Keloids are among the most visible sorts of scars due to their raised look. For this reason, these scars naturally become one of the most challenging skin conditions for us to minimize. This is because most of the laser treatments are often asked to make a little difference in the size and color only. So how to get rid of a keloid scar? Before learning my top tips on removing them, let’s find out more about the scar at first.
What is Keloid Scar?
Keloid scar refers to the scar that results from an injury and becomes bigger throughout time. The most common areas where keloid scars appear are the shoulder, back or chest.
Keloid scar is not a sign for cancer and it does not put your health in danger. However, it has many negative effects on the appearance and prevents many people from showing their skin.
According to some ladies, these scars have stopped them from living their life, wearing their favorite clothes as well as caused some levels of depression or anxiety. At times, there are a few of them who just can’t realize how these scars might even ruin a person’s mental health. Therefore, it’s a must to know how to get rid of a keloid scar as soon as possible before it stays permanently on the skin.
At times, you can easily mistake a type of keloid scar for another hypertrophic one. Quite similar to Keloids, the scars are primarily caused by the excess tension on an injury, according to the dermatologist Sanusi Umar. And the difference here is that while these hypertrophic scars are still roughly within the first scar’s bounds, the keloid tissues will develop out of the first edges.
Those large bumps are considered non-cancerous tumors technically, but they can show up any time in a year of your first injury. Also, these keloids won’t turn into cancer but have a lot of connecting fibers, which are known as collagen.
What causes Keloid Scar?
As mentioned above, keloid scar is the resulf of an injury on your skin. They may vary from a burn to acnes. It depends on each person’s type of skin. Another cause for the appearance of keloid scar is related to genetics.
Besides, keloids tend to result from your surgical scars, wounds, and other tattoos.
A specific wound is more prone to becoming a keloid due to be high tension. You can see them anywhere else on the body, but these are more likely to be created in some areas with pressure and a lot of motion, like the earlobes.
More interestingly, following the statement of the Keloid Research Foundation, what mainly triggers keloids tends to be poorly known. But it’s certain that genetics serve as an essential role – skin shade, and family history would be the two of the main risk elements. This means that you’re more prone to keloids when one of your parents had them before.
Following the research, the gene called the AHNAK gene plays an essential role in deciding who grows keloids and who doesn’t. During that study, many researchers explored that those who own the AHNAK gene are more likely to develop these types of scars than those who do not.
As said, those with a darker complexion are more prone to this type of scar condition. Meanwhile, the risk element in a person who has a whiter skin will be low. For your better understanding, take a quick glimpse at the most common risk factors for keloids below.
- Dark complexion
- The priorr buildup of a keloid
- Delayed recovery of a wound, particularly on your face, ears, and the upper body
- From the age of 10 – 30
- Family members
- Mostly Asian ethnicity
Do keloids go away on their own or not?
Well, keloids won’t ever disappear on their own, but they would become smaller or less different in the shade to your normal skin tone with time.
Signs and symptoms of Keloid Scars
These types of scars vary in look from person to person and tend to grow little by little after many months to one year. After a few time, you might begin to get smaller in size but just a bit. Overall, the most symptoms you probably encounter with keloids are:
- The impacted region will be flesh-colored, red, or pink.
- A ridged region of skin will be often raised.
- A skin area that keeps growing bigger and bigger with many scar tissues over time.
- A patch of your skin feels itchy.
- Keloid scars are much bigger than the original wound itself. They probably take weeks or months to grow fully.
When keloid scars feel a bit itchy, they do not cause any harm to your overall health at all. However, you still experience some uncomfortable experiences, like the irritation or tenderness of the clothes and other types of friction. In the rarest situations, some people will encounter keloids on big regions of the body. Once it occurs, these hard and tight scars can limit your movements.
As you see, keloid scars are always more than an aesthetic concern than a healthy one. You tend to be more self-conscious when the scar appears quite large or in an extremely visible location, like the face of your own. Besides, the tanning or sun exposure process probably discolor your scar tissues, causing it a bit darker than the surrounding skin.
In other words, tanning only causes your keloids to stand out a lot, so you need to cover yourself or that region in the sun to avoid discoloration.
The medical advances have allowed us to get rid of keloid scars by laser treatment. However, not everyone is willing or able to afford this type of treatment. In fact, there are some natural ingredients you can find immediately in your kitchen to quicken the keloid scar treatment.
Top 17 simple natural tips on how to get rid of a keloid scar
Here are the top 17 simple natural tips on how to get rid of a keloid scar that you can consider applying in order to effectively fade the keloid scars and prevent them from ruining your appearance.
