Keloids are a type of raised scar that can extend beyond the original scar or wound and occur as a result of excessive collagen production. While the exact cause of keloid formation is unknown, there are several factors that can contribute to their development, including genetics, age, ethnicity, trauma, and inflammation.
Certain medical conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, can also predispose individuals to developing keloids.
Keloids typically form due to an overabundance of type III collagen, which is a type of collagen generally found within wounds. As healing begins, the skin begins to produce an excess of collagen. Usually, during the natural healing process, the body will produce enough type I collagen to balance the production of type III collagen, so that keloids don’t form.
However, if an individual has a genetic predisposition to keloids or the amount of type I collagen does not counterbalance the amount of type III collagen, a keloid can result. Certain external factors, such as trauma or inflammation, can also increase the likelihood of developing a keloid.
Ultimately, keloids form due to an excessive production of collagen, usually type III collagen, in response to injury or inflammation. While the specific cause is unknown, there are several factors that can increase the likelihood of developing a keloid, such as genetics, age, ethnicity, trauma, inflammation, and certain medical conditions.
How do you stop a keloid from forming?
Keloids can be extremely difficult to treat and completely stop from forming. Some methods to prevent the formation of keloids include the following:
1. Consistent Sun Protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day when spending time outside and be sure to protect skin from sunburns which can increase the risk of developing keloids.
2. Avoid Scarring: If possible, try to avoid activities or engagements that may lead to scarring, such as piercings, tattooing, surgery and other forms of skin trauma.
3. Pressure Therapy: Pressure therapy has been known to reduce the size and prominence of existing keloids. You can use compression dressings to treat new or existing keloids.
4. Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections into keloid scars can help to reduce itching, burning and tenderness. This can be a very effective treatment for active keloids, but results are often temporary.
5. Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a common treatment for keloids and involves the careful application of liquid nitrogen to the affected area. This method can reduce inflammation, tenderness and size.
6. Laser Treatments: Laser treatments like those used to remove tattoos can help fade the appearance of unsightly keloids and reduce their size.
7. Silicone Sheet Dressings: Silicone dressings are used to help thin and flatten existing and raised keloids. They also help to reduce redness and itchiness.
8. Surgery: Surgical excision can completely remove a keloid if other treatments have failed to yield results.
If you have a keloid or are concerned about developing one, it’s best to see a dermatologist who can recommend a specific treatment plan.
What to do if a keloid starts forming?
If a keloid starts forming it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible, as they can sometimes be painful or cause other medical complications. Early treatment is essential to stop them from growing and becoming larger.
Treatment options include corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets or gels, cryotherapy, and laser therapy. Generally, corticosteroid injections are recommended first. These usually need to be repeated at regular intervals and in combination with other treatments to reduce the size and improve the symptoms.
Silicone sheets or gels or cryotherapy can be used to flatten the keloid, reduce inflammation and pain, and reduce itching. Laser therapy may be recommended if the keloids are more stubborn and resistant.
In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove the keloid. If the keloid recurs, preventive measures such as avoiding excessive sun exposure and using a sunscreen can help reduce the chances of it reappearing.
What triggers keloid growth?
Keloid growth is triggered by a process called “scarring.” When the skin has been injured, fibroblasts (types of cells) and other factors form a new protective layer called a scar. A keloid occurs when your body produces too much collagen (a type of protein) when healing from a wound, resulting in a growth or lump that extends beyond the original wound.
This can happen when the original wound was particularly deep, or when it caused inflammation or infection.
When a keloid is caused by an injury such as a cut or burn, the initial healing process causes cells to produce greater amounts of collagen than usual. The collagen builds up, thickening the skin and making it appear raised.
In some cases, the keloid may become very large and cause pain or itching.
Certain factors may contribute to the development of keloids, such as a family history of keloids, inflammation, infection, or skin trauma. People with darker skin tones may also be more prone to developing them, as well as certain areas of the body like the ears, chest, and shoulders.
How do you flatten a keloid naturally?
The best natural way to flatten a keloid is to use a variety of methods, such as physical therapy, topical treatments, and lifestyle changes.
Physical therapy can help flatten a keloid by breaking up the dense fibrous fibers inside the bump. A physical therapist or your physician may be able to recommend specific exercises that target the area, such as stretching and massage.
