How To Get Rid Of Keloids In South Africa

What are Keloids?

Keloids are raised buildups of scar tissue on the skin. They usually form and grow after a wound, puncture, burn, or blemish.

For some people, this scar tissue is more pronounced and darker than the rest of their skin tone.

Causes

A keloid forms due to the skin’s exaggerated response to an injury. Even minor cuts can cause keloids. Some of the most common causes of keloids include:

cuts or punctures, including from shaving
burns
incisions from surgery
insect bites
skin conditions, such as acne
chickenpox or diseases that cause scarring of the skin
tattoos or piercings

Some keloids form without any apparent cause. A review in the Journal of Medical Investigations and Practice states that some keloids have been known to appear without the presence of a skin injury. They may also crop up years after an injury has taken place.

When the skin is injured, it sends collagen-making cells to heal the wound. Ideally, the cells do their job and close the injury, leaving a small scar. With keloids, the skin’s cells continue to multiply even after the wound has healed. The scar tissue continues to grow, forming a large, raised scar.

Though keloids can occur in any skin type, they are more likely to form in:

those who have a family history of keloids
people under 30, especially teenagers going through puberty
pregnant women
people with darker skin tones, such as those people of Asian, Hispanic, or African-American descent, are also more likely to develop keloids than other people.

Keloids are considered to be a type of benign tumor. Though they can be bothersome, they do not turn into cancer or pose serious health problem

How To Get Rid Of Keloids In South Africa

What are ways to get rid of keloids?

Depending on appearance, some people may want to get rid of the keloids they have.

There are a few ways to do this. You can try a few of these home methods first before contacting a dermatologist for prescription or over-the-counter approaches.

Home remedies

Aspirin

A 2013 review and a 2015 study suggest that the topical use of aspirin pills may help treat keloids. Research found that aspirin prevents scar-promoting cells from entering the keloid site when applied. This way, both pigmentation and keloid size are reduced.

To try this remedy:

Crush three to four aspirin tablets.
Mix them with enough water to form a paste.
Apply them to the keloid or wound site. Let it sit for an hour or two, then rinse.
Repeat once every day until desired results are achieved.

Garlic

This root vegetable works much like aspirin, according to a 2011 dermatology report. It blocks certain enzymes from entering the site that contribute to tissue and pigment buildup. Over time, application may help lighten scars.

To use this method:

Take two to three fresh garlic cloves and crush them.
Apply to the keloid area and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Wash off with water and apply moisturizer.
Discontinue use or reduce application time if the garlic burns your skin.

Honey

Honey contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce keloids. Honey was mentioned in a 2015 review for its healing potential with keloids specifically. It’s an appealing natural alternative without potential harmful side effects found in corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin.

For this method:

Dab a bit of raw honey — organic honey is recommended — on the site. Let it sit.
Rinse off later if the site gets sticky.
Reapply as often as needed. It’s recommended that you use it at least two to three times per day until you get your desired results.

Onion

Quite a few studies support the use of onion for keloids. A 2013 study found that the use of onion extract stopped fibroblasts — the cells that produce the scar tissue — from entering the skin.

Another study in 2012 found onion extract gel sped healing and reduced scar height. In a 2011 trial, it reduced pigmentation. This is most likely due to its quercetin content, a flavonol with antioxidant properties.

To use this remedy:

Cut a small onion into small pieces. A red, white, or yellow is fine to use.
Squeeze out the juice by compressing it with a clean cloth.
Apply the juice to the keloid area and let it sit until dry.
Rinse. Apply three to four times per day until you see your desired results.

Medical treatments

Retinoid cream

Retinoid cream is a derivative of vitamin A, or retinol. Much like natural remedies such as garlic or onion, the cream has been clinically proven to reduce keloid appearance.

Make sure to follow the directions on the retinoid cream product you purchase.

Silicone

Silicone gel or sheets may be a go-to recommendation from your doctor. A 2013 trial found them just as effective as retinoid cream. Follow instructions or directions on the silicone product you purchase, or those given by your doctor.

Steroid injections

Injections of steroidal anti-inflammatories have been known to help with keloids. However, these have been shown to be more effective following major treatment for keloids. This includes surgical scar removal, laser treatment, and more, as noted in a 2014 study.

A combination of different injected steroids has also been shown to be more successful in a 2012 analysis. An 80 percent recurrence rate was reported, however. Talk to your doctor about using injected steroids in combination with surgery, laser removal, or other operations.

Preventing keloids in the future

If you’re aware that you could develop keloids, there are ways you can prevent them from happening. If you’ve already developed keloids, certain measures can be taken to prevent more from developing.

Avoid cosmetic surgery

While some surgery is necessary, avoid procedures such as cosmetic surgery. Surgical modifications to the skin can cause keloids. If you’ve had keloids from surgery or think you might get them, rethink surgery. This is especially the case if the surgery isn’t to save your life or needed to improve your health.

