Keloids, stubborn scars that seem to grow endlessly, can be both bothersome and unsightly. Although surgical removal is often ineffective, various medical and natural treatments are available to reduce their appearance and even prevent future keloids from forming.
What Is a Keloid?
A keloid is a scar that extends beyond what is needed to heal the skin. It often appears as a large, shiny, raised bump or line. Keloids can be darker than normal skin tone and may be itchy. They typically form after skin injuries and are more common in individuals with darker skin tones, often appearing on areas like the ears, cheeks, chest, shoulders, and upper arms.
Signs and Symptoms
Keloids vary in appearance but commonly exhibit the following characteristics:
- Large, bumpy scar tissue extending beyond the original wound
- Shiny, hair-free skin on the scar
- Discolouration, often darker than your normal skin colour
- Soft to firm texture, sometimes accompanied by itching or burning sensation
- Slow growth over several months to a year
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of keloids remains unclear, they typically develop following skin injuries such as burns, piercings, or cuts. Genetic and environmental factors likely contribute to their formation. Individuals with darker skin tones, Asian or Latino ethnicity, a family history of keloids, or a prior keloid are at higher risk.
Conventional Treatment Options
Several conventional therapies may help reduce the size and appearance of keloids, including:
- Corticosteroid injections: Often the first line of treatment, these injections can shrink the scar’s size.
- Surgical removal: Coupled with other methods like corticosteroid injections or radiation to prevent recurrence.
- Silicone dressings: These can significantly reduce keloid size.
- Compression: Custom-made moulds may shrink keloids over time.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen.
- Interferon or 5-fluorouracil therapy: Direct injection into the scar to shrink it.
- Imiquimod therapy: Applied topically to prevent keloid formation or shrink existing scars.
Natural Remedies
Several natural remedies may help lighten or shrink keloids. These include:
- Honey: With antimicrobial properties, honey can aid in wound healing and keloid reduction.
- Onion: Onion extract gel has shown promise in reducing keloid size and visibility.
- Crushed garlic: Garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties may help break down keloid fibres.
- Homemade retinol cream: Retinoids derived from vitamin A can minimize keloids by breaking down scar tissue.
- Other scar minimizers: Plant-based substances like resveratrol, green tea, and curcumin may also combat scarring.
Preventive Measures
Preventing keloids is key, especially for individuals prone to developing them. Strategies include:
- Avoiding skin injuries like piercings or tattoos.
- Taking precautions to prevent infection after surgery or injury.
- Using pressure garments or bandages on new wounds.
- Apply sunscreen and practice post-surgery massages under medical guidance.
Precautions and Final Thoughts
- Use natural remedies cautiously and seek medical advice if irritation occurs.
- Seek prompt medical attention for any concerning symptoms or signs of infection.
- Consult a dermatologist for the most effective treatment options and long-term keloid management.
Keloids may be persistent, but the right approach can minimize their size and visibility, if not eliminate them. By understanding their causes and employing appropriate treatments, you can reclaim smoother, healthier skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can keloids be completely removed?
While various treatments can help reduce the size and appearance of keloids, completely removing them can be challenging. Keloids have a tendency to recur even after successful treatment.
2. Are keloids contagious?
No, keloids are not contagious. They are a result of an abnormal response to skin injury or trauma, and they cannot be transmitted from person to person through contact.
3. Can keloids cause health problems?
Keloids are generally harmless from a medical standpoint, but they can cause discomfort, itching, and cosmetic concerns. In some cases, large keloids may restrict movement or cause psychological distress.
4. Are there any home remedies that can worsen keloids?
While some natural remedies can help manage keloids, caution is essential when using them. Applying harsh substances or irritants directly to the keloid can potentially worsen the condition or cause skin irritation.
5. Are there any lifestyle changes that can help prevent keloids?
Maintaining good skin hygiene, avoiding unnecessary skin trauma or injuries, using proper wound care techniques, and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure can all help reduce the risk of keloid formation.