Have you ever had a scar that seemed to grow bigger and redder over time? You might be dealing with a keloid, a type of scar that can be painful and unsightly. While there’s no cure for keloids, there are things you can do to manage them and prevent them from getting worse.
What is a Keloid?
Keloids are raised, thick scars that form when your body produces too much collagen in response to an injury. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on the chest, shoulders, ears, and back. Keloids are often itchy, painful, and can even become discolored.
What Are The Signs of Keloid?
- Appearance: Keloids are often raised, thick, and shiny. They can also be red, brown, or purple.
- Location: Keloids can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the chest, shoulders, ears, and back.
- Pain: Keloids can be painful, itchy, or tender.
- Growth: Keloids can continue to grow for months or even years after the initial injury.
Keloid Self-Care: Tips for Managing Your Scars
While there is no guaranteed way to make keloids disappear entirely, there are a number of things you can do to manage them and prevent them from getting worse.
1. Protect Your Scars From The Sun
You should protect your scars from the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can darken your scars and make them more noticeable. You can wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, and you should also wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and a hat, when you’re outdoors.
2. Apply Pressure
Applying pressure to the keloid can help to flatten it. You can use a silicone gel sheet or a compression garment. You should wear the compression garment for at least 12 hours a day.
3. Keep Your Scars Moisturized
Keeping your scars moisturized can help to prevent them from becoming dry and itchy. You can use a silicone gel, petroleum jelly, or a moisturizer designed for scars.
4. Avoid Picking at Your Scars
Picking at your scars can irritate them and make them worse. Try to avoid touching or scratching your scars.
5. Use Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications, such as hydrocortisone cream, can help to reduce itching and inflammation.
6. See a Doctor For Treatment
If you’re concerned about a keloid, or if it’s causing you pain or discomfort, you should see a dermatologist or another healthcare professional.
What to Do if You Have a Keloid
If you have a keloid, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options. According to Dr. Sarah Lee, a renowned dermatologist in New York City, “Keloids can be a frustrating condition, but there are a number of treatments that can help. It’s important to remember that keloid treatment is often a long-term process, and it may take several treatments to achieve the desired results.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Keloids
Can I Get Rid of a Keloid?
There’s no guaranteed way to make keloids disappear entirely, but there are a number of things you can do to manage them and prevent them from getting worse.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of a Keloid?
It can take a long time to get rid of a keloid, and it may take several treatments to achieve the desired results.
What are the most common treatments for keloids?
Common treatments for keloids include:
- Injections: Corticosteroids can be injected into the keloid to help reduce inflammation.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy can be used to remove or flatten keloids.
- Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen.
- Surgery: Surgery can be used to remove keloids, but it’s important to know that keloids can often return after surgery.
What Should I Do If My Keloid Is Painful?
If your keloid is painful, you should see a doctor to get it checked out. There are a number of things that can be done to relieve pain, such as applying a cold compress, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, or getting injections of corticosteroids.
Do Keloids Spread?
Keloids are not contagious and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, it’s possible for a keloid to grow larger over time.
What to Do If You Have Concerns About Keloids
If you have any concerns about a keloid, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
Conclusion
Managing keloids can be a long-term process, but it’s important to be patient and persistent. If you follow the tips above, you can help to keep your keloids under control and prevent them from getting worse. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
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