How to Get Rid of Keloids: Comprehensive Guide

2018-08-21

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How to Get Rid of Keloids: Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Keloids are a type of thick, raised scar that can form after injury or surgery. They are caused by an overproduction of collagen, a protein that helps to repair damaged tissue. Keloids can be unsightly and cause pain, itching, and discomfort. While there is no cure for keloids, there are a number of treatments that can help to reduce their appearance and symptoms.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about how to get rid of keloids. We will cover everything from the causes and symptoms of keloids to the different treatment options available. We will also provide tips for preventing keloids from forming in the first place.

Transition:

Now that you have a better understanding of keloids, let's explore the various treatment options available to help you get rid of them.

How to Get Rid of Keloids

Keloids are stubborn scars that can be difficult to treat. However, there are a number of effective options available.

Surgery
Steroid injections
Laser therapy
Cryotherapy
Radiation therapy
Silicone gel sheeting
Pressure therapy
Natural remedies

The best treatment for keloids will depend on the individual patient and the severity of the keloids.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for keloids. It involves surgically removing the keloid scar.

Surgical excision
This is the most common type of surgery for keloids. It involves removing the keloid scar with a scalpel.
Mohs surgery
This is a specialized type of surgery that is used to remove keloids that are difficult to treat. It involves removing the keloid scar in stages, while examining the tissue under a microscope to ensure that all of the keloid cells have been removed.
Laser surgery
Laser surgery can also be used to remove keloids. This involves using a laser to vaporize the keloid scar.
Electrosurgery
Electrosurgery is another option for removing keloids. This involves using an electric current to destroy the keloid scar.

Surgery is a relatively effective treatment for keloids, but it can leave a scar. In some cases, the keloid may also recur after surgery.

Steroid injections

Steroid injections are a common treatment for keloids. Steroids are anti-inflammatory medications that can help to reduce the swelling and redness of keloids. They can also help to soften the scar tissue and make it less noticeable.

Steroid injections are typically given once a month for several months. The injections are usually given directly into the keloid scar. In some cases, the injections may be given around the keloid scar.

Steroid injections are a relatively safe and effective treatment for keloids. However, there are some potential side effects, such as skin atrophy (thinning of the skin), hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), and telangiectasia (spider veins). These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Steroid injections are not a cure for keloids, but they can help to improve the appearance of keloids and reduce their symptoms.

How are steroid injections given?

Steroid injections are typically given in a doctor's office or clinic. The doctor will first clean the area around the keloid scar and then inject the steroid medication into the scar. The injection may cause a mild stinging or burning sensation.

How often are steroid injections given?

Steroid injections are typically given once a month for several months. The number of injections needed will depend on the size and severity of the keloid scar.

What are the side effects of steroid injections?

The most common side effects of steroid injections are skin atrophy, hypopigmentation, and telangiectasia. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Are steroid injections effective for keloids?

Steroid injections can be an effective treatment for keloids. However, they are not a cure, and the keloid may recur after treatment.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is another common treatment for keloids. Laser therapy uses a high-powered beam of light to target and destroy the keloid scar tissue.

There are two main types of laser therapy that are used to treat keloids: pulsed dye laser therapy and ablative laser therapy.

Pulsed dye laser therapy

Pulsed dye laser therapy is a non-ablative laser treatment, which means that it does not damage the surrounding skin. This type of laser therapy is used to treat superficial keloids.

During pulsed dye laser therapy, the laser is directed at the keloid scar. The laser energy is absorbed by the blood vessels in the scar, which causes the blood vessels to constrict and shrink. This can help to reduce the redness and swelling of the keloid scar.

Ablative laser therapy

Ablative laser therapy is an ablative laser treatment, which means that it removes the top layer of skin. This type of laser therapy is used to treat deeper keloids.

During ablative laser therapy, the laser is directed at the keloid scar. The laser energy vaporizes the scar tissue, which removes the keloid scar. Ablative laser therapy can also be used to treat other types of scars, such as acne scars and surgical scars.

Laser therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for keloids. However, there are some potential side effects, such as pain, redness, swelling, and scarring. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Laser therapy is not a cure for keloids, but it can help to improve the appearance of keloids and reduce their symptoms.

Which type of laser therapy is best for keloids?

