Category Archives: keloid

Keloid Scars – How to Get Rid of Them

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Anyone who has ever experienced some form of trauma on their body knows it takes proper aftercare to keep the impacted area from getting infected or developing a scar (including a keloid scar). Patients who are not sure what causes a keloid scar, or how to prevent them, should read this informative article to get the inside scoop on keloid scars and how to get rid of them.

Keloid Scars – What are They?

In general, a keloid scar can be defined as an overgrowth of scar tissue that often spreads outside the boundaries of the original scar or injury to the body. Keloid scars are often visible as itchy, firm and/or painful bumps that are present at the site of an earlier injury to the skin. The earlier injury can be some form of trauma to the body as well as a piercing or lesion that is located on the body.

It should be noted that it takes some time for keloids to form on the body. They tend to take anywhere from three to six months to appear and these scars normally begin as a raised scar that is located on the surface of the skin. The keloid scar tends to grow slowly.

It is also important to realize that keloid scars should not be confused with other raised scars. Overall, keloid scars have around three times more collagen than raised, thick scars that are known as hypertrophic scars.

What is keloid scars

Keloid Scars – Who Can Get Them and Why?

While almost anyone can develop a keloid scar, there are some factors that can increase the chances of one developing on the body. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “About one-third of people who get keloids have a first-degree blood relative (mother, father, sister, brother, or child) who gets keloids. This family trait is most common in people of African or Asian descent.”

It is also recommended that people who are at a higher risk of developing keloids avoid having an elective procedure on an area of the body that is known for keloid formation (such as the chest and upper back). Even though keloids most often occur after a scar, there are also “spontaneous keloids” that can appear on skin that has not been injured. This most often happens to people who have a history of keloid formation, in their family or a personal experience, and it is highly likely that more than one keloid will present at the same time.

At the moment, it is not clear which mechanisms in the body cause some people to develop a scar in this manner. However, research has indicated that chronic inflammation can play a part in their formation.

Keloid Scars – How to Prevent Them from Forming

The ability to prevent keloid scars is difficult since there is not a lot of information on why some people get them and others do not after an injury. While there is not anything that can be done to prevent the occurrence of spontaneous keloids, there are some steps that can be taken to try and minimize the growth of these scars soon after an injury.

Proper wound care should be performed in order to prevent an infection. In addition, a scar sheet that is silicone-based should be applied as soon as possible to the wounded area on the body. In addition, the massaging of the scar tissue using a silicone gel is also helpful when trying to prevent a keloid scar from forming. If an ear piercing shows the skin in the piercing area is starting to thicken, the piercing should be removed and then replaced with a pressure earring.

Keloid Scars – Getting Rid of Them

There are some suggestions for home remedies to heal keloids, but the best advice is to schedule an appointment with a medical professional who is experienced in treating this condition.

For example, many dermatologists offer steroid injections that, after multiple treatments, can decrease the amount of thickness of keloid scars. Plus, laser and light-based therapies such as CO2 lasers and LED light therapies have been shown to improve their appearance.

If someone thinks they have a keloid or they are afraid that one is going to occur, the patient should consult with a dermatologist in order to address the issue with proper medical treatment. It is hard to predict when they will happen, and it is also hard to sometimes determine the extent of the keloid scar. An experienced doctor can examine the impacted area in order to determine the best course of action in treating the scarring.

There have even been some instances where resistant keloids have been treated via intralesional treatments with surgery, off-label chemotherapy products and radiation therapy to address the issue. These are

serious treatment options that need to be discussed with a medical professional before a final decision is made about utilizing them to address the keloid scarring on the skin.

How to Get Rid of Keloid Scars

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Removal of keloid scarsKeloid scars, like any other type of scar, is the result of an injury to the skin. It occurs when fibrous scar tissue forms excessively on the injury site. The scar is characterized as being a smooth and irregularly shaped growth. Unlike normal flat scars, keloids tend to get larger over time.

No matter how big they grow, keloid scars do not pose any problem to your health. To get rid of your keloid scars, the following treatment options (alone or in combination) should help you:

Silicone Sheets
If you are looking for at-home remedies, silicone sheets are your best bet. These sheets are very easy to use and they have to be put on the affected area regularly. It will take months to see results so a bit of patience is needed. Results vary among patients but you will see improvements in the appearance and size of the keloid scar.