Topical treatments that are often used to flatten a keloid include corticosteroids and silicone gels, which can help decrease inflammation and soften the bump. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can often provide temporary relief from the itching and pain associated with keloids.
If your keloid is not responding to these creams, prescription-strength treatments may be more effective.
Silicone gels, soft bandages, and pressure pads have also been used as effective treatments for flattening keloids. When applied for eight to 24 hours a day, these treatments help to flatten the keloid and sometimes reduce or eliminate the bump altogether.
Lifestyle changes are also critical for successful natural keloid treatments. Reducing sun exposure, using skin care and cosmetic products that are non-irritating, and avoiding picking or scratching the area can all help reduce irritation and swelling.
Additionally, if you’re prone to getting keloids, it’s important to protect the area when you are cutting or doing any other activity that could potentially cause a wound or irritation.
If you’ve been using natural keloid treatments and they don’t seem to be working, speak to your dermatologist about other possible solutions. Some people have had success with laser therapy, cryotherapy, and even surgery.
The best option for you will depend on the size and location of the keloid and your lifestyle.
Do keloids on piercings go away?
Keloids on piercings can go away, but it is not a guarantee. A keloid is a type of scar that is formed when the body overproduces a certain type of protein found in skin, called collagen. Keloids can occur when the skin is injured, such as with a piercing, and can be caused by genetics or a further reaction to the piercing procedure.
These types of scars can be difficult to treat, and can take several months for them to fade away. The best way to help reduce scarring is to gently cleanse the area of the piercing and make sure to use the appropriate aftercare.
This includes applying a topical corticosteroid cream, as this can help reduce the size of the keloids.
If necessary, laser treatments may be an option to help reduce the appearance of keloids on piercings. However, it is important to speak to a medical professional, since laser treatments can be costly and depending on the severity of the keloid, may not fee entirely effective.
What is inside a keloid?
Keloids are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules that develop in response to an overgrowth of scar tissue. They are smooth, dome-shaped and vary in color from pink to skin colored, purple to dark brown.
Keloids are more common on chest, shoulders, ears, and cheeks, but can appear anywhere on the body.
Under the microscope, keloids are found to be composed of densely packed type 3 collagen. This kind of collagen is generally abundant in healthy skin, but in keloids, this collagen forms thick, multiple layers with abnormal fiber structure, and produces excessive amounts of growth factors and cytokines.
Eosinophils and mast cells are also found in abundance in keloids. Different types of cells, such as neutrophils, plasma cells and lymphocytes, can also be seen in the tissue.
Keloids usually do not contain any fat due to their dense collagen content, though some may have a central fat layer. They are not known to contain blood vessels or nerves.
Does stress cause keloids to grow?
No, stress does not cause keloids to grow. Keloids are benign (non-cancerous) overgrowths of the skin that develop as a result of an imbalance in certain naturally occurring materials like collagen, elastin, and keratin.
They are caused by a combination of genetic factors, skin trauma, and possibly even hormones. In other words, stress does not cause keloids to grow, as they are not caused by psychological or environmental factors.
However, a side effect of stress is that it can make existing keloids feel more itchy or uncomfortable. Stress can also create an environment in which existing conditions can become aggravated and can exacerbate existing issues, such as keloids.
That being said, while stress does not cause keloids to grow, it can make their symptoms worse. If you are suffering from keloids and you are feeling stressed, its a good idea to try to find ways to manage your stress and relaxation.
Which cream is for keloid?
Keloid creams are over-the-counter topical ointments that may help reduce the redness, itching, and swelling associated with keloids. They usually contain a mix of ingredients such as corticosteroids, silicone, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and other natural oils.
Corticosteroids are the most commonly recommended cream for keloids and work by reducing inflammation. They can be found in topical applications, oral medications, or injected directly into the keloid.
Silicone creams also work by creating a barrier that prevents moisture from entering the skin. Vitamin E and natural oils can be used to moisturize and reduce itching. Hyaluronic acid helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump.
Depending on the severity of the keloid, different creams may be more effective. It is important to consult a dermatologist before attempting to treat keloids with any type of cream.
How do you prevent keloids?