The best type of laser therapy for keloids will depend on the individual patient and the severity of the keloids. Pulsed dye laser therapy is typically used to treat superficial keloids, while ablative laser therapy is used to treat deeper keloids.

How many laser therapy treatments are needed?

The number of laser therapy treatments needed will depend on the size and severity of the keloids. Typically, several laser therapy treatments are needed to achieve the desired results.

What are the side effects of laser therapy?

The most common side effects of laser therapy are pain, redness, swelling, and scarring. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy keloid scar tissue. Cryotherapy is also known as cryosurgery.

During cryotherapy, a liquid nitrogen solution is applied to the keloid scar. The liquid nitrogen freezes the scar tissue, which causes the cells in the scar to die. The dead scar tissue is then sloughed off, revealing new, healthy skin.

Cryotherapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for keloids. However, there are some potential side effects, such as pain, redness, swelling, and scarring. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Cryotherapy is not a cure for keloids, but it can help to improve the appearance of keloids and reduce their symptoms.

How is cryotherapy performed?

Cryotherapy is typically performed in a doctor's office or clinic. The doctor will first clean the area around the keloid scar and then apply a liquid nitrogen solution to the scar. The liquid nitrogen solution is applied using a cotton swab or a spray gun.

How long does cryotherapy take?

Cryotherapy typically takes a few minutes to perform. The length of time will depend on the size and severity of the keloid scar.

How many cryotherapy treatments are needed?

The number of cryotherapy treatments needed will depend on the individual patient and the severity of the keloids. Typically, several cryotherapy treatments are needed to achieve the desired results.

What are the side effects of cryotherapy?

The most common side effects of cryotherapy are pain, redness, swelling, and scarring. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Is cryotherapy effective for keloids?

Cryotherapy can be an effective treatment for keloids. However, it is not a cure, and the keloid may recur after treatment.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill keloid scar tissue.

External beam radiation therapy
This is the most common type of radiation therapy for keloids. It involves directing a beam of radiation at the keloid scar from outside the body.
Brachytherapy
This type of radiation therapy involves placing radioactive seeds or pellets directly into the keloid scar.
Intraoperative radiation therapy
This type of radiation therapy is given during surgery to remove the keloid scar.
Contact radiation therapy
This type of radiation therapy involves placing a radioactive plaque directly on the keloid scar.

Radiation therapy can be an effective treatment for keloids. However, it is important to note that radiation therapy can also damage healthy tissue. Therefore, radiation therapy is typically only used when other treatments have failed.

How is radiation therapy given?

Radiation therapy is typically given in a hospital or clinic. The type of radiation therapy that is used will depend on the individual patient and the severity of the keloids.

How many radiation therapy treatments are needed?

The number of radiation therapy treatments needed will depend on the individual patient and the severity of the keloids. Typically, several radiation therapy treatments are needed to achieve the desired results.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

The side effects of radiation therapy can vary depending on the type of radiation therapy that is used. Common side effects of radiation therapy include skin irritation, fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.

Is radiation therapy effective for keloids?

Silicone gel sheeting

Silicone gel sheeting is a thin, flexible sheet of silicone that is placed over the keloid scar. Silicone gel sheeting is thought to work by hydrating the scar tissue and preventing it from contracting. This can help to soften the scar tissue and make it less noticeable.

Silicone gel sheeting is typically worn for 12-24 hours a day for several months. It is important to keep the silicone gel sheeting clean and dry. Silicone gel sheeting can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription.

Silicone gel sheeting is a relatively safe and effective treatment for keloids. However, it is important to note that silicone gel sheeting may not be effective for all keloids. Silicone gel sheeting is also not a cure for keloids, and the keloid may recur after treatment.

How does silicone gel sheeting work?

Silicone gel sheeting is thought to work by hydrating the scar tissue and preventing it from contracting. This can help to soften the scar tissue and make it less noticeable.

How is silicone gel sheeting used?

Silicone gel sheeting is typically worn for 12-24 hours a day for several months. It is important to keep the silicone gel sheeting clean and dry.

Where can I buy silicone gel sheeting?

Silicone gel sheeting can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription. It is available at most pharmacies and medical supply stores.

Is silicone gel sheeting effective for keloids?