Cortisone Injections
Cortisone can be injected directly into the keloid scar to help flatten it. The treatment is safe and effective and usually requires multiple injections that must be given once every four weeks. It must be noted that while cortisone can make the scar smaller, it can also make it redder due to the increased formation of superficial blood vessels. Cortisone injections make keloid scars look much better after treatment but there will always be a mark left that looks and feels different than the rest of the skin.

In the case of large keloids, the injections can be used only to soften the scar and make it easier to remove via surgical excision.

Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is also effective in flattening keloid scars without the redness associated with a cortisone injection. In fact, they make the affected area look less red. The treatment is safe and virtually painless but several sessions might be required to see the effects. Laser treatment is not usually covered by health insurance plans and can be quite expensive.

Interferon
Interferon is a protein synthesized by the immune system to combat viruses, bacteria and other parasites. It also works against tumor cells. According to studies, Interferon, can help reduce the size of the scar when injected into the keloid. However, researchers are not certain whether or not this effect is long-lasting. A variant of this treatment which involves the application of a topical drug called imiquimod is currently being studied.

Surgery
The best way to get rid of keloid scars is to remove them via surgical excision. However, it should only be considered if all other treatment methods fail to produce results. Surgery can be pretty risky as cutting up a keloid scar may lead to the formation of an even bigger growth. Some surgeons prevent such risks by injecting cortisone into the area after the surgery or by placing compressive dressings over the wound for at least a month. In cases of extremely large and disfiguring keloids, surgery in combination with radiation therapy is suggested. Radiation helps lower recurrence rates.

Natural Home Remedies
If you like using natural remedies for health and cosmetic issues, you can try to get rid of keloid scars by rubbing them with lavender oil, lemon, honey and apple cider vinegar. These natural remedies help soften the scar and prevent them from reappearing. You have to use them daily in order to be effective. The results won’t be as fast as the other methods but they are a good alternative if you don’t want to use the methods listed above.

Unfortunately, keloid scarring is one of the most challenging conditions to treat successfully. No treatment is 100% effective in treating keloids. Remember that even with the best treatments available, recurrence is still a possibility and can occur several years after the first scars have disappeared.

– AA

Natural Ways to Get Rid Of Scar Tissue

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Scar Tissue RemediesScar tissue is a beauty concern for many people. When the natural skin has been damaged beyond its first layer, scar tissue is the tissue which replaces it. Scar tissue is the same tissue as healthy skin even though it looks different. This is because the fibers are arranged differently within the tissue.

Scars can form for a variety of reasons including cuts, scrapes, acne, minor burns, bites, surgery or fungal infections. Anyone is prone to getting a scar at one time or another. The important thing to remember is that scars will eventually fade. The extent to which they fade depends on genetics.

However, there are some natural ways to get rid of, or lighten, scar tissue. Do you know what to use and how to use it?

Coconut Oil

Contains fatty acids that act as an antioxidant. This oil can prevent and reverse radical damage. It can also stimulate collagen production while softening the skin to speed the healing process.
• Warm 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin coconut oil in the microwave.
• Gently massage the warm oil in a circular motion on the affected area until it is absorbed into the skin.
• Repeat several times on a daily basis until the desired results are achieved.

Aloe Vera

Well known for regenerating skin tissue. It can also help to reduce the size and appearance of scars.
• Peel the outer green leaf off the plant.
• Apply the gel-looking substance, from the plant, and massage for several minutes.
• Leave it to dry on the skin and then rinse with warm water.
• Apply several times a day for 1 to 2 months.

Vitamin E

Has extraordinary antioxidant properties and can also stimulate collagen as well as moisturize the skin while healing scars.
• Extract the liquid from a Vitamin E capsule or use Vitamin E cream.
• Gently massage in a circular motion for about 10 minutes or until completely absorbed.
• Repeat 2-3 times a day.
• Also, incorporate foods high in Vitamin E into your diet. Foods such as hazelnuts, safflower oil, almonds and peanut butter are all high in Vitamin E.

