the same color as the skin, be red or pink, often lumpy or with roughness due to excess tissue. They are not always painful, but they can be irritated by clothing or rubbing. Those with dark skin tend to be more prone to keloid formation, but in any case they affect men and women equally. Surgical treatments to treat them can be expensive, so you can try these home solutions before consulting a dermatologist.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Reduce Keloid Scars in the Home
Step 1. Keep your skin clean and hydrated
Proper care is essential for treating any skin disorder, including keloid scars. A clean and hydrated skin promotes skin rejuvenation. The old, scarred skin layer will then be removed and replaced by a new, uniform one.
- Wash the affected area at least once a day (if it's the face, twice) with a gentle cleanser free of dyes and fragrances. Be sure not to overdo it, though, as this can dry out and irritate the skin.
- Moisturizes the skin after cleansing. You can use a gentle store-bought moisturizer or a natural oil, such as coconut or olive oil.
Step 2. Apply sun lotion every day to avoid damaging the skin
Skin that has scars is particularly sensitive, therefore more prone to hyperpigmentation and sun burns. Consequently, when you want to spend time outdoors during the day it is important to apply a cream with a high protection factor to the affected area.
- Use a cream with an SPF greater than 30 and remember to apply it at least 30 minutes before going out.
- The sun's rays can be harmful to the skin, even when it's not hot or sunny outside. Consequently, it is important to apply the cream regardless of the weather.
Step 3. Don't tease the scars
When you have a cut or a small skin scar, you risk giving in to the temptation to touch the affected area. However, this is a very bad idea - this often leads to infections and keloid scar formation.
- Try not to touch the cuts to prevent keloid scars from forming. Also avoid touching existing keloids, as this can aggravate them further.
- If you do not touch the scars, it is possible that over time they will disappear on their own, without requiring any medical intervention.
Step 4. Use an organic scar cream based on onion extract
Recent studies have shown that creams containing onion extract give promising results for those who want to reduce scar tissue bumps. If you apply it to wounded tissue that is healing (where you fear a keloid scar will form), this product can also help prevent a bump from forming.
Step 5. Use lemon juice to lighten darker scars
Vitamin C plays an important role in promoting healing of any wound, so as lemon juice has a high concentration of it, it can help lighten scars. Soak a cotton ball and apply it directly to the affected area. Let it air dry and rinse with warm water. Repeat once a day.
- Remember that exposing skin treated with lemon juice to the sun can cause discoloration.
- Most of the remedies outlined in this section can be used together, but try not to mix lemon juice with other products. If you want to try other methods at the same time, wash out the juice with water and wait 2-3 hours.
Step 6. Use castor oil to break down scar tissue and cleanse the skin
It can penetrate the epidermis and slowly break down scar tissue. It also helps increase circulation and eliminate toxins in healthy skin cells.
- To treat keloid scars, soak a clean cloth in castor oil and let it sit on the affected area for an hour or two a day. Alternatively, you can massage it daily directly on the scar.
- You can also use it to prevent keloid scars from forming by applying it directly to cuts or scrapes. This helps promote healing.
Step 7. Massage aloe vera on the affected area to soften the tissue
It has been shown to help ease burn scars and you can safely try it for keloids as well. In fact, it is a plant with anti-inflammatory properties. Fighting inflammation, especially in the early stages of scar formation, is important in increasing the elasticity of the new tissue.
Step 8. Place green tea bags on the scar
Several researchers believe it helps soften scars thanks to its antioxidant properties. Infuse an organic green tea bag in warm water. Apply it directly to the scar 3-4 times a day for ten to fifteen minutes.
You can also soak a cotton towel, squeeze out any excess tea, and let it sit on the scar for ten to fifteen minutes 3-4 times a day
Step 9. Try vitamins E and D, both of which are believed to be effective in reducing scars
Whichever vitamin you choose, open a capsule, mix the liquid with four or five drops of castor oil and massage the solution into the scar 3-4 times a day.
- In the case of vitamin E, use a capsule containing 400 IU.
- For vitamin D, use a capsule containing up to 2000 IU.
