Keloid Treatments: Healing Scars with Creams, Injections and More

Keloids are scars that lift and migrate around a cut or scratch in the skin. They occur normally in African-Americans, Asians and Latinos. Sadly, no reliable cure is present to combat their formation. However, there are some treatments.

The methods used to reduce or rid a person of a keloid vary. They range from creams to surgery. Below are the most common ones the medical community uses now. Their success can vary depending on the patient and body area. So, if you choose to use one, be sure to ask your doctor which one will work best for you.


Silicone Gel Pads and Paper Tape. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the act of pressing a silicone gel pad or paper tape over a "healed" injury or wound for 23 to 24 hours is a way to prevent their formation for some people. The results of this treatment are not 100%, but worth a try for keloid sufferers.


Creams. Creams like Bioskincare often make claims that they can prevent or reduce keloids because they rejuvenate skin cells. It is also said the same by some people in regards to cocoa butter. However, the reliability and healing power of these cremes vary according to the patient. Yet, they tend to be an expensive way to address a big problem.


Corticosteroid Injections. The injection of steroids into the keloid is a common way to combat this type of scar. It is one discussed on www.eMedicine.com by plastic surgeon Edward Newsome, Jr. He advises that when injections occur over 4 to 6 weeks, the results are the flattening of a formed keloid along with the reduction of mucous. Cosmetically, the results are more pleasing than leaving a keloid alone. However, it does not totally remove it.


Surgical Excision. The removal of a keloid by surgically removing it with a scalpel or laser is one way to treat it. However, because of the re-cutting of the skin, the chance of a reoccurrence of a keloid is great. For this reason, medical providers like the ones at the Indian Journal of Dermatology recommend that this type of method be performed on small areas of the skin like the ear lobes.
In conclusion, if you are keloid prone, you many never completely rid your self of them. However, you may successfully, flatten and shrink them in size. The results will be more cosmetically esthetic which will make you feel better.


This article take from emedecine