Keloids can be difficult to prevent as they are caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue in response to cuts, burns, acne, and other skin injuries. However, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk:
1. Avoid piercings and tattoos. If you do decide to get them, make sure they are done by a professional and that the area is well-cleaned and sanitized before and after the procedure.
2. When you have a cut or wound, take care to keep it clean and apply bandages if needed.
3. If you have a history of keloids or are prone to scarring, ask your doctor about using a topical scar-preventing cream or gel such as silicone gel to minimize the appearance of any potential scars.
4. If you have a history of keloid formation, consider seeking medical attention early if you have an injury that could potentially lead to the formation of new scars.
5. Radiotherapy, corticosteroids, immunotherapy, and cryotherapy can be used to shrink keloid scars. Your doctor can advise you on the best treatment plan for both prevention and treatment of keloids.
Does Vaseline prevent keloids?
Vaseline is often recommended as a treatment for preventing and managing keloids. However, research has not yet been able to show it has measurable success in reducing the appearance of keloids. While some anecdotal evidence suggests that Vaseline may help improve the appearance of keloids by preventing them from growing, others have reported that it made their keloid worse.
Therefore, it is not recommended to use Vaseline as a preventative measure for keloids. Instead, it may be used to help manage keloids that have already developed. When used on a regular basis, it may help reduce redness, itching, and dryness associated with keloids.
It is important to note that it may take several weeks of regularly applying Vaseline for the intended effects to take place. If you are looking for a more effective way to prevent or reduce the appearance of keloids, you should speak with your healthcare provider.
They can provide you with additional treatment options and prescribe medications or therapies which have shown to be more successful in reducing the size or appearance of keloids.
Who is more prone to keloids?
Keloids are most likely to occur in people between the ages of 10 and 30, with individuals in the African-American, Hispanic, and Asian populations being at the highest risk. African-Americans have the highest rate of keloid development, estimated at between 10 and 20%.
Keloids are much more common in women than in men, with individuals with dark skin being particularly vulnerable to them. Additionally, those with a family history of keloids or who have experienced scarring from previous injuries are more likely to develop them.
Can massaging a keloid flatten it?
Yes, in some cases massage can be effective in helping to flatten a keloid. Keloids are raised, thickened scars that form in response to an injury to the skin, such as a cut or burn. Massaging a keloid can help improve its appearance, as it can reduce pain, lessen itching, and reduce the size of the scar.
It can also help relax the surrounding tissues, thus making the raised area less noticeable. Massaging the keloid should be done gently and be directed in the direction the keloid is growing. It’s important to note that the results achieved through massage may not be long-lasting.
To further reduce the size of the scar, you may need to pursue other treatments such as steroid injections or silicone gel sheets. So, while massage may be beneficial in helping to flatten a keloid, it may not be an effective permanent solution.
Does apple cider vinegar remove keloids?
No, Apple Cider Vinegar does not have any effect on the removal of keloids. Keloids are raised scar tissue that forms on the skin after an injury or trauma. These are caused by too much collagen that builds up in the skin when the body heals from a cut or wound.
Unfortunately, there is no known way to completely remove keloids. In some cases they may diminish in size naturally over time, but there is no guarantee that this will happen. The only known ways to reduce the size and appearance of a keloid are through topical or injection cortisone treatments, topical or injection silicone treatments, cryotherapy, and laser treatments.
None of these treatments involve the use of Apple Cider Vinegar or any home remedies. If you have keloids, it is best to speak with a dermatologist about what treatment options will work best for you.
Can you get rid of keloids naturally?
Yes, it is possible to get rid of keloids naturally, but it takes time and patience. Treatments such as silicone dressings, steroid injections, and cryotherapy can be used to reduce the size and appearance of keloids.
These treatments can help to reduce itching and discomfort associated with keloids. Additionally, some home remedies may be used to prevent the recurrence of keloids. These home remedies may include massaging the area with Vitamin E oil, applying a paste of honey and milk, and applying a mashed onion on the keloid.
While these treatments may offer some relief, it is important to keep in mind that they may not be able to completely get rid of the keloid or prevent further growth or recurrence. It is important to talk to a doctor if you think you have a keloid or are considering trying any of these treatments.
