Ways to Treat and Reduce Keloids

Keloids are more than just scars they’re the result of abnormal wound healing, and for many people, especially those with darker skin tones or a family history of keloids, they can be a persistent and sometimes painful problem. These raised, expanding scars often appear after skin injuries like cuts, piercings, burns, or surgeries and can be itchy, uncomfortable, or affect self-confidence.

While keloids rarely go away on their own, there are both at-home strategies and medical treatments that can help minimize their appearance or prevent them altogether.

Understanding Keloids vs. Hypertrophic Scars

Not every raised scar is a keloid. Hypertrophic scars stay within the boundaries of the original injury and often fade over time. Keloids, by contrast, extend beyond the wound’s edges and continue to grow, sometimes for months after healing.

Key signs of keloids:

• Raised, thick scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound

• Discoloration (pink, red, or darker than surrounding skin)

• Itching, burning, or tenderness

• Slow growth, often continuing for weeks or months

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Tips for Keloids

While home treatments may not eliminate a keloid entirely, they can help reduce symptoms or prevent further growth especially when used early.

1. Silicone Gel or Sheets

• Used for over 30 years to prevent abnormal scars

• Helps flatten and soften keloids over time

• Look for OTC options like Mederma® gel sheets or Strataderm® gel

2. Aspirin Paste

• Crush low-dose aspirin and mix with water, aloe vera, or coconut oil

• Apply to the keloid for 1–2 hours daily

• Helps reduce inflammation that contributes to scar growth

3. Topical Steroids

• OTC hydrocortisone 1% cream can calm inflammation

• Prescription-strength options are more effective but may cause skin thinning if overused

4. Honey

• Natural anti-inflammatory; promotes wound healing

• Apply using a dressing rather than directly to the wound

• Kelulut honey is noted for its stronger effects

5. Garlic and Onion Extracts

• Garlic ointment contains allicin, an antioxidant that may reduce scarring

• Onion extract (Cepalin®) includes quercetin, known to limit inflammation

• Both can be applied topically; available online or in some drugstores

Medical Treatments for Keloids

When home remedies aren’t enough, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can offer more targeted solutions.

1. Corticosteroid Injections

• One of the most common and effective treatments

• Typically involves triamcinolone acetonide injected directly into the keloid

• May be combined with Botox to reduce scar tension

2. Cryotherapy

• Freezes keloid tissue with extreme cold

• Best for small, early-stage scars

• Multiple sessions often required

3. Laser Therapy

• Uses pulsed dye lasers to break down scar tissue

• Works best for lighter skin tones due to risk of hypopigmentation

• Often combined with steroid injections

4. Superficial Radiation Therapy

• Delivers low-dose radiation to shrink scars

• Useful for dark, flat keloids

• Side effects like redness or dryness are temporary

5. Chemotherapy (5-Fluorouracil)

• Targets abnormal scar-forming cells

• Applied topically or injected

• Often paired with corticosteroids to enhance results

6. Surgical Removal

• Reserved for disfiguring or resistant keloids

• Usually followed by additional therapy (e.g., steroid injections or radiation) to prevent recurrence

• A technique called skin flap retention with resurfacing is commonly used

Preventing Keloids Before They Start

If you're keloid-prone, the best treatment is prevention. That means taking steps to avoid injury and properly caring for wounds:

• Avoid unnecessary piercings, tattoos, or cosmetic surgeries

• Clean wounds gently and keep them moist

• Use silicone gel early during the healing process

• Protect scars from the sun UV exposure can darken scars and make keloids more visible

• Avoid drying agents like hydrogen peroxide or harsh antiseptics

• If you must undergo surgery, speak with your doctor about keloid prevention strategies

Living with Keloids

Keloids can affect more than just your skin they can impact your self-esteem, daily comfort, and mental well-being. In one study, 40% of people with visible keloids reported a negative impact on their self-image. Others reported depression, anxiety, or social avoidance.

If you’re struggling emotionally or mentally with your scars, know that help is available:

• Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help reframe self-perceptions

• Support groups or online communities may help you feel less alone

• Meditation and stress-reducing techniques can support your overall well-being

7 Do’s and Don’ts for Managing Keloids

Do:

• Try silicone gel or sheets early on

• Use honey, garlic, or onion extract as gentle natural aids

• Consult a dermatologist about treatment options

Don’t:

• Expose scars to the sun without protection

• Use drying agents like hydrogen peroxide

• Get tattoos or piercings without understanding the risks

Final Thoughts

Keloids are stubborn, but they’re not untreatable. Whether you're looking for preventive strategies, natural remedies, or medical treatments, there are effective options to manage or reduce their appearance.

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