Keloid Scars

by Garreth Myers


Keloid scars are a collection of collagen which forms on the skin when the healing process is interrupted. It can be described as an abnormal scar that occurs due to an excess growth of granular tissues. This kind of scar rises up very abruptly above the rest of the skin. Keloid scars can be pink or purple in color and have a smooth top. These scars can be itchy, tender or even painful to the touch. Keloids have an irregular shape and also have a tendency to enlarge progressively. Unfortunately, keloids do not subside over time but there is various keloid scars treatment that one can use for keloid scar removal. These scars usually appear after surgery, injuries, as the result of a slight inflammation or even after piercings or burns. They usually develop on the earlobes, chest, back and shoulders. The different kinds of keloid scars treatment are given below. Do remember that most keloid scars treatment is not absolutely effective. Treatments vary in the degree of their effectiveness.

  • Surgery: This is a risky method as it can lead to the formation of an even larger keloid scar. Some doctors apply pressure dressings to the wounds after surgery or even inject steroids. The surgery is more successful if this is done.
  • Laser treatment: Many people resort to laser treatment as against conventional surgery. Keep in mind that laser treatment only provide a superficial cure as the laser smoothen the scar and therefore makes it less visible. However, most of the keloid scar tissue is not removed in this manner. Laser treatment is sometimes combined with steroid injections. The keloid is then covered with silicon sheeting for better results.
  • Cortisone injections: These intralesional steroids as they are sometimes called help to flatten out the keloid so that the scar vanishes. These do not cause any pain and are considered safe too. They are usually given to the patient once a month till the purpose is served. However, there are chances that such injections help to form extra superficial blood vessels, which then need to be treated. This keloid scars treatment also leaves certain distinct marks on the skin which then has to be removed with laser therapy.
  • Interferon: This is a protein that is produced by the body's immune system to counter bacteria and harmful viruses. Studies show that interferon is capable of reducing keloids. The only disadvantage is that doctors do not know how long this effect will last.
  • Cryotherapy: This is another keloid scars treatment. Freezing keloids with liquid nitrogen helps to flatten them but this often darkens the site where the keloid has been.
  • Other treatments include using Fluorouracil, radiation, scar reducing creams and gels and scar reducing dressing.
  • Home remedies for keloids scar removal include applying a paste made out of black gram and sandalwood. This helps to flatten the scar and reduces the intensity of the growth too. Rubbing aloe vera gel, cocoa butter balm or cod liver oil is beneficial too. However, such home remedies should only be tried on small keloids that have erupted on to the skin. Rubbing lemon juice on the scar may help to lighten it as well.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
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