Lemon Juice

Works as a natural bleaching agent due to its alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and can fade scars. AHA is known to remove dead skin cells while regenerating and repairing damaged skin. Note: When using this technique, be sure to use sunscreen on the treated area whenever going out into the sun. Lemon juice will make that area sensitive to light.
• Extract fresh lemon juice from a lemon and apply it to the scar.
• Allow the juice to dry on the skin for approximately 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
• Apply some moisturizer.
• Repeat twice daily for several weeks

Apple Cider Vinegar

Has various exceptional properties including being an astringent and a natural disinfectant. It can exfoliate the skin and also remove dead skin cells.
• Dip a cotton ball into the apple cider vinegar and apply it to the scar.
• Leave it on the scar for 10-15 minutes before washing it off.
• Apply moisturizer.
• Repeat this process a few times a day for a few weeks.

Lavender Oil

Can rejuvenate the skin cells. lavender oil helps to increase the cell turnover rate which will prevent the scars from becoming permanent.
• Apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to the scar.
• Gently massage the scar in a circular motion for approximately 10-15 minutes.
• You can also mix equal parts of the lavender oil and olive oil and then apply this mixture to the scar and massage for a few minutes.
• Repeat either method twice daily for several weeks.

-SP/MA

Types of Scars

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Scars tend to appear on the skin during the healing process of an injury or cut of some sort. While scars are part of the healing process, there are different types of scars that vary in their appearance on the skin.

Flat and Pale Scars

The scars that look flat and pale are the most common type of scars found on the body. They form as a natural part of the healing process of the body. The scars are not always flat and pale when they first form. In fact, there is a good chance that they might be dark, raised or red after the wound is first healed. However, they will become pale and flat as time passes.

The change from red and raised to flat and pale can take up to two years to complete. Even after the healing process is complete, there will always be some evidence of the original wound. Overall, this type of scar is not usually painful but it can be itchy as well as unsightly.

Keloid Scars

Keloid scars are characterized by being raised above the skin as well as their size. They can also often be itchy, painful, tender and burning. This type of scar occurs when too much collagen is produced at the wound site and the scar keeps growing even after the actual wound has healed. It is basically an overgrowth of tissue. Overall, a new keloid scar can be either purple or red but it will become pale as time passes. They are most likely to form on the upper back, the upper arms and shoulders or around the sternum.

Hypertrophic Scars

Much like keloid scars, hypertrophic scars are also a result of too much collagen production in a wound that is healing. However, they do not extend any further than the boundaries of the original wound which is a typical feature of keloid scars. A hypertrophic scar is characterized by being red and raised and can continue to become thicker for up to six months.

Hypertrophic scars also become pale and flat as time passes. These scars can restrict some movements due to the scar tissue not being as flexible as the original skin. While they eventually become flat and pale, the overall redness can persist for a number of years.

Pitted/Sunken Scars

Also known as “Ice Pick” scars, these are the result of conditions such as chickenpox or acne can have an appearance that is best described as pitted or sunken. It’s not just skin conditions that can cause scars with this appearance. Injuries which include the loss of any underlying fat have been known to cause this type of scar.

Pitted scars don’t normally fade away as time passes. However, there are a number of treatments that can be used to try and reverse or mask the scars. Some of these treatments include topical creams to boost collagen, dermabrasion to sand away the top layers of the skin with a brush in order to allow new cells to develop and laser resurfacing which can get rid of the damaged layer of skin so new cells can develop where the damaged skin was located.

Keloid Scarring

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Scars come in many different varieties. Many patients suffer from Keloid scarring following a surgical procedure. Keloid scars grow at the wound site, beyond the border edges of the wound. They tend to be thick and rounded, and appear in irregular clusters of red (or darker) scar tissue. The scars form when the body overproduces collagen after the wound has healed.

The scars can develop anywhere on the body, and are five to fifteen times more likely to occur in patients with darker skin tones, as well as those with a family history of keloid scarring. They’re also extremely common—approximately 10% of the world’s population (around 700 million people!) suffers from keloid scarring.

Those who are prone to keloid scarring should avoid body piercings and tattoos, and should be fastidious in the care of their skin. Even minor injuries (like insect bites, small cuts, and acne) can lead to keloid scarring, so sufferers should be vigilant in protecting themselves.

