As much as we try to avoid them, scars are a common part of life – and sometimes, those scars can develop into raised, itchy, and unsightly keloids.
Whether from acne, surgery, or injury, keloids can be an uncomfortable and frustrating part of the healing process.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments and minimization tips that can help reduce the appearance and discomfort of keloids.
Keep reading to learn about the best options for reducing keloid scarring.
What are Keloids?
Keloids are a type of raised scar that can develop after an injury or surgery.
While scars usually fade over time, keloids don’t.
In fact, they can continue to grow and expand beyond the boundaries of the original wound.
Keloids tend to be firm, smooth, and pink or purple in color.
They can be itchy or painful, and may become more noticeable in warm weather or with sun exposure.
Unlike regular scars, keloids form as a result of an overproduction of collagen.
Collagen is a protein that helps our skin heal, but an excessive amount can lead to keloid formation.
There are several factors that can contribute to keloid formation, including a genetic predisposition, previous keloid or hypertrophic scar formation, and skin tension or trauma during wound healing.
Overall, keloids can be challenging to treat and manage, so it’s important to take steps to minimize their formation in the first place.
Treatment Options for Keloids on Scars
They can occur after an injury, surgery, or even from minor skin trauma.
While keloids are not harmful, they are often considered unsightly and can cause discomfort or itchiness.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to reduce the appearance of keloids on scars.
One surgical option is to have the keloid surgically removed, followed by radiation therapy to help prevent recurrence.
Other non-surgical options include steroid injections, silicone sheets, and cryotherapy.
Steroid injections, consisting of corticosteroids, are used to help reduce the size of the keloid by slowing down the production of collagen.
Silicone sheets are applied to the affected area and help to soften and flatten the scar.
And cryotherapy is the use of freezing agents to help shrink the keloid.
Additionally, there are alternative remedies available, such as herbal remedies, onion extract, and tea tree oil.
Herbal remedies, such as aloe vera, have been used to help heal wounds and reduce inflammation.
Onion extract is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the size of keloids.
And tea tree oil can help reduce redness, itchiness, and inflammation of the affected area.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating keloids on scars, it’s important to consult with a medical professional to determine which treatment option is right for you.
Prevention and Minimization of Keloids on Scars
Keloid formation on scars can be an unpleasant experience, especially for individuals who have had to endure scars as a result of an injury or surgical procedure.
However, it is possible to prevent the formation of keloids and minimize their effect on scars through a few simple tips and recommendations.
Firstly, avoid any unnecessary piercings or tattoos over scars as these can cause keloid formation.
Additionally, try to keep the scar area clean and moist as dryness can cause irritation that may lead to keloid formation.
Use a silicone gel or sheeting under compression garments to help soften the scar and prevent keloid formation from occurring.
Treating the scar with specific creams, such as onion extract gels, may also be helpful in minimizing keloids.
Avoid excessive sun exposure on the scar as this can also cause further damage to the skin and cause keloid formation.
Finally, if keloids do form, consider seeing a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who may recommend certain surgical treatments or steroid injections to minimize their effects on the scar.
By following these tips, you can successfully minimize and prevent keloid formation on scars.
Conclusion
Keloids on scars can be a frustrating and uncomfortable issue for many individuals.
Luckily, there are treatments and strategies available to minimize their appearance and discomfort.
First and foremost, seeking the advice and guidance of a medical professional is important.
They can provide personalized treatment plans, which may include corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy, or even surgery.
In addition, there are also natural remedies and over-the-counter products, such as silicone sheets and gels, that can be used in conjunction with medical treatments.
Preventative measures can also be taken to minimize the likelihood of keloid formation on scars, such as avoiding piercings or tattoos in areas prone to keloid formation and using sunscreen to protect scars from UV exposure.
Finally, patience and consistent application of treatment methods are key in managing and minimizing keloids on scars.
It is important to understand that results may take time, but with diligence and medical support, keloids on scars can be effectively addressed and managed.
FAQs
What are keloids?
Keloids are raised overgrowths of scar tissue that occur at the site of a skin injury. They usually develop on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and cheeks, but can appear anywhere on the body. Keloids are often larger than the original wound and can be itchy, painful, and disfiguring.
What causes keloids on scars?
Keloids on scars are caused by the overgrowth of scar tissue. When the body produces too much collagen during the healing process, it can result in a raised and thickened scar that does not fade over time and can extend beyond the original injury site. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed that genetics, injury severity, and skin tension may all play a role in the development of keloids.
Can anyone get keloids?
Keloids can happen to anyone, but they are more common among individuals with dark skin. People with a history of keloids in their family are also more likely to develop them. It is still not clear why some people are more prone to develop keloids than others.
What are the symptoms of keloids?
Keloids are characterized by raised, thick, and lumpy scars that may be darker in color than surrounding skin. They may also be itchy, tender, and gradually grow over time. In addition, they may negatively impact your self-esteem and confidence.
How are keloids diagnosed?
Keloids are usually diagnosed through a physical examination of the skin. There is no special test required for diagnosis. The doctor might also ask questions about your family history to determine if you are prone to scarring or keloid formation.
What are the treatment options for keloids?
There are various treatment options available for keloids, including corticosteroid injections, surgery, cryotherapy, laser therapy, radiation therapy, and silicone sheets or gels. However, the effectiveness of each treatment may vary from person to person, and it’s important to consult with a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon to select the most suitable treatment approach based on individual circumstances. Regular follow-up visits with the healthcare provider are crucial to monitor the progress of treatment and adjust the approach as needed.
Can keloids be prevented?
Prevention of keloids can be done by avoiding unnecessary skin injury, reducing body piercing, maintaining good nutrition and hydration, and applying silicone sheets or pressure dressings on healed wounds or surgical incisions.
How long does it take for keloids to go away?
Keloids may not go away completely on their own and it may take several months to years for them to improve in appearance. Treatment options may help in reducing their size and diminishing their appearance.
Are there any home remedies for keloids?
There are several home remedies that can be used to help reduce the appearance of keloids, including applying lemon juice, tea tree oil, honey, or a mixture of baking soda and water to the affected area. However, it is important to note that these remedies may not work for everyone and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for proper treatment.
Is surgery a good option for keloids?
Surgery is not always a good option for treating keloids as it can sometimes lead to the development of even larger keloids. However, in some cases, surgical removal followed by other treatments such as radiation therapy or silicone sheeting may be effective in reducing keloid size and preventing recurrence.
What are the risks associated with keloid surgery?
The risks associated with keloid surgery include infection, bleeding, pain, scarring, and the recurrence of keloids. Additionally, patients may experience changes in skin pigmentation and thicker or wider scars than before the surgery.
Can laser treatment be used to treat keloids?
Yes, laser treatment can be used to treat keloids. Laser treatment can help to reduce the size and appearance of keloids by breaking down the excess collagen in the scar tissue and promoting new collagen growth. Different types of lasers can be used for keloid treatment, including CO2 lasers and pulsed dye lasers. However, laser treatment may not be suitable for everyone and it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Are there any medications that can help treat keloids?
Yes, there are medications that can help treat keloids. These include corticosteroid injections, 5-fluorouracil cream, and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. However, these treatments may not work for everyone and results may vary from person to person.
Are there any support groups for people with keloids?
Yes, there are support groups available online and in-person for people with keloids. One example of an online support group is the Keloids and Scars Support Group on Facebook. Additionally, many dermatologists and plastic surgeons may offer support and counseling services for individuals dealing with keloids.