How to Eliminate Keloid Scars
Keloids are raised and thick scars, also known as hypertrophic scars. The scars result when there is too much collagen in the wound area. Collagen is a protein in the middle layer of the skin. An injury to the skin results in scar tissue forming to protect the area and heal the wound. Not everyone gets keloids. People with dark skins are more prone to keloids, but anyone can get them. Eliminating keloid scars has many possibilities.
Instructions
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Have cortisone injections. Cortisone is a steroid, and when injected into the keloid, it can shrink the scar tissue. According to the article "Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars" on the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website, "The best initial treatment is to inject long-acting cortisone (steroid) into the keloid once a month." Only a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can use this technique. After several cortisone injections the scar flattens out in three to six months. There is no guarantee the injections will work on keloids, but it is worth considering.
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Use ScarGuard MD. This is an over-the-counter scar treatment product. It is formulated to treat keloids and other raised scars. The product contains cortisone and silicone as the main ingredients. The cortisone reduces the inflammation that may cause the thickened scar tissue. Silicone is effective in reducing the size of scars with pressure. The ScarGuard website reports that because the product was developed by a plastic surgeon, many doctors recommended ScarGuard to their patients.
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Try dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is an effective medical procedure that is performed by cosmetic surgeons or dermatologists. In this procedure the skin is sanded down to provide a smoother scar that is less noticeable. The doctor freezes the area to be treated and then uses a small handheld wire brush. When the doctor turns on the device it starts rotating. The motion sands down the scar. The article "Dermabrasion Information" on the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery writes that after the procedure "a new layer of remodeled skin replaces the damaged skin." Although dermabrasion is very effective, a few treatments are usually needed to completely flatten the scar.
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Use vitamin E oil. Vitamin E is a popular remedy for all types of scars. The product is inexpensive and sold in many stores. By applying the oil to the keloid a few times a day for several weeks or a few months, improvements may be seen. Vitamin E takes a long time to improve or remove a keloid, but it is a natural remedy. Though studies on vitamin E oil report there is no evidence that the vitamin helps with scars, many doctors disagree. The article "Hypertrophic Scarring and Keloids" by Dr. Mimi S Kokoska on the E-Medcine website suggests the vitamin for keloid scarring.
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