Silicone gel sheeting can be an effective treatment for keloids. However, it is important to note that silicone gel sheeting may not be effective for all keloids. Silicone gel sheeting is also not a cure for keloids, and the keloid may recur after treatment.

Pressure therapy

Pressure therapy involves applying pressure to the keloid scar. Pressure therapy is thought to work by preventing the keloid scar from growing and by helping to flatten the scar tissue.

There are a number of different ways to apply pressure to a keloid scar. One common method is to use a pressure garment. Pressure garments are tight-fitting garments that are worn over the keloid scar. Another method is to use a silicone gel sheet. Silicone gel sheets are thin, flexible sheets of silicone that are placed over the keloid scar.

Pressure therapy is typically used for several months. It is important to apply pressure to the keloid scar consistently in order to achieve the desired results. Pressure therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for keloids. However, it is important to note that pressure therapy may not be effective for all keloids. Pressure therapy is also not a cure for keloids, and the keloid may recur after treatment.

How does pressure therapy work?

Pressure therapy is thought to work by preventing the keloid scar from growing and by helping to flatten the scar tissue.

How is pressure therapy applied?

Pressure therapy can be applied using a pressure garment or a silicone gel sheet.

How long is pressure therapy used?

Pressure therapy is typically used for several months.

Is pressure therapy effective for keloids?

Pressure therapy can be an effective treatment for keloids. However, it is important to note that pressure therapy may not be effective for all keloids. Pressure therapy is also not a cure for keloids, and the keloid may recur after treatment.

Natural remedies

There are a number of natural remedies that have been used to treat keloids. However, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these remedies. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor before trying any natural remedies for keloids.

Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It may help to reduce the redness, swelling, and pain of keloids.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in keloids.
Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil is a natural antioxidant. It may help to improve the appearance of keloids by reducing scarring.
Onion extract
Onion extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. It may help to reduce the size and appearance of keloids.

It is important to note that natural remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have keloids, it is important to see a doctor to discuss the best treatment options for you.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get rid of keloids:

Question 1: What are keloids?
Answer 1: Keloids are a type of thick, raised scar that can form after injury or surgery. They are caused by an overproduction of collagen, a protein that helps to repair damaged tissue.

Question 2: What are the symptoms of keloids?
Answer 2: Keloids can cause a number of symptoms, including pain, itching, redness, and swelling. They can also be unsightly and may interfere with movement.

Question 3: What are the different treatment options for keloids?
Answer 3: There are a number of different treatment options for keloids, including surgery, steroid injections, laser therapy, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, silicone gel sheeting, pressure therapy, and natural remedies.

Question 4: Which treatment option is best for me?
Answer 4: The best treatment option for you will depend on the individual patient and the severity of the keloids. It is important to talk to your doctor to discuss the best treatment options for you.

Question 5: Are there any side effects to keloid treatments?
Answer 5: Yes, there are some potential side effects to keloid treatments. The side effects will vary depending on the type of treatment that is used. Common side effects include pain, redness, swelling, and scarring.

Question 6: Can keloids be prevented?
Answer 6: There is no sure way to prevent keloids from forming. However, there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing keloids, such as keeping wounds clean and dry, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and using sunscreen.

Question 7: Can keloids recur after treatment?
Answer 7: Yes, keloids can recur after treatment. The risk of recurrence varies depending on the type of treatment that is used and the individual patient. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions after treatment to reduce your risk of recurrence.

Closing Paragraph:

If you have keloids, it is important to see a doctor to discuss the best treatment options for you. There are a number of effective treatments available that can help to reduce the appearance of keloids and relieve symptoms.

Now that you know more about keloids and how to get rid of them, here are some tips for preventing keloids from forming in the first place.

Tips

Here are some tips for preventing keloids from forming in the first place:

Tip 1: Keep wounds clean and dry.
This will help to prevent infection and reduce the risk of keloid formation.

Tip 2: Avoid excessive sun exposure.
UV radiation can damage the skin and trigger keloid formation. If you must be in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen.

Tip 3: Use sunscreen.
Sunscreen can help to protect the skin from UV radiation and reduce the risk of keloid formation.

Tip 4: Avoid scratching or picking at wounds.
This can irritate the skin and increase the risk of keloid formation.