Certain people are prone tokeloids, a punch in of raised scar because of dysfunctional wound healing.
Proper wound care can also help prevent keloids from forming in the first place.
They itch, burn, and sometimes hurt.
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They hard to manage once they have begun, and home topical remedies are unlikely to stop their evolution.
It is also important to note that not all bumpy or raised scars are not keloids.
Hypertrophic scars resemble keloids but do not continue to enlarge and do not itch, burn, or hurt.
The latter two ingredients also have anti-inflammatory effects.
Prescription steroids, while effective, can causeskin thinningif overused.
Honey
Honeyis also known to have potent anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce scar size during healing.
The ingredient said to reduce inflammation is a natural compound known asquercetin.
Prescription Corticosteroids
Prescription corticosteroids offergreater potencythan their OTC counterparts.
The choice varies by the severity and size of the scar.
These include prescription corticosteroids like:
The steroid most commonly used for intralesional injections istriamcinolone acetonide.
The procedure works by shrinking blood vessels (calledvasoconstriction) and reducing localized inflammation.
It breaks up thickened tissues, forming a scab that eventually falls off.
Cryotherapy tends to be most effective with recent scar formation.
Generally, two to three treatments are needed separated by four to eight weeks.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a better option for larger keloid scars.
This involves several sessions ofpulse-dye laser treatments(commonly used to removebirthmarks).
The sessions are separated by 4 to 8 weeks and are often combined with corticosteroid injections.
Superficial Radiation Therapy
Superficial radiation therapy delivers radiation viaX-ray.
The radiation exposure is far lower than that used for cancer treatment.
The procedure is generally painless, penetrating only the surface of the skin.
Because of this, it may be suitable for keloids that are not especially thick.
When used for the treatment of keloids, 5FU is commonly combined with corticosteroids to ease inflammation.
5FU works by targeting and destroying overactive cells that cause abnormal scar formation.
In some people, the procedure can causehyperpigmentation(darkening of the skin).
Surgery
Different surgeries can be used to reduce keloid scars.
One of the more common surgeries used is called keloid skin flap retention with resurfacing.
Apply honey to the affected area.
Try topical garlic or onion extract.
Talk to a healthcare provider about medical treatment options.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide or other products that could dry out a wound.
Do not expose your scar to the sun without any sun protection.
Prevention
Once you develop a keloid, it can be challenging to eliminate.
This may include avoidingbody piercings, tattoos, andelective or cosmetic surgeries.
If you have surgery or develop an injury, proper wound care may help you prevent a keloid.
Keloids can take time to appear, and sun damage can make these scars more visible.
Using sunscreen and othersun protectioncan help minimize keloid appearance.
Itching, movement restrictions, and other discomforts are some physical symptoms that can come with a keloid.
A healthcare provider or therapist can help you manage your perception of scarring, especially in highly noticeable areas.
Knowing your risk of developing a keloid and how to reduce excessive scarring can help you cope.
This includes OTC products like silicone gel or hydrocortisone cream.
Among the home therapies that can help are topical garlic, honey, aspirin, or onion.
For severe or recurrent keloids, surgical reduction by a plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon may be needed.
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