If you have keloid scarring and want a scar removal treatment, here are some of effective options. Learn why keloids form and how to prevent them, too.
2. Readily Available
Topical Retinoid
An important reminder, using retinoic acid topically and taking it orally have
different side-effects. Topical use generally has mild side-effects. If you are
considering laser treatment, taking retinoic acid orally increases your risk of
suffering from adverse effects.
3. Non-Invasive and
Economical Pressure
Therapy
Pressure therapy involves compression of the wounded or injured area of
the skin to reduce skin tension. Experts believe constant pressure with the
use of compression garments or tape will reduce cell production in the area
and flatten the scar.
4. Child-Safe Silicone
Gel
The use of silicone gel sheets is relatively painless and is highly effective
when applied to the affected area right after removing the stitches or
sutures. The use of self-adhesive silicone sheets is more effective than
using topical silicone gel.
5. Corticosteroid
InjectionsCorticosteroids work by inhibiting inflammation in the wound and by
reducing collagen production. Surgical practitioners also use corticosteroid
injections after a surgery procedure of removing the keloid scar to help
lessen the risk of the reappearance of the scar.
6. Cryotherapy for
Smaller Keloid
Scars
Cryotherapy is a treatment used during the early stage of the development
of a keloid scar. The procedure involves inserting a probe into the keloid to
release liquid nitrogen into the tissues.
7. Interferon
Therapy
Interferon gamma is a cytokine or protein that may interfere with the
excessive production of collagen that contributes to keloid scarring.
Intralesional interferon gamma is a popular treatment for abnormal scars.
8. Other Intralesional
Treatments for Keloid
Scarring
Aside from steroids and interferon, intralesional keloid scarring treatments
include bleomycin, fluorouracil and verapamil. These treatments offer results
comparable to silicone get treatments and the use of corticosteroids.
9. Say Goodbye to Keloid
Scars with Laser
Treatment Therapy
Laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure that reaches beneath the skin
with laser light to promote healing and eradicate damaged skin tissues.
Laser treatments may improve a keloid’s appearance and size.
10. Surgical Excision of
Keloid Scars
Surgical excision of a keloid scar is an invasive procedure with a high risk of
a recurring keloid scar, which may be larger and obvious than the previous
scar.
11. Risky Radiation Therapy:
Your Last Resort for
Stubborn Keloids
Doctors recommend radiation therapy after the surgical excision of a keloid
scar; however, they also say it should be your last option for persistent
keloid scars that don’t go away with other treatments.