Avoid (more) tattoos or piercings

Tattoos and piercings are a very likely cause for keloids. In a way, they can be considered an unnecessary surgery. Think thoroughly about whether you want keloids or not if you invest in more tattoos or piercings.

Avoid skin picking and pimple popping

Try to prevent yourself from picking or popping acne on your skin. The inflammation caused by these exacerbations can lead to keloids.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a way to permanently remove keloid?

There’s no fullproof way to get rid of keloids. A keloid forms as a result of an exaggerated healing response in some people, especially those with more pigment in their skin. Prescription medicines and in-office procedures may be able to improve the appearance of keloid

How much does it cost to have keloids removed?

The cost of keloid removal ranges from $75 to upward of $2,000 depending on the type and duration of treatment. Keloid removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, therefore is not usually covered by health insurance. As a rule of thumb, larger, more severe keloids will cost more to remove.

How do you flatten a keloid?

Treatments that may help flatten a keloid scar include:

steroid injections.
applying steroid-impregnated tape for 12 hours a day.
applying silicone gel sheeting for several months.

Does Vaseline help keloids?

Using the following tips to treat the area may help prevent keloid growth. Cover a new wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage. Hold the bandage in place with tape so that there is even pressure on the wound. Wash the area with soap and water every day.

Can I cut a keloid off?

How To Remove Keloids? Unlike skin tags, an excision procedure is not appropriate in case of keloids, since cutting it will ultimately result in the formation of an even larger mass of tissue. Although home remedies may not completely remove the keloids but it will obviously reduce the size, pain and inflammation.

What is the best treatment for keloids?

Larger keloids can be flattened by pulsed-dye laser sessions. This method has also been useful in easing itchiness and causing keloids to fade. Pulsed-dye laser therapy is delivered over several sessions with 4 to 8 weeks between sessions. Your doctor might recommend combining laser therapy with cortisone injections

Is keloid removal successful?

Keloids can be treated, so it is not a condition you have to continue living with. The treatment involves superficial radiation and is incredibly effective in removing keloid scars. Keloid removal with the SRT-100TM has a success rate that is over 90%.

Is keloid cancerous?

Extra scar tissue grows, forming smooth, hard growths called keloids. Although a keloid tumour is benign, its appearance does not improve with time and can often cause individuals to worry about the cosmetic appearance. It can sometimes also be painful and accompanied by itchiness and redness.

Is keloid removal painful?

Is keloid scar removal painful? No, keloid scar removal is usually performed after an anesthetic has been injected to make the area numb. The surgical site may be a little tender for a day or two after the procedure, but this is usually easily controlled with over-the-counter medications.

Do steroid injections remove keloids?

Dermatologists may inject a corticosteroid solution directly into a hypertrophic scar or keloid, which may help reduce its size. Steroids break the bonds between collagen fibers, which reduces the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin

Do keloids bleed?

Keloid scars can bleed and become infected. They can affect any area of skin, but the most common areas include the shoulders, upper back and chest, neck, ears and face. If someone develops a keloid scar on one part of their body, their skin may still heal normally in other body areas.

Can a dermatologist remove a keloid?

Keloid surgery – The dermatologist will use a scalpel to remove the keloid. While surgery may seem like the fastest way to get rid of the keloid, the trauma of surgery can trigger the production of another keloid.

Does baking soda remove keloids?

A paste containing one part of baking soda mixed with three parts of hydrogen peroxide applied to the keloid three to four times a day exfoliates the skin over the keloid.

What ointment is good for keloids?

Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara), an immune response modifier that enhances healing, has also been used to help prevent keloid recurrence after surgical excision. The cream is applied on alternate nights for eight weeks after surgery.

Does massaging a keloid help?

Research has shown that gently massaging a scar may break down scar tissue as it forms. It may also prevent hypertrophic scars or keloids from developing after an injury.

Do keloids dry up and fall off?

Keloids may continue to grow slowly for weeks, months or years. They eventually stop growing but do not disappear on their own. Once a keloid develops, it is permanent unless removed or treated successfully.

Does aloe vera help with keloids?

Similarly, aloe vera has never been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of hypertrophic scars or keloids. Aloe vera is found in a variety of skin products, such as creams, soaps, shampoos, and cleansers.

What is the latest treatment for keloid?

Recently, researchers have devised several promising anti-keloid therapies including anti-hypertensive pharmaceuticals, calcineurin inhibitors, electrical stimulation, mesenchymal stem cell therapy, microneedle physical contact and ribonucleic acid-based therapies.

How do you prevent keloids from coming back?

To get the protection you need, use a sunscreen that offers SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance. As soon as the wound heals, begin using silicone sheets or gel. Applying silicone sheets or gel can help prevent keloids from forming and reduce the size of existing scars.