How To Avoid Keloid Scars

Avoiding keloid scars—which are raised, thick scars that grow beyond the original injury site—requires preventative care right from the moment of injury or surgery. If you’re prone to keloids (especially if you have a personal or family history), it’s important to be proactive.

Here’s how to prevent keloid scars from forming:

✅ 1. Avoid Unnecessary Skin Trauma

Skip elective procedures like piercings, tattoos, or cosmetic surgery if you’re prone to keloids.
Avoid popping pimples, picking at scabs, or scratching bug bites.

✅ 2. Treat Wounds Promptly and Properly

Clean the wound gently, keep it moist with petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a sterile bandage.
This helps prevent infection and reduces inflammation, which can trigger keloid growth.

✅ 3. Use Silicone Gel or Sheets

Once the wound is fully closed, apply silicone sheets or gel daily for several months.
These are clinically proven to help flatten scars and reduce keloid formation.

✅ 4. Apply Gentle Pressure (When Advised)

For areas like ears (after piercing), pressure earrings or compression dressings can help prevent keloids.
Your doctor might recommend a pressure garment after surgery in high-risk areas.

✅ 5. Avoid Sun Exposure

UV rays can worsen scarring.
Keep healing areas covered or use SPF 30+ sunscreen for at least 12 months after injury.

✅ 6. Massage the Area After Healing

Once the skin is healed (usually 2–3 weeks after injury), gently massage the area with vitamin E, silicone gel, or non-comedogenic oil to improve circulation and reduce scar tissue.

✅ 7. Inform Your Doctor or Surgeon

If you have a history of keloids, tell your doctor before any procedure.
They may use injections (like corticosteroids), special sutures, or other strategies to prevent keloids.

⚕️ Medical Options for High-Risk Individuals

If you’re extremely prone to keloids, a doctor may use one or more of the following preventively:

Steroid injections right after surgery or injury
5-FU or interferon injections
Laser therapy early in scar development
Radiation therapy (rare, used after keloid removal)

🧬 Who’s Most at Risk?

People with darker skin tones (African, Asian, Hispanic descent)
Those aged 10–30
Family history of keloids
Prior keloid scars