You might have experienced the scars that form after any injury or incision. But ignored, as most of the people do. Well, it might be concerning sometimes, because it could be Keloids. These are the thick scars that appear in the red and purple color at first and can be darker or more textured as time passes.
Though they are not harmless, they might be irritating, especially if they appear on the face, ears, or neck. You might be struggling with it or might be wondering how to get rid of it.
Don’t worry, this article will help you know important things related to Keloids on your skin. Let’s dive in!
Keloid: Get Familiar With The Term!
Before going on the treatments that help you get rid of the Keloids, it is important to completely understand the term Keloids.
Keloids are scars that tend to appear when your body produces too much collagen while healing an injury. This scar tissue gradually increases beyond the original wounds. Though they are often harmless, you may experience itchiness and pain, or they could be aesthetically unappealing.
Some individuals are more prone to produce Keloids than others. The reason behind that might be genetics, skin type, and the location of the injury. However, if you have a history of Keloids in your family, then you might be more prone to them.
If you are searching for a dermatologist near Moorestown for guidance regarding Keloids, you may visit Meta Dermatology.
Ways to Get Rid of Keloids on Your Skin
Though it might not be possible to completely remove the Keloids on your skin, there are various methods you can opt for to reduce their size or appearance. Let’s explore these options:
Over-the-Counter Treatments
For individuals who are experiencing smaller Keloids or those just starting to develop, over-the-counter (OTC) can be an ideal option for them. Silicon is the commonly recommended treatment for Keloids. Silicone gel sheets are used over the Keloids, and it might take time to flatten the scar, reduce redness, and reduce itching.
Steroid Injections
The other method that helps treat Keloids is steroid injection. Your healthcare provider injects a corticosteroid medication directly into the Keloids. It shrinks the scar tissue and reduces the inflammation. This treatment is usually used to flatten the Keloids or make them less noticeable; you might need multiple injections over several weeks and months for the best results depending upon the size.
Though steroid injections are generally safe, you might experience some side effects such as skin thinning or discoloration in the treated area. So, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professionals.
Are you looking for the Keloid Scar Treatment in Moorestown, NJ? Meta Dermatology is here to help you!
Cryotherapy (Freezing Therapy)
The next treatment that is effective for Keloids is cryotherapy (freezing therapy), which involves freezing the Keloid with liquid nitrogen. It is beneficial if the scar is in its early stages, as the freezing process damages the tissues and prevents it from growing further.
However, you may experience some side effects such as skin discoloration or temporary blistering. So, make sure to get this treatment done by a dermatologist to reduce the risk of complications.
Laser Therapy
Another treatment for Keloids is laser therapy. It targets the blood vessels in them while using intense light. Hence, results in reducing redness and shrinking the scar. Moreover, it is a non-invasive procedure, which is ideal for more stubborn Keloids if other treatments are not efficient.
It is generally safe and quite effective to reduce the size; you may need multiple sessions for the best results. However, Keloids could come back even after this treatment.
Surgical Removal
If all the other treatments don’t work to cure Keloids, you can opt for surgical removal. In this procedure, a surgeon cuts out the Keloid tissue, but it doesn’t guarantee that it won’t return. However, there is a risk that it could even grow back larger than before.
Pressure Therapy
Talking about pressure therapy involves wearing a special garment that applies constant pressure to the Keloids. This treatment is commonly used for large Keloids, especially those located on the ears. This helps flatten the Keloid and reduce its size over time.
The process may be slow, but the consistent use of this therapy improves the appearance of Keloid.
Tips To Prevent Keloids
The prevention of keloid formation remains challenging, yet taking these preventive measures may reduce its occurrence:
- Proper wound care includes thorough cleaning along with appropriate covering to stop infection from occurring.
- You should prevent all unnecessary skin damage from piercings or tattoos because this increases the Keloid risk.
- People with Keloid tendencies should obtain advice from dermatologists before surgical or any other medical treatments result in creating scars.
Conclusion
Keloids create challenges, but medical professionals provide various treatments that assist with their management and size reduction. A wide range of keloid management treatments exists, which includes prescription drugs alongside OTC products like silicone gel sheets, along with medical procedures including steroid injections, laser therapy, and surgery.
The appropriate treatment depends on how large the keloid is, its area, and the level of severity. Individuals who are residing in Moorestown should always start by consulting with the best dermatologist in NJ, Meta Dermatologist, to choose the right treatment that fits their needs. Remember, it will require extended patience because effective treatment of Keloids demands consistent application and time.