How to Treat Keloid Scars
Keloids are raised and thick scars. An injury to the skin results in scar tissue forming over the wound. Scar tissue is created by collagen, but when too much of this protein is in the wound area, hypertrophic scars or keloids develop. Some researchers think that the formation of keloids is due to abnormalities in the healing process. This overgrowth of tissue makes irregularly shaped and large scars. Dark skin is more susceptible to keloids, but anyone can get keloids. There are several methods to treat and remove keloids.
- Difficulty:
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Instructions
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Use vitamin E oil. Vitamin E is often recommended by doctors as a way to treat scars naturally. While a study at the University of Miami showed that vitamin E oil had little affect on scars and in some cases caused dermatitis, vitamin E is still a popular scar treatment. Dr. Joel Studin, a plastic surgeon, believes that vitamin E works by softening the collagen fibers that create keloids. Apply natural (not synthetic) vitamin E oil 2 to 3 times a day.
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Apply Mederma cream. This is a frequently recommended commercial product. Mederma is effective in reducing the appearance of all kinds of scars. One of the top ingredients is Allium Cepa which is an onion. Many consumers on forums praise this product. For best use, apply the cream 3 times daily for 2 months. The cost is $30 for the original formula and $35 for the formula with SPF 30, as of 2009.
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Use ScarGuard MD. This over-the-counter product was originally available by prescriptions only. A plastic surgeon developed this cream to help with raised and overgrown scars that have already healed. Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons praise ScarGuard. It is made of silicone, cortisone and vitamin E and places a protective layer over the wound. Apply ScarGuard twice a day for a few months. ScarGuard is expensive and sells for about $70 as of 2009.
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Try silicone sheets. According to the Beauty Brains "dermatologists do seem to agree that you can reduce the severity of scars by covering the healing wound with silicone." Silicone sheeting is a medical device. The sheets are made of silicone and the material is soft and pliable. You cut the sheet to size to fit over a scar. The pressure of the sheeting helps to reduce the size of the scar. The sheet is attached to the wound by an adhesive back. Three commercial products to consider are ReJuveness, Scar Fx Silicone Sheet and Biodermis.
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See a doctor. There are techniques to remove keloids that only a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can perform. One method is cortisone injections. Cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone that is an anti-inflammatory agent. It is produced by the pituitary gland. The cortisone injected into the keloid can be natural or synthetic. Cortisone can work if the keloid was caused by inflammation. Laser resurfacing is another medical procedure that reduces or removes keloids. With laser resurfacing, a beam of light is directed at the keloid. Cryosurgery is also done in a doctor's office. With this method, liquid nitrogen freezes off the keloid.
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