Though there isn’t a simple cure for keloid scarring, there are many treatment options available to reduce their appearance. Up until very recently, surgical intervention was considered to be a good option for sufferers of keloid scarring. However, one of the major issues with this method is that the surgical scars could cause more keloids! Patients may want to consider nonsurgical treatments, including Inteferon therepy (a drug intervention that affects the immune system), antihistamines and vitamins, nitrogen mustard applications, Verapamil (an L-type calcium channel blocker), and Retinoic acids (a trace nutrient derived from Vitamin A). Patients should be advised that, even with treatment, keloid scarring tends to reappear (with a 50-70 percent rate of recurrence). External radiotherapy and steroid drugs are both viable options with higher success rates, but can cause side effects, so patients considering these options should consult with their doctor before proceeding.

Scar Types

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Skin is the largest organ of a person’s body. Any type of trauma including burns, injury, and surgery can cause a scar to appear on the skin. Scarring can happen on any part of the person’s body that the trauma occurred. Some scars may be small or in locations that aren’t visible to the public eye. However, some people may have scars that are visible, which bother them. There are treatments that can help improve the appearance of the scar, but you can never make it completely disappear.

Scarring happens when the healing process begins. The depth and the size of the wound are one of the many factors of how big and visible the scar will be. Other factors can be your age, ethnicity, genes, and location of the injury. When it comes to surgical scars, the way the surgeon closes the wound can affect the visibility and size of the scar.

There are different types of scars:

Different forms of scarring

Keloid Scar, Contracture Scar, Hypertrophic Scar, Acne Scar

1. Keloid scar: spreads past the original injury and begins to grow
2. Contracture scars: when you burn your skin
3. Hypertrophic scars: Red scars which are raised
4. Acne scars: forms when people have severe acne. Acne scars can vary, some can be deep and some can even have a little bump.

Acne scars can be treated depending on the size, location, and type of scar. Some scars can be treated by over the counter or prescription creams. Another form of scar treatment is by injections or by surgical removal. In order to find out what the best treatment is for you, it is recommended to see a physician. If you have a scar from surgery it is best to see the surgeon who performed the surgery. If you have acne scars, it is recommended to see a dermatologist.

What Can Be Done About Scarring?

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ScarScarring is the result of tissue fibers replacing normal skin after a trauma. Scarring can result from surgery, burns, open wounds, or any other abrasion of the skin. Scars are caused when the deep thick layer of skin, also known as the dermis, is damaged. Once trauma occurs, the body forms a collagen fiber which aids in the healing process of the wound and causes a scar. Because the tissue is a different consistency and quality the scar becomes visible.

Some scars can be easily hidden, while other will always be visible. Even though scars can never be removed completely, there are procedures offered that will improve the appearance of the scar. Laser resurfacing can be used to remove the surface layers of the skin, resulting in a less visible scar. If a person has a larger scar, surgery is an available option to reduce the size of the scar. Scalp Micro Pigmentation is a new method being offered which uses dermal pigments to camouflage the scars on hair bearing areas of the scalp or face.

If a scar leaves an indentation in the skin, you can use filler injections to raise the scar to the level of the surrounding skin. This type of treatment will be temporary, meaning it should be done a few times a year. If you have a keloid scar, scars that are raised, steroid injections can help flatten the scar giving it an enhanced appearance.

To reduce heavy scarring, topical creams and ointments can be used directly after trauma. Certain scars will fade away after a year and will not need any special method of treatment. For all other cases, it is best to see a specialist who can further assist you.

Laser Technology in Scar Revision

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Advent of Laser Technology in Scar Revision


Who doesn’t have a scar? The natural healing mechanism following injury or surgery most often leaves some level of scar. Many individuals bear no adverse reaction to scarring. Of course the location of a scar and its severity can make all the difference to some people’s self image. While the scar appearance is usually quite acceptable, in many other instances the scar can raise, thicken, or become red. This type of scarring is called ‘hypertrophic scarring.’ Some individuals may even develop an extreme form of scarring called a ‘keloid.’

Laser Scar Revision

Laser technology Advances Scar RevisionIn recent years the use of lasers in medicine has enjoyed rapid development in medicine. Doctors and researchers are experimenting with the devices in a wide variety of procedures, like opening blocked coronary arteries and reshaping the cornea of the eye to correct poor vision, dissolving kidney stones and in scar revisioning.