Step 10. Apply lavender essential oil, traditionally used to soften scars
Mix two to three drops of lavender oil with two tablespoons of castor oil and massage the solution into the scar. Repeat 3-4 times a day.
Step 11. Massage St. John's wort and castor oil solution into the scar
St. John's wort promotes wound healing and has been shown to be particularly effective in reducing scars due to cesarean delivery. Mix two to three drops of essential oil with two tablespoons of castor oil and massage the solution into the scar. You can repeat this treatment 3-4 times a day.
Step 12. Use apple cider vinegar (not white) to reduce redness
It is commonly recommended to combat the redness associated with keloid scars; constant use can also help reduce its size. Apply it directly to the affected area and let it air dry. Rinse it off with warm water after five to ten minutes. You can repeat the process 3-4 times a day.
Step 13. Apply honey to the scar
It has moisturizing properties that appear to be effective in reducing the size of keloid scars. Apply a thin layer directly to the affected area. Massage it for five minutes. Before rinsing it off, let it sit for an hour.
- Manuka or tualang honey is generally recommended for therapeutic purposes.
- You can cover it with gauze to prevent it from sticking to your clothes.
Step 14. Use the radix arnebiae
This plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to soften scars. Recent studies have indicated that it can reduce the amount and functions of scar-forming cells. To use the powdered plant, which is concentrated, mix half a teaspoon or a quarter teaspoon with one or two tablespoons of castor oil. Massage into the scar tissue 3-4 times a day.
It may be necessary to go to a traditional Chinese medicine center to obtain this plant
Step 15. Try different methods
Many remedies can take several months before you are able to notice some difference and a reduction in keloid scars. You can try to use more than one at a time to have a better chance of solving the problem.
If you prefer to use one method at a time to better determine its effectiveness, then try it for at least 2-3 weeks. Don't you notice any changes? Choose another one or see a doctor to find out which procedures are right for you
Method 2 of 2: Contact a Dermatologist
Step 1. Consult a dermatologist
If no natural method helps to smooth out the scar tissue, the next step is to seek professional help.
Step 2. Learn about corticosteroid injections
The most common solution for small and recent keloids is to inject corticosteroids (intralesional triamcinolone acetonide), which reduce the synthesis of keloid tissue. Not all scars react the same to treatment, but on average, the procedure requires 3-4 injections over a month.
Step 3. Learn about cryotherapy (tissue freezing), which may be suggested by your doctor in combination with injections
This treatment damages keloid tissue and promotes necrosis to break it down faster than corticosteroid injections alone. Typically 3 to 6 cryotherapy sessions are needed for an average scar.
The introduction of the cryogenic needle is a recent innovation in this technique and may be suggested by your doctor. This particular needle allows the specialist to inject liquid nitrogen into the tissue instead of applying it only on the surface. This can speed up the process
Step 4. Consider 5-FU treatment, another solution commonly used in conjunction with corticosteroid injections
It is a substance that inhibits fibroblasts (cells important for the repair process of the affected tissue) in a way that reduces keloid scars.
Step 5. Learn about the laser
This treatment is becoming increasingly popular to treat keloid scars. It is used to break down the capillaries that feed keloid tissue and to alter the production of collagen in the surrounding area. Doing 2 to 6 treatments can significantly improve the color, height and texture of a scar.
Step 6. Consider excision of the keloid
Depending on the height and the area in which it is located, your doctor may also suggest this procedure, which consists of cutting the tissue. It is usually only proposed for scars that are more than a year old because the thick tissue flattens on its own over this time. The excision would result in a new lesion that will require specific care to prevent another keloid from developing. Always follow the exact instructions given to you by the surgeon to promote wound healing and achieve optimal results.
Advice
- Remember that natural methods of relieving keloids require time and patience.
- If the keloid is new and doesn't bother you, your doctor may suggest that you wait for it to clear and flatten on its own.
- When you can't treat it with your chosen method, keep it hydrated with an oil like castor oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
- If the scar is on an area of the body that is covered with clothing, make sure it is made from natural fibers and does not rub or irritate it.
