Keloids are caused by a hereditary condition. This condition causes scar tissue to over grow after damage to the skin. These lumps on the skin are made of collagen and are not communicable to others. Keloids may be slightly painful and itchy but other than that they rarely cause any other symptoms.
Keloids are difficult to treat and they don’t go away on their own. Once a keloid forms, you can’t completely eliminate the scar, though if treated early, it’s possible to diminish the appearance. If you know you are prone to keloidal scarring, there are steps you can take to minimize the chance of their formation.
Learn how to avoid future scars:
1. Avoid Shaving
Avoid or be careful when shaving to prevent nicks and cuts.
2. Take Care If You Have Acne
If you have acne, don’t pop pimples and maintain a proper skin care regimen.
See a skin super specialist at Skin City to keep acne under control. Serious acne lesions can develop into keloid scars that can be worse than the acne.
3. Avoid Body Piercings And Tattoos
Keloids can develop on the earlobes from simple ear piercing, other body piercing as well as tattoos.
4. If Possible Avoid Cosmetic Surgery
If you will be having a surgical procedure done and are prone to keloid scarring, let the surgeon know and discuss what can be done to minimize scarring. There are things that a surgeon will be able to do to try to avoid keloids, including cortisone injections into the wound area and using steri-strips to keep tension off the wound. Follow post operation directions to the letter.
5. Treat Injuries And Burns Immediately
Keep wounds clean by using gentle cleansers without harsh or irritating ingredients. Run cool water over burns or use a cool compress. For serious burns or injuries see a doctor.
6. Keep The Wound Moisturized
Moisturize the wound to prevent the scar from drying up and possibly reopening. To help moisturizers absorb and sooth wounds, heat up a wet washcloth in the microwave to apply moist heat (not too hot) to the injured skin and follow with a gentle moisturizer.
7. Massage The Scar
Massage can assist with softening and healing of scars.
8. Herbal And Home Remedies
Over the counter and herbal remedies don’t seem to work after a keloid has already formed. Most homemade remedies simply keep the scars lubricated and the skin moist and help lighten darkness caused by the wound.
Be sure not to use anything that will further irritate the skin. Also talk to your doctor before using any herbal remedies on wounds and scars. Onion extract (found in Mederma) might work if used immediately on new scars. Other natural remedies that might work to treat new scars include aloe vera gel, cocoa butter, lavender, calendula, tea tree and castor oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic oil, lemon, and onion juice.
9. Avoid Sun Exposure
Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen or protective clothing to protect the scar and keep it from further darkening.
10. Heal From The Inside Out
It is also important to eat a nutrient-rich diet and drink healthy fluids to help build new tissue and remove toxins.
11. Stop Smoking
If you smoke, stop. Smoking decreases blood circulation in the skin, which contributes to inadequate wound healing and possibly tissue loss.
At Skin City, our Keloid treatments are determined based on the size, location, and symptoms of the keloid. While keloids on the face, chest, abdomen, and back are best treated with a combination of steroid injections and laser treatments, keloids that are larger and more raised or on the earlobes may benefit more from cryotherapy or surgery. We utilize a combination of these treatment methods to give you the best results possible.