Having a keloid is not easy. Not only are they a cosmetic nuisance, they can also be quite itchy and painful, and, if not taken care of properly, they can grow a lot! Even though they are not dangerous in any way, we still want to make sure our skin is nice and smooth, so stopping a keloid from growing is the first step towards the complete healing of this collagen scar tissue. There are several things you can do to stop a keloid from growing, so try some of these options to see which one works best for your individual case.
Get the Right Diagnosis
It is very important to get the right diagnosis from your dermatologist. There are many cases of raised scars that do not fall into the category of keloids and therefore require no treatment, but if your doctor determines that you do in fact suffer from this condition, you can take the proper steps by yourself to make the keloid go away.
Try Over-the-counter Silicones
A good starting point could be the over-the-counter topical creams and gels that contain silicone. According to the health professionals, products that contain silicone are very beneficial for the treatment of keloids as they can substantially reduce their size and keep them from growing bigger. Talk to your doctor and see if he agrees with this type of treatment of your condition.
Cortisone Injections
Talk to your doctor about getting cortisone injections. He may recommend you get a series of these injections to the keloid every four to eight weeks by a professional to shrink the keloid and make it flatter, while at the same time preventing it from growing. You should be aware that sometimes these injections can make the keloid darker in color, so if this is something you are comfortable with, try going for this option.
Cryotherapy for Keloids
You may consider undergoing cryotherapy for your keloids. It is a treatment that can help shrink the keloids significantly, as the liquid nitrogen used in this therapy is applied to the keloid in order to freeze away the excess cells. This only takes a few minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office quite easily. Your doctor may recommend several sessions over the span of a few weeks or months, depending on the size of your keloid.
Laser Therapy
Consult with your dermatologist about the benefits of laser therapy for your keloid problem. This type of keloid therapy is relatively new and has not been studied as deep as other options, but it is nevertheless on the rise and will surely become a mainstream treatment option in a few years. Ask your dermatologist if he thinks laser therapy will help shrink the keloid and stop it from growing altogether.
Use Vitamin E
Vitamin E is known for its many benefits when it comes to scar healing and keloid prevention, but it also helps keloids shrink substantially. Apply vitamin E cream or oil directly to the keloid twice a day for about two to three months. You can opt for store bought vitamin E oil or vitamin E capsules that you can cut open and squeeze onto the scar.
Silicone Gel Sheets
Using a silicone gel sheet on your keloid can be a good treatment option for you as well. These silicone gel sheets are also called scar sheets and they are reusable and self-adhesive sheets that can be applied to the keloid to reduce it and stop it from growing. They should be worn for at least ten hours per day for a few months and can be bought at many pharmacies and even online.
Use Garlic
A beloved ingredient that can be found in the most kitchen is also very beneficial when it comes to the treatment of keloids. Garlic prevents excess fibroblast proliferation which is responsible for the growth of keloid scars, so applying it to your keloid can actually stop it from growing. Apply garlic oil or simply crushed the garlic to the keloid and leave it on for fifteen minutes. Rinse the area with cold water afterward and apply a moisturizer.
Crush the Aspirin
Aspirin is a common painkiller found in most homes, and also a great treatment option for keloids. Simply crush some aspirin tablets and mix with some water to make a thick paste. Clean your keloids and apply the paste. Let it dry and wash off with cold water. Apply some tea tree oil to it to moisturize and help shrink the keloid even further.
Mix Rose Water and Sandalwood
A mixture of sandalwood and rose water sounds like a perfect combination for many skin issues, including keloids. Mix the two ingredients together to form a thick paste and apply to a clean keloid before going to bed. Wash it off the next morning and apply some moisturizer.
Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help a lot when it comes to healing the keloids, especially in initial stages. The gel stops the keloid from burning and it reduces the pain and soothes the inflammation. Apply the organic aloe vera gel to a cleansed keloid and leave it on for about ten minutes. Doing this regularly can make the keloid shrink and it can relieve the itching sensation that usually comes with this condition.
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