Keloid Scars and Their Treatments

Do you know about this enlarged, raised scar that is usually pink, or red, or even a little darker than the surrounding skin? That’s what we call a keloid scar. Do you want to know if it can be remove? That’s exactly what we are going to uncover in today’s blog. Interested in learning more? Read on!

What Are Keloid Scars and What Causes Them?

Excessive growth of fibrous tissue during the repair of a wound. They usually appear after a cut in the skin but they are also likely to appear spontaneously, especially if the person has a predisposition. Disorders of the normal collagen structure are also related to a disproportionate thickening of the skin during healing.

The tendency to develop keloid scars may come from genetic factors as well.

Symptoms of Keloid Scars

The main symptom of keloids is a hardened, bumpy appearance but also include:

• Itching
• Pain
• Irritation
• Redness of the flesh
• Wrinkled or nodular bump
• Changes in sensitivity in the area

Treatments to Remove a Keloid Scar

The intervention for a keloid is determined by a dermatologist. It may be necessary to combine several procedures to erase the scars. Let’s see what treatments are recommended.

Laser Treatment

Several sessions of pulsed light laser can smooth out the bump.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. These doses reduce the swelling of the keloid. The goal is to give a flatter appearance to the mark.

In most cases, they establish 3 punctures.

Surgery

Surgery as a treatment for a keloid scar confronts opinions. Although resection and infiltration of the lump can reduce its recurrence, for some it is considered the last alternative. It is thought that risks are reduced by combining surgery with other therapies.

Ointments

Ointments help conceal the scar, soothe itching, prevent discomfort and relieve pain. They are topical corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictive, antipruritic, antiproliferative and apoptotic characteristics. These are formulations that contain deoxymetasone, fibrinolysin and zinc and copper sulfate.

Pressotherapy

Pressotherapy is based on the compression of keloid scars using insulating bands and elastic bandages. It is a reductive technique and for it to be effective, the pressure must be 24 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Silicone

This bandage is ideal for keeping the skin from reddening and for reducing the height of the bump.

Before applying it to the keloid, clean and dry the area. The bandage should work for 12 hours over a period of 3 months. Leave it on while you go about your daily business; no matter how wet it gets, the dressings are ready to be reused for at least a week.

Radiotherapy

The Colombian Association of Dermatology states that radiation therapy is positive in managing keloids and preventing recurrence. The procedure has shown better results if preceded by surgery that destroys the keloid tissue.

Natural Remedies

Aloe vera, honey and rose water stand out among organic options. These ingredients have properties that are known to promote the health and overall appearance of the skin.

Some natural remedies like aloe vera gel appear to help reduce scars. However, evidence is lacking.

Can Keloid Scars Be Prevented?

According to research, Keloids are more common in blacks, Asians, Hispanics and people under the age of 30. They allude to the fact that they can be passed from parents to children.

Putting certain precautions into practice can prevent the deformation of the marks. The tips including the use of sunscreen, cover the wound and apply the medication prescribed by the doctor. In addition, predisposed patients, who are fully aware of their condition, are advised to avoid drilling procedures and surgical interventions that are not necessary.

Do you have a keloid scar and are you looking for treatments? What are your thoughts about it? Let us know in the comments below.