Keloids (flesh growths) can be very annoying because they continue to grow even after the wound has healed. Keloids protrude beyond the skin line with a smooth top, but rough to the touch, and pink or purple in color. These scars are usually experienced by people who have fair skin, and most often occur in people between the ages of 10-30 years. If you want to remove or reduce the appearance of keloids, you can use medical treatments, such as steroid injections and laser treatments. In addition, you can also try natural methods, although they are not very effective.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Medical Treatment
Step 1. Consult a doctor about medical treatment
There are various medical options for treating keloids, such as topical ointments, steroid injections, laser treatments, surgery, and so on. Your doctor will help you choose the most suitable method for you. For example, certain types of treatment can only be applied to newly formed scars and keloids. Some other methods are expensive and invasive (done by cutting or piercing the skin) that may not completely remove the keloid.
Step 2. Apply a retinoid topical ointment
Purchase creams, ointments, and gels specifically designed to slowly reduce the appearance of scars. Retinoids function to help regulate collagen production so that it will reduce the appearance of keloids. This cream can also relieve itching caused by scars. Talk to your doctor about this.
- You may have to wait a few months to see the results of this treatment.
- Use the ointment, gel, or cream according to the directions on the package for the recommended amount of time.
Step 3. Try using steroid injections
These injections can reduce scars that grow beyond the skin's surface line. You can get these injections every 2-6 weeks, until the scars improve. In some cases, one may have to do it for several months. This treatment helps shrink keloids and reduce swelling.
While steroid injections can help flatten keloids, these treatments don't permanently remove them
Step 4. Perform laser treatment
This method is very popular for scar removal and can also be used to reduce keloids. The treatments that are considered the most effective in treating keloids are the pulsed dye laser and the long pulsed ND:YAG laser. However, this laser method is not effective when used on dark skinned people. Laser treatment is quite expensive because it requires specialist intervention and has to be done several times before you get the desired results.
Some side effects that may appear after undergoing laser treatment include redness and mild irritation
Step 5. Talk to your doctor about silicone sheets
Silicone sheets are perfect for applying to the infected area before a scar forms. This sheet will keep the injured area hydrated and prevent scar tissue from forming. The silicone sheet will be wrapped tightly around the area of the scar and should be worn for a few days or months after you have injured it.
Silicone sheets are the only treatment that children can use
Step 6. Get surgery to remove the scar
If you really want to get rid of keloids, not just reduce them, try surgery. The procedure is invasive, but will most likely remove all keloids. One problem that may arise is that surgery can cause new scars to form.
- Surgical procedures can be expensive, but they are probably the most effective method of reducing the appearance of keloids.
- You can treat the surgical scar right away with topical retinoids and compression therapy to reduce the chances of another keloid forming. Some surgeons also use radiation after surgery, but this is controversial.
- Remember, surgery is a risky option and can lead to the formation of larger keloids.
Step 7. Try cryotherapy on newly formed keloids
This treatment involves freezing the skin tissue in place of the keloid using a substance similar to liquid nitrogen. Cryotherapy is often combined with other treatments (usually steroid injections) to make keloids less visible. In addition to flattening keloids, cryotherapy can also darken the skin.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Scars Naturally
Step 1. Try pressure therapy
This therapy is done by giving compression to the wound or injured skin to reduce tension on the skin. Experts believe that giving compressions can reduce cell production and flatten scars. This type of treatment is especially suitable for newly formed scars. You'll need to wrap a pad or bandage daily for a few weeks or months.
If you have a keloid in your ear from a recent piercing, wear compression earrings specifically designed to treat scars
Step 2. Try using aloe vera gel
Aloe vera can help reduce keloids, especially if the scar is fresh. You can buy aloe vera gel or use aloe vera fresh from the tree. Apply this gel at least 2 times a day.
You can also mix 2 teaspoons of aloe vera with 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter and 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Apply this mixture generously on the injured area and leave it there for 30 minutes. Next, wipe off any excess mixture from the skin and let the rest dry on its own
Step 3. Apply lemon juice on the keloid area
This natural treatment makes the top layer of skin cells lighter so that the scars will be disguised. For best results, apply a few drops of fresh lemon juice on the scars twice a day.
Step 4. Try using onion extract
Research shows that the quercetin in onions is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent collagen production and reduce the appearance of keloids. Purchase an onion extract gel at a drugstore and apply it several times a day until the scarring is reduced.
Step 5. Try using vitamin E
This natural ingredient can reduce the appearance of scars by encouraging the growth of healthy skin. Buy a cream containing vitamin E or vitamin E capsules with added oil to apply to keloids.
Method 3 of 3: Reducing the Chances of Keloid Forming
Step 1. Avoid tattoos and piercings
The formation of keloids can be caused by heredity. So, the best way to reduce the chances of a keloid forming is to avoid activities that can cause scarring. For example, many people get keloids after piercing or tattooing their bodies.
Step 2. Avoid cosmetic surgery
Another way to prevent keloids from forming is to avoid any form of cosmetic surgery. This is especially true if you are prone to keloids.
If medically you do have to undergo surgery, talk to your doctor first so you can take steps to treat scar tissue using steroid injections before the keloid forms
Step 3. Avoid squeezing or popping pimples
Severe acne can also result in the formation of scar tissue and keloids. If you have acne, make sure you treat it immediately. This can reduce the chance of scar formation. Also avoid popping or squeezing the pimple as this can damage the skin and lead to scar formation.
Tips
- Use sunscreen to protect keloids from sun exposure. Sunlight can make scars more easily discolored.
- Always protect keloids with sunscreen or clothing. Scars are easy to burn if exposed to sunlight.
