How can keloids be removed

Honey was mentioned in a review for its healing potential with keloids specifically. Quite a few studies support the use of onion for keloids. A study found that the use of onion extract stopped fibroblasts — the cells that produce the scar tissue — from entering the skin. Another study in found onion extract gel sped healing and reduced scar height. In a trial , it reduced pigmentation. This is most likely due to its quercetin content, a flavonol with antioxidant properties. Retinoid cream is a derivative of vitamin A, or retinol.

Much like natural remedies such as garlic or onion, the cream has been clinically proven to reduce keloid appearance. Silicone gel or sheets may be a go-to recommendation from your doctor. A trial found them just as effective as retinoid cream. Follow instructions or directions on the silicone product you purchase, or those given by your doctor. Injections of steroidal anti-inflammatories have been known to help with keloids. However, these have been shown to be more effective following major treatment for keloids.

This includes surgical scar removal, laser treatment, and more, as noted in a study. A combination of different injected steroids has also been shown to be more successful in a analysis. An 80 percent recurrence rate was reported, however. Talk to your doctor about using injected steroids in combination with surgery, laser removal, or other operations. While some surgery is necessary, avoid procedures such as cosmetic surgery.

Surgical modifications to the skin can cause keloids. Tattoos and piercings are a very likely cause for keloids. In a way, they can be considered an unnecessary surgery.

Think thoroughly about whether you want keloids or not if you invest in more tattoos or piercings. Try to prevent yourself from picking or popping acne on your skin. The inflammation caused by these exacerbations can lead to keloids. But even after successful treatment, keloids might return later. Keloid scar treatments include the following. One or a combination of approaches might be best for your situation.

Even after successful flattening or removal, keloids can grow back, sometimes bigger than before. Or you may develop new ones. There are no proven methods of removing keloid scars naturally. Some clinical studies have shown that onion extract used orally or on the skin might possibly be effective in improving the appearance of keloid scars and reducing itchiness and discomfort.

Research into wound-healing issues, including keloid formation, shows promise. For example, studies include:. Call your doctor if you notice a change in your skin that might indicate a keloid is forming or if you've been living with a keloid for a while and want to seek treatment.

After your initial appointment, your doctor may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions dermatologist. You might want to ask a trusted family member or friend to come to your appointment, if possible.

Someone close to you may provide additional insight about your condition and can help you remember what's discussed during your appointment. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Your doctor usually can tell whether you have a keloid by looking at the affected skin.

Treatment Keloid scar, before and after treatment Open pop-up dialog box Close. Then, when performing surgery to remove the scar, the surgeons use this expanded skin to replace the damaged or burned skin. The new skin heals naturally. NYU Langone doctors also offer hair transplantation if a scar forms in a location where hair naturally grows, such as the eyebrow. Surgeons remove healthy hair follicles, usually from the back of the scalp, and implant them in the scarred area of the skin to restore a natural look.

After surgery, a doctor places a sterile bandage over the wound. If surgery was extensive, the doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to help you recover comfortably. Doctors schedule a follow-up appointment for six to eight days after surgery to evaluate healing and, if necessary, remove stitches.

Over the following six to eight weeks, the skin heals and the new, smaller scar begins to flatten and fade to match the surrounding skin. Complete healing can take as long as a year. During this time, surgeons schedule additional follow-up appointments as needed to monitor how the scar is healing. If necessary, doctors can administer a corticosteroid injection if it appears that a hypertrophic scar or keloid is forming after surgery. If you have a history of developing keloids, surgeons may plan on injecting corticosteroids into the scar tissue several times during the months following surgery in an attempt to prevent recurrence.

In addition, our surgeons may recommend postoperative superficial external beam radiotherapy to prevent a keloid from forming. This therapy is typically performed within 24 to 48 hours of surgery for best results.

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