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Have you ever noticed a thick, raised scar that kept growing even after your wound healed? That could be a keloid scar. Keloid scars are very common, but many people do not know much about them. This article explains what keloid scars are, why they form, how they can be treated, and what you can do at home to keep them from getting worse.
At Clinica Derm, Hyderabad, Dr Deepthi Atmakuri treats different types of keloid scars with treatments planned according to the patient’s skin and scar condition.
What Are Keloid Scars?
When your skin gets hurt, your body works to repair it. It does this by making new scar tissue. In most people, this process stops once the wound is healed. But in some people, the body keeps making scar tissue even after the wound is closed. This extra scar tissue builds up and creates a thick, raised lump on the skin. This is called a keloid scar.
A keloid scar is different from a normal scar. A normal scar stays roughly the same size as the wound. A keloid scar grows bigger than the original wound and does not go away on its own over time.
Keloids can feel itchy, tight, or uncomfortable. Some people also feel pain in the area. Because keloids often grow on visible parts of the body, many people feel self-conscious about how they look.
Keloids may look:
- Thick and raised
- Smooth or shiny
- Pink, red, brown, or darker than the skin
- Bigger than the original wound
Some keloids grow slowly over time and may continue growing for months.
These scars are commonly seen on the:
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Back
- Jawline
- Ears
Many people feel conscious about their appearance because of keloid scars, especially when they appear on visible areas like the face or ears.
What Causes Keloid Scars?
Keloids can develop after different types of skin damage. Sometimes the injury may even be very small.
Common causes include:
- Acne scars
- Ear piercing
- Burns
- Surgery cuts
- Cuts and wounds
- Insect bites
- Chickenpox scars
- Tattoos
- Shaving cuts
Some people are naturally more likely to develop keloids, especially if there is a family history of keloid scars.
How to Treat Keloid Scars
Many people search online for how to treat keloid scars or how to get rid of keloid scars. The treatment depends on the size, thickness, and location of the scar.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are one of the most common treatments for keloids. These injections help flatten the scar slowly and reduce itching or discomfort. A few sessions may be needed for better improvement.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment helps improve the appearance of keloid scars. It can reduce redness and make the scar look smoother and less noticeable. Many people choose laser treatment because it is simple and requires very little recovery time.
Freezing Treatment
Small keloids can sometimes be treated by freezing the scar. This treatment helps reduce the thickness of the scar gradually.
Silicone Gel and Scar Sheets
Dermatologists may also suggest silicone gels or scar sheets. These products help soften the scar and improve its texture over time when used regularly.
Keloid Removal Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be suggested for larger scars. But surgery alone may not always be enough because keloids can come back again. That is why doctors usually combine surgery with other treatments.
How to Reduce Keloid Scars at Home
Home care cannot completely remove a keloid, but it can help prevent the scar from getting worse.
Here are some simple tips:
- Do not scratch or rub the scar
- Keep the skin moisturised
- Protect the scar from sunlight
- Use sunscreen daily
- Avoid picking acne or wounds
- Follow proper wound care after injuries
If your skin easily forms raised scars, avoid unnecessary piercings or tattoos.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
You should visit a dermatologist if:
- The scar keeps growing
- There is itching or pain
- The scar becomes hard or uncomfortable
- The appearance affects your confidence
- Home remedies are not helping
Early treatment can help control keloid growth and improve the skin’s appearance.
Final Thoughts
Keloid scars are common, but they can sometimes become uncomfortable and difficult to manage without proper treatment. If you are searching for how to remove keloid scars, how to reduce keloid scars, or how to treat keloid scars, it is best to consult a skin specialist instead of trying random home remedies.
With treatments like steroid injections, laser treatment, and proper scar care, keloids can be managed effectively. At Clinica Derm, Hyderabad, Dr Deepthi Atmakuri provides personalised care to help patients improve the appearance and texture of keloid scars safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can keloid scars go away on their own?
No, keloid scars do not go away on their own. Unlike normal scars, they do not fade much over time. Treatment from a skin doctor is usually needed to flatten or reduce them.
Are keloid scars dangerous?
Keloid scars are not dangerous or harmful to your health. They are not cancerous and do not spread to other people. However, they can cause physical discomfort and affect a person’s confidence, which is why many people choose to treat them.
Can keloid scars come back after treatment?
Yes, keloid scars can sometimes come back after treatment, especially if surgery is the only treatment used. Combining treatments, such as surgery followed by laser therapy, helps reduce the chance of the keloid returning.
Is there a way to prevent keloid scars?
If you know you are prone to keloids, you can lower your risk by taking care of skin injuries quickly, avoiding unnecessary piercings or tattoos, and using silicone gel or pressure bandages on wounds as they heal. However, there is no guaranteed way to prevent keloids entirely in people who are prone to them.
How long does keloid treatment take?
The time it takes to see results depends on the type of treatment and the size of the scar. Some treatments, like steroid injections, may show improvement after a few sessions over a few months. Other treatments, like silicone sheets, may take six months or more of consistent use. Consult with Dr. Deepthi Atmakuri, she will give you a clearer timeline based on your specific case.