1. Baking Soda
Known as a natural abrasive agent, baking soda is one of the best recommendations on how to get rid of a keloid scar. This ingredient is great in exfoliating your skin and helping you regain the normal color. With anti-inflammatory quality, baking soda can prevent the bacteria from attacking your skin as well.
- Combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide with the ratio 1:3.
- Get the paste applied over the areas where keloid scars appear.
You ought to apply this remedy 3-4 times until the keloid scars fade away.
2. Honey
Serving as a natural exfoliating agent, honey is one of the best natural home remedies to get rid of keloid scars. One of the most outstanding benefits of honey is to soften and lighten your skin at the same time. Gradually, the scars will disappear and the color of these areas will not be different from others.
- Raw honey should be applied directly over the scars.
- Half an hour later, you can use warm water to wash these areas.
This method needs to be applied 3-4 times on a daily basis to quicken the treatment.
3. Lemon
Lemon is a great source of antioxidant nutrients and vitamins, especially vitamin C that is beneficial for the keloid scar treatment. Thus, it is one of the most effective tips on how to get rid of a keloid scar. Lemon is also used in many home remedies to enhance the flexibility and color of your skin.
- Squeeze a lemon to get its fresh juice.
- Get the juice applied over the scars with your fingers or a cotton ball.
- 30 minutes later, you should get warm water to rinse these areas.
This method should be followed once or twice per day.
4. Aloe Vera
The popularity of using Aloe Vera in the skin care has been well-known for ages. And it is undeniable that it is one of the best tips on how to get rid of a keloid scar. It provide much moisture for the skin to soften the scars. Furthermore, with anti-inflammatory quality, Aloe Vera can wipe away the bacteria and impurities on your skin, which reduces the possibility of skin infections.
Get some fresh gel applied over the keloid scars immediately 2-3 times on a daily basis to get the best result.
5. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is commonly used in the efforts to get rid of keloid scars, thanks to its ability to improve the growth of new cells and eradication of dead cells simultaneously.
- Get sandalwood grinded into powder first.
- Then, combine it with an amount of rose water so that you have a thick paste.
- Get the paste applied over the scars before you hit the sack.
- When you wake up, you should use warm water to rinse the skin.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Another natural home remedy for keloid scars is apple cider vinegar. It is powerfully anti-inflammatory and antibacterial; therefore, you can reduce the size of keloid scars effectively within a short period of time.
- Rub some drops of this vinegar on the areas affected by keloid scars.
- You can do some massage over these areas.
- Several minutes later, you can repeat doing so.
7. Garlic
One of the best ways to get rid of keloid scars is garlic since it is effective in stopping the proliferation of excessive fibroblast.
- You can use garlic oil or garlic juice by crushing some garlic cloves.
- A cotton ball ought to be soaked in the juice and applied over the keloid scars.
- 10 minutes later, use water to wash these areas.
However, this remedy is not suitable for everyone. In case you feel burning sensation, wash it away immediately.
8. Lavender Oil
If you want a quick relief to get rid of keloid scars as soon as possible, you had better think of lavender oil. It is super effective in dealing with keloid scars and even reduce the possibility of its coming back. The wonderful smell of lavender oil on your skin is a great advantage.
9. Onion
In addition to garlic, onion can be considered as a great tip on how to get rid of a keloid scar as well. With antibacterial quality, onion can prevent the keloid scars from getting bigger and bigger.
- Crush an onion to get the juice.
- A cotton ball should be dipped in the juice and rubbed over the scars several times per day.
10. Massage
A great way to not only get rid of keloid scars but also improve the condition of your skin is massage. It can foster the blood circulation which can soften the scars effectively. To maximize the benefits, you can combine the use of some natural essential oils, such as lavender oil whose benefits are mentioned before.
11. Fuller’s Earth
Another tip on how to get rid of a keloid scar is fuller’s earth which might be unfamiliar with many people.
- Take one spoon of fuller’s earth and combine it with one spoon of each fresh lemon juice and rose water.
- Get the paste applied over the scars.
- When it becomes dry, probably after 10-15 minutes, use cold water to rinse these areas.
12. Cucumber Juice
With cooling quality, cucumber has been popularly used in many home remedies for skin problems. And once again, it is a great way to get rid of keloid scars.
- A cucumber ought to be squeezed to get the juice.
- The juice should be applied over the scars directly.
- 15 minutes later, you take cool water to rinse these areas.
13. Papaya
Some enzymes found in papaya are actually great for the production of collagen which is responsible for the growth of new skin cells. Therefore, papaya can undoubtedly appear in the list of tips on how to get rid of a keloid scar.
- You should crush a papaya to get a paste that is applied to the areas affected by keloid scars.
- After several minutes, cool water is used to rinse these areas.
