How to Reduce a Keloid
Keloid scars are reddish, raised lumps of tissue. Keloids can occur when the skin has suffered an injury or an incision from surgery. In the normal healing process, the skin cells and fibroblasts (connective tissue) will begin to multiply and form a scar, to connect the edges of the wound. Keloids occur when there is an abnormally high rate of fibroblast multiplication that continues after the wound has closed. In addition to the scar tissue, keloid patients may experience itchiness and pain.
Instructions
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Place a damp wound dressing composed of silicone gel over the area. Over time, it may help reduce the keloid scar tissue. There are no known side effects from this treatment, and the silicone pads can be purchased over-the-counter.
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Try a course of corticosteroid injections. The injections are usually given to patients over a course of four to six weeks. Corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide, can help shrink keloids.
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Apply athletic tape or a bandage to the scar tissue. This compression method may help reduce the keloid, however the pressure needs to be applied nearly constantly (except for bathing) for at least six months, or even a year. It can also thin the skin.
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Ask your doctor about cryosurgery. If your keloid is small, you may be able to freeze it off with liquid nitrogen. This treatment is done about every 20 days until the desired effect is reached. However, it can also cause the skin's pigment to lighten.
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Explore the possibility of laser surgery or conventional surgery to remove the keloid scar. You may choose to consider this option if the scar is very large, or if it is on an area such as a joint, where it restricts movement. However, there is always the possibility that the keloid will recur.
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Tips & Warnings
There are a few over-the-counter creams marketed as keloid reducers; they may be worth a try before considering surgery.
Radiation therapy is generally not recommended for keloid removal, as it raises your cancer risk.
