Keloid, also known as keloid disorder and keloidal scar, is the formation of a type of scar which, depending on its maturity, is composed mainly of either type III (early) or type I (late) collagen.
A keloid forms due to an overgrowth of fibrous tissue. In response to injury, cells in the skin — called fibroblasts — produce excessive collagen, which leads to the development of a keloid.
A keloid is a nodule consisting of a proliferation of fibroblasts embedded in the dense collagen bundles. Keloidal fibers are present, which are characterized by the thickened eosinophilic collagen bundles. Mild chronic inflammation may be observed.
Ear keloids are a type of scar tissue, so there isn't any pus to squeeze out, like a pimple. Trying to pop a keloid on your ear can damage your skin and introduce bacteria, which can cause an infection.
Keloids only grow in the skin and do not spread inside the body (ie, not cancerous). In addition to the unpleasant appearance of keloids, some patients may feel itch, pain, and/or soreness to touch. Keloids can become so irritated that they appear infected with drainage.
Unlike skin tags, an excision procedure is not appropriate in case of keloids, since cutting it will ultimately result in the formation of an even larger mass of tissue. Although home remedies may not completely remove the keloids but it will obviously reduce the size, pain and inflammation.
1 – Simply Removing Keloids May Lead to Larger Keloids
Because keloids are actually a type of hyper-replicating scar tissue, surgical removal needs to be performed very precisely in order to avoid creating a bigger problem.
Steroid Injections
Dermatologists may inject a corticosteroid solution directly into a hypertrophic scar or keloid, which may help reduce its size. Steroids break the bonds between collagen fibers, which reduces the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin.
This involves cutting out the keloid. Most keloids will return after this treatment. Pressure treatment. After keloid surgery, keeping pressure on the area reduces blood flow.
A keloid rarely opens upon its own. Like the rest of your skin, you may see a keloid bleeding if you injure it. An open keloid can become infected.
Collagen — a protein found throughout the body — is useful to wound healing, but when the body produces too much, keloids can form. Keloid growth might be triggered by any sort of skin injury — an insect bite, acne, an injection, body piercing, burns, hair removal, and even minor scratches and bumps.
There are no proven methods of removing keloid scars naturally. Some clinical studies have shown that onion extract used orally or on the skin might possibly be effective in improving the appearance of keloid scars and reducing itchiness and discomfort.
In a cohort study in Taiwan, patients with keloids were at an increased risk of developing various forms of cancer -- pancreatic cancer and skin cancer in particular -- when compared to the general population, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.51 (95% CI 1.39-1.63), according to Kathy Chien-Hui Hong, MD, PhD, of ...
Generally speaking, they don't go away. No matter what we do, it carries a risk of making the keloid worse.” The following might be used to prevent keloids during the wound healing process: Silicone sheet or gel: This may be applied to increase hydration to the wound and decreasing risk of keloids.
Researchers know that the body produces more collagen than its needs to heal the injured skin. That's why the keloid scar grows bigger than the wound that caused it. To understand all that happens inside the body, dermatologists continue to study keloids.
If you find a keloid has become very tender it may be infected. There will usually be some inflammation or the skin will be warm to the touch. If this happens it's a good idea to see a doctor. Some keloid infections can develop into pockets of pus.
Keloids can be relatively uncomfortable and restrict movement, especially if occurring at joints. Try Vaseline's skin-care products enriched with ingredients like aloe and nourishing argan oil, to help soften and soothe the skin at the scar. Read up on how you can heal your scars with the help of Vaseline.
Excision of a keloid may stimulate additional collagen synthesis, prompting quick recurrence as a possible larger keloid than the initial one. For this reason, intramarginal surgical (core) excision of keloid tissue has been recommended to prevent stimulation of additional collagen synthesis.
Keloids mainly develop due to the overgrowth of scar tissues and are not dangerous. There is no scientific evidence to show that tea tree oil can improve existing keloids.
Keloids can continue to grow for months or even years. They eventually stop growing but they do not disappear without treatment. In some cases, as mentioned above, keloids can return after they have been removed.
Hypertrophic scars are contained within the site of injury and may regress over time, while keloids spread beyond the borders of the initial injury and do not regress. On histological examination, hypertrophic scars tend to have collagen in a wavy, regular pattern, whereas keloids have no distinct pattern of collagen.
2.1. Apple Cider Vinegar As a natural astringent and exfoliator, apple cider vinegar prevents scar-promoting cells from entering the keloid site, reducing both the pigmentation and the size of the scar. Besides, the irritated skin will be calmer and reduce swelling when applied apple cider vinegar.
This causes keloid scars to grow due to the excess growth of scar tissue. Pro Tip: To reduce itching, apply an ice pack to cool down the irritation and remember to moisture to avoid it drying out. Leave the scar alone to avoid any irritation that might cause even more scarring to occur.
Home Remedies for Keloids
Aspirin: Crushed aspirin tablets made into a paste and applied to the scar for one or two hours may help reduce scars that appear larger or darker due to inflammation. 3. Honey: Honey is used in various skin treatments and wound dressings for its anti-inflammatory properties.