How to Heal Keloid Scars

Keloid scars are raised patches of skin that form after an injury, caused by the body generating too much scar tissue. While keloids are not dangerous, they can significantly affect one's appearance. Healing keloids is challenging, so it’s best to prevent them from forming in the first place. However, there are several treatment options available that can help reduce or even eliminate keloid scars.

Consult with a doctor about Cortisone injections. Visiting a clinic for Cortisone injections, with sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart, can help reduce the size of the keloid and flatten the skin. However, Cortisone injections may sometimes cause the keloid to darken.

• Interferon is another injectable medication being researched for treating keloids that you may consider.

Use Cryotherapy to Treat Keloid Scars. Cryotherapy is an effective treatment for keloid scars, helping to significantly reduce their size. In this method, liquid nitrogen is applied to the keloid to freeze excess tissue. Cryotherapy is a quick procedure, typically performed by a doctor. You should consider combining this treatment with others, spaced a few weeks apart, if you want to completely remove the keloid.

Consult a dermatologist about laser therapy. Laser treatment for keloids is a relatively new method and has not been as extensively studied as other treatments. However, it is still a promising option for healing or shrinking keloid scars. Each type of laser will work better if suited to your skin type and the kind of keloid you have. You should ask your dermatologist if laser treatment is right for you.

Consider surgery to remove keloids. Doctors are generally hesitant to remove keloids surgically because there is a risk of creating more scar tissue at the site of the surgery. However, surgery can be an effective or necessary solution in some cases.

• If surgery is performed, make sure to follow post-operative care instructions to prevent new keloids from forming.

Discuss radiation therapy with your doctor. While radiation therapy may seem extreme, it has been an effective treatment for keloid scars for over a century, particularly when combined with surgery and other treatments. Although radiation therapy can increase cancer risk, a recent study showed that it is still a safe option when performed cautiously (protecting tissues prone to cancer).

• Radiation therapy is typically an outpatient procedure performed in a hospital under the supervision of a radiation specialist.

Carefully apply home remedies when treating keloid scars. Safe treatments to reduce keloid scars include pressure application (silicone patches) and the use of healing ointments. Avoid using force to remove or shrink keloids by cutting, grinding, or pressing the scar with string or rubber bands, or using any other methods that may damage the skin. Rough handling of keloids not only risks forming more scar tissue in the same area but also makes it easier for infections to occur.

Use Vitamin E for keloid scars. Vitamin E has been shown to help heal scars, prevent the formation of keloids, and reduce the size of existing keloids. You can apply Vitamin E oil or cream to the scar twice daily, in the morning and evening, for a period of 2-3 months.

• You can purchase Vitamin E oil at health food stores or large grocery chains.
• You can also buy Vitamin E capsules, cut them open, squeeze out the oil, and apply it to the scar. Each capsule can be used multiple times.

Use silicone gel sheets to treat keloid scars and prevent new ones from forming. Silicone gel sheets, also known as "scar strips," are self-adhesive, reusable, and can be applied to damaged skin to prevent scarring or directly on existing keloids to reduce their size and fade them. You can wear the silicone sheets on the affected area for at least 10 hours a day and continue for several months.

• An example of a commercial silicone gel sheet product is "ScarAway", available at pharmacies or online.

Apply topical ointments to heal keloid scars. There are various topical ointments that help shrink and heal keloids. These ointments contain active ingredients like silicon. You can look for products labeled "Scar Healing Cream" or "Scar Healing Gel" and follow the instructions provided.

Understand the significance of preventing keloids. The best way to deal with keloids is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Those who already have keloids or are highly prone to them should be especially cautious when injured to prevent the formation of new keloids.

Care for wounds to prevent infection and scarring. Pay attention to any wounds on your skin, no matter how minor, and ensure they are properly cleaned. Apply antibiotic ointment, cover open wounds with bandages, and change the bandages regularly.

• Wear loose clothing to avoid friction on the wound and prevent further irritation.
• The silicone gel sheets mentioned earlier can effectively help prevent keloid formation.

Avoid skin trauma if prone to keloids. Piercing or even tattoos can lead to keloid formation in some individuals. If you have a history of keloids or if family members have experienced them, it's important to avoid piercings and tattoos on your skin, or consult a doctor before doing so.

Learn how keloids form. A keloid is a type of scar that can develop anywhere on the body where there is skin injury. Keloids form when the body produces an excess amount of collagen (a type of scar tissue) in the injured area. The injury can be large and noticeable, like a surgical incision or burn, or as small as a bite or acne scar. Keloids usually begin to develop around 3 months after the injury, and can continue to grow over several weeks or even months.

• Ear piercings and tattoos can result in keloids in some individuals.
• Keloids often form on the chest, shoulders, and upper back.

Learn about the appearance of keloids. Keloids typically protrude from the skin, with a firm texture and a smooth, shiny surface. Their shape often mirrors the original injury, though they may grow larger than the area of the injury. Keloids can change color, starting from silver to flesh tone, then red, and eventually dark brown.

• While keloids are generally not painful, they may cause itching or a burning sensation in some individuals.
• Keloids are not dangerous, but it's advisable to consult a doctor to rule out more serious skin conditions.

Know if you're at risk for developing keloids. Some individuals are more likely to develop keloids than others. If you've had a keloid before, you're at a higher risk of developing more in the future. If you're aware of your risk, it's important to take extra care of any skin injuries to prevent keloid formation.

• People with darker skin tones are more prone to keloid formation.
• Individuals under 30, especially teenagers going through puberty, have a higher risk of developing keloids.
• Pregnant women often experience keloid formation.
• Those with a family history of keloids are also more likely to develop them.

See a doctor if you have suspicious keloids. If you're concerned, you should visit a doctor to examine the keloid to ensure it's not something more serious. In some cases, a doctor can diagnose a keloid visually. However, in other cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out cancer.

• Most effective keloid treatments are provided by doctors, and it's important to seek treatment early if you wish to heal the keloid.
• A skin biopsy is a simple procedure in which the doctor takes a small sample of skin tissue and sends it to a lab for microscopic analysis. The biopsy is done at the hospital during your appointment.

• Always consult a doctor if you notice any abnormal growths or changes in an old scar. While it could just be a harmless keloid, it may also indicate a more serious issue.