Keloids are excess growths of scar tissue on the place of a healed wound. These scars are more often than not quite lumpy, flesh- colored, pink, or red, and also, an eyesore for some. They can form on the spot of a surgical incision or other injuries such as acne scars, chicken pox, burns, vaccination, or burns. They are itchy when they are forming which can get quite uncomfortable, so if you are looking for some ways to make the keloids stop itching, here are a few steps you can take and remedies you can use.
Ice It
One way to soothe the itching is to apply an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel to the keloid. According to a number of doctors, you can ice the spot from three to seven times a day and for no longer than twenty minutes per session.
Hydrate the Skin
We all know that moisturizing your skin is beneficial, but it can also help with itchy keloids. Hydrating your skin daily can help a lot, as dry skin tends to itch more and lead to more scarring and even infection in some cases. Use a good gentle moisturizer or coconut oil several times a day to keep your skin moist and itch free.
Corticosteroid Help
If you have to, you can always apply a corticosteroid cream to the keloid to alleviate the itching sensation. There are a lot of variations of these creams, and depending on your condition you may use a prescription strength cream or a simple over-the-counter corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone.
Avoid Hot Water and Harsh Soaps
Since your skin is delicate while you suffer from keloids, instead of taking scorching hot showers and baths opt for warm or lukewarm water instead. Also, make sure you use a gentle soap instead of a harsh one, as chemicals in harsh soaps can irritate the skin even further and dry it out more than they should.
Antihistamine Aid
You can also opt for an oral over-the-counter antihistamine to help with the itching. According to health professionals, oral antihistamines usually work better than antihistamine creams. Over-the-counter medicines such as diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine can cause drowsiness, so be wary of them. Instead, try cetirizine or loratadine, as they do not have these side effects.
Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the most common home remedies for keloid itching is our trusty apple cider vinegar. It helps relieve the itching while at the same time minimizing the redness and the size of the keloid. Apply the vinegar directly to the affected area and massage it in gently. Allow it to dry and repeat the process several times a day for best results.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an abrasive that can help with skin exfoliation and keloid management. To make this treatment, mix three parts of hydrogen peroxide with one part of baking soda to form a paste. Apply it directly to the keloid to help reduce the inflammation and speed up the healing. Repeat three times a day.
Essential Oil
Using essential oils can help with the itching and the healing of your keloids. Lavender oil, tea tree oil, or rose hip oil are especially good for this type of skin problem due to their soothing properties. Apply the oil directly to the keloid and massage it in gently several times a day.
Iodine Remedy
Iodine is commonly found in homes and it is a good keloid remedy. Apply the iodine directly to the affected area three to four times a day to soothe the itching sensation and to speed up the healing process. You can find iodine solution in most drugstores and health food stores across the world, so give it a try as it is quite inexpensive and works wonders for the keloids.
Wear Loose Fitting Clothes
To avoid further irritation and itching, opt for loose-fitting clothes made from gentle materials. Try to avoid wool and cotton as they can be quite harsh to the skin as they rub against the affected area. Try different materials to see which one works best for you.
Silicone Gels
There are quite a few topical silicone gels that can help with the itchiness. These ointments soothe the itching sensation and the pain, and they also help the keloid be less red and flatten it out. There are a few popular brands on the market you can easily obtain such as Kelocote, ScarAway, Dermatix, and Zeraderm.
Cold Water
Applying cold water to your keloid can help with the itching immensely. Cool temperatures affect the nerves that actually cause the itch so running a stream of cool tap water over the area can provide relief. Taking a cold shower is also a good idea, especially if you have keloids on a few sites of your body.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is good for soothing the skin, and taking a cool oatmeal bath can relieve the annoying keloid itching. Fill the tub with lukewarm water and pour the oats or colloidal oatmeal into it. Soak in the tub for about twenty minutes and pat yourself dry with a soft towel after you’re done. Use a gentle moisturizer or coconut oil afterward for even better results.
Cold Moisturizer
At this point, we know that hydrating your skin properly helps a lot with the itching sensation, but try taking it a step further by placing your moisturizer in the fridge for ten to fifteen minutes before applying it. This way you are not only moisturizing your skin, but you are also getting the double effect because the coldness helps the itching go away much faster.
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