These advances in medical laser technology allows for easier revisioning treatment of scars. Applied in the right cases laser scar revisioning can have remarkable success and can bemore effective than ever.

Lasers are used in two primary ways in scar revisioning:


• to treat the surface color of the scar
• to go deeper and break up the collagen bunches that cause the scar

The result renders scars smoother, more evenly colored. The application of these new laser treatments appears limitless as doctors and researchers fine tune the levels of laser frequency for different medical applications. Lasers are effective on scars from accidents, dog bites, cesarean sections, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery and skin grafts have proven quite successful and a large cross section of patients. It is important to note however because scarring is a highly individualized healing process that thorough medical consult is the best option. New laser therapies have ever proven effective on burn scars.

Laser Scar Revision Results


Scars cannot be completely removed from any treatment. Scar revision is meant to obscure the scar by making it blend better with your skin in colour and texture.; the more T the scar to blend s naturally with the surrounding skin The better the results. If the scar is uneven in texture, laser scar revision will help smooth out the scar so that the area is flatter. Additional treatments will continue to improve these effects.

Pressure Treatment in Scar Healing

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compression garment for torso When an imbalance occurs between the anabolic and catabolic phases of the healing process in a wound somtimes more collagen is produced than the is degradation of collagen in the healing process. This results in the scar growing in all directions. The scar is elevated above the skin and remains hyperemic. This is excessive scar tissue is medically classified either as a keloid or a hypertrophic scar.

There are several nonsurgical options that are utilized to treat of these abnormal type scars. Pressure is a treatment that has demonstrated a level of success in some patients. The use of pressure to treat scars is thought to decrease tissue metabolism and increase collagen breakdown within the wound. Pressue is sometimes used preventatively in patients who have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

There are various different methods for administering pressure to facilitate this type of treatment including:
• elastic bandages (eg, Ace wraps) for the extremities
• thromboembolic stockings for the feet
• Isotoner-type gloves for the hands.
• custom-fitted compression garments can be used for the more difficult areas ( lower neck and torso).

ACE wraps or stockings are not useful for areas such as the head and face this is primarily because of discomfort and patient compliance Is not likely. Optimal results with latex-free compression garments are achieved usually in 6 -12 months during the maturation of the wound.

Prevention and Treating Keloid Scars

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Severe Keloid Formation

According to American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, a keloid is scar tissue protruding from the skin at the site of an injury. It is caused by fibroblasts (connective tissues) being overactive in the healing process and producing extra tissue. Some people are genetically prone to keloid formation and people with dark skin types are often more at risk, notes the NHS website. For these people, skin damage as small as a pimple or piercing can cause keloid formation.

Step 1
Apply steroid-impregnated tape to the injury site. If you are at risk of developing keloids, preempt their development by applying a dressing doused in a natural steroid like cortisone to the wound for 12 hours a day, notes the NHS website. Alternatively, AOCD notes, use a pressure dressing pad or tape containing silicone gel and where for 24 a day. This also can stop the development of keloids.
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Step 2
Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss laser treatment for the keloid scar. A heated laser can help reduce skin redness and improve texture of the skin, according to AOCD, but it will not help flatten out the keloid in any way.
Step 3
Consult your dermatologist about a method called cryosurgery to help reduce the keloid. This involves freezing the scar with liquid nitrogen and subsequently stopping the swelling. It can be applied via cotton ball and sprayer. It is good for use on new and small keloids as it can prevent them growing further, notes AOCD. As Acne.org notes, the liquid nitrogen can also cause the scar tissue to die completely, allowing for removal.
Step 4
Get cortisone injection treatment for your keloid scars. This natural steroid is a corticosteroid produced in the adrenal glands of the body and is said to help reduce swelling and inflammation, notes Acne.org. AOCD advises to inject the cortisone directly into the keloid once a month. A noticeable flattening of the scar may begin to occur within three to six months.
Step 5
Attempt to remove the keloid via surgery. In the most extreme cases, the keloid can be sloughed off, then the site exposed to electron beam and orthovoltage radiations to prevent any regrowth. AOCD states that exposing the wound to X-rays has stopped regrowth in 85 percent of cases.