14. Yogurt
No matter whether you consume yogurt or apply it to the skin, yogurt is still one of the best ways to enhance the condition of your skin. You should continue applying it if you want to stay away from as many skin problems as possible, such as keloid scars. It is one of the best recommendations on how to get rid of a keloid scar.
15. Oatmeal
Last but not least, if you used to suffer from some skin infections and especially itchiness, you might be familiar with the use of oatmeal. Now, it is crucial to know that it is one of the best tips on how to get rid of a keloid scar. With antibacterial and antiviral qualities, oatmeal can soften your skin and prevent the impurities.
- Half a cup of oatmeal should be mixed with warm water.
- Have the areas affected by keloid scars soaked in the mixture every day.
16. Frankincense
Is there any better way for how to get rid of a keloid scar? Another great natural home remedy you can use is Frankincense. It’s best for removing the scars and can be used as a treatment that can fight against your keloids. And you must be thanks to the inflammatory ability, it can help to minimize the size of the scars fast.
So to help you remove them easily, all you must do here is quite easy:
- Add many drops of Frankincense extract in one cup.
- Take a tablespoon of water to the cup.
- Combine them quite well.
- Utilize the Q-tip to dip in the mixture.
- Apply the mixture straight on the scar.
- Leave it stay there for 20 minutes.
- Avail the warm water to rinse it off.
- Use a bit amount of olive oil to keep your impacted region moisturized.
- Repeat the process a few times daily.
17. Castor oil
It’s another essential oil that owns a good effect on how to get rid of a keloid scar. Once getting penetrated into the skin, the oil possibly detoxifies the skin and weaken your scar tissues. Besides, it offers you a great hand in encouraging the entire blood circulation and removing the toxins from the body. Still wonder how to do it? Here’s the right way on how to apply the castor oil for removing keloid scars.
Method 1:
- Add a little amount of castor oil in the cup.
- Take a clean cloth and then dip it into the oil.
- Now, place the cloth on your scar.
- Leave it there for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the whole procedure many times per day.
Method 2:
- Apply the castor oil right on the scar.
- Massage gently for five minutes.
- Leave it there for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
- Do it many times every day.
Other tips on how to get rid of a keloid scar
- Rinse off and keep the skin as moisturized as possible: Getting the right skin care is one of the best home remedies for all skin issues. When the skin is kept clean and moisturized, it’s much easier for the skin to get younger. In other words, the dead cells and other affected skin areas due to the keloids will fade away.
- Note that your affected skin region once daily by using the proper cleanser. You also need to apply a good amount of coconut oil to maintain your skin moisturized after cleansing it.
- Apply the suntan lotion, especially when Keloids are quite vulnerable. It tends to be turn out to be burnt due to the damaging sun rays. Thus, do not miss apply the lotion when you suffer from the scars.
- Do not ever try to pull the scars out. Once suffering from any open cut or a few little scars on the skin, you just can’t pull them out at all. If not, they easily become keloids fast. Try to break down your habit of touching the keloids as you desire to get rid of them.
- For anybody with keloids in the nose, ensure to avoid wearing jewelry until your scar gets healed fully.
- Apply the calendula cream about twice a day to limit the swelling and speed up the whole recovery time.
- Use the petroleum jelly on your keloids to prevent the growth.
- Ask your doctor whether the keloid has any smelling discharge or not.
When to look for medical attention?
You should know that most keloids won’t ask you to seek medical attention, but if you like, then feel free to contact your healthcare expert or doctor when the scar growth keeps going. Or try to consult the professional as you have further symptoms, or when you desperately want to remove those keloids surgically.
Don’t worry too much because most keloid scars are quite benign! Only their unpredictable growth can become a big sign of your skin cancer. After knowing the keloid scarring through some visual tests, your doctor would like to carry out a biopsy to make sure that other conditions can’t get more serious.
The whole process might involve taking a bit sample of the tissues right from your scarred skin region and analyzing it for the cells of cancer. Let’s try to search for doctors who have the most experience curing the scars. Make sure to utilize the doctor search tool online for the easier find. Or you can look for those experienced doctors based on your insurance, location, and others.
Conclusion
So, I’ve just completed my top tips on how to get rid of a keloid scar – Have you found your favorite remedy to use for your condition yet? Don’t be shy to do it at home right away. But it’s still best to have an appointment with your doctor for a better treatment, especially when you see no visible improvement.
But if you’re unlucky enough to have keloid scars on your face, ear, and scalp, then you’ll know how troublesome they would be. In fact, your skin will be the largest organ that is the most visible. Thus, it’s the most likely to your wound that probably leaves scars after the recovery.
References
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000849.htm
- https://medlineplus.gov/scars.html
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/9865.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3022978/
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01295099
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21943200/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4506744/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1781083/