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What are Keloids?
Keloids are raised, thickened scars that develop when skin is injured. They can occur on any part of the body, but are most commonly found on the chest, shoulders, and upper back. Keloids can be large and unsightly, and they may cause itching or pain.
What Causes Keloids?
Keloids are caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue. They can occur after any type of skin injury, including burns, acne, piercings, and vaccinations. People with certain medical conditions, such as keloidosis or familial tendency to develop keloids, are more likely to get them.
Natural Remedies For Keloids
There is no sure way to prevent keloids from forming. However, there are several treatments that can help reduce their size and improve their appearance.
If you have keloids, you know how difficult they can be to deal with. They can be itchy, painful, and unsightly. Keloids can also return even after being surgically removed. If you are looking for a way to get rid of your keloids or prevent them from returning, there are several home remedies that you can try.
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1. Aspirin
Aspirin has been proven to reduce the size of keloids by preventing scarring cells from entering the keloid. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that make it an effective treatment for keloids.
Process: To use aspirin, mix it with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your keloid and let it be for 3 hrs before washing it off. This has been studied in 2015 that aspirin may help treating the keloids.
2. Silicone Gel or Silicone Sheeting
Silicone gel or silicone sheeting can be bought over the counter and help to flatten keloids. They work by creating a barrier between the keloid and the outside world which helps to reduce irritation and prevent the keloid from growing. It prevents bacterial invasion and promotes collagen synthesis in scar tissue that has been damaged.
A Review posted in a journal confirms that silicone gel or sheeting when applied decreases the scar and prevents it from growing again.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a home remedy for many different conditions for centuries. It is thought to work on keloids by drying them out and making them shrink. It exfoliates chemicals and works as an astringent. Apple cider decreases the redness and size of the scar significantly.
To Make This:
- Take apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water and dilute it.
- Next apply the mixture on the scar with a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with clean water.
Usage Tips: Repeat this process two times per day for 4-5 weeks for better results. This might work on small keloid scars, buy larger scars may need aggressive treatment.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has bleaching properties that can help to lighten the appearance of keloids. Since lemons are rich in Vitamin C, It also works as an astringent and helps to dry out the scar.
To Make This:
- Take the juice of one whole lemon.
- Take a cotton ball and soak it in the lemon juice.
- Now apply the entire affected area with lemon juice with the help of a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes after applying and wash it off with warm water.
When to Repeat this Process: Repeat this process two times every day.
Precautions: If you have sensitive skin then do a patch test before using this remedy on the entire affected area.
5. Treat with Garlic
Like Aspirin, garlic also stops some enzymes that create pigment and tissue buildup from entering the effected area. Garlic application also helps lighten the skin on the affected area.
To Make This:
- Take 3-4 cloves of garlic and peel it.
- Now, crush the garlic cloves into a thick paste.
- Apply the paste of garlic on the affected area.
- Leave it as it is for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- After the application process is done, apply a moisturizing cream on the area.
When to Follow this Process: Repeat this process two times every day.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used to treat a number of skin conditions for centuries. Aloe vera has many anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties. It is thought to work on keloids by reducing inflammation and preventing the scar from growing. Aloe vera also helps to keep the skin moisturized which can help to prevent the formation of new scars.
To Make This:
- Take a leaf of aloe vera and extract its gel
- Now wash the affected area with warm water and apply the gel.
- Leave the gel for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it.
- Repeat this process daily twice to get better results.
7. Honey
Honey is a natural substance that has been used to treat a number of different conditions for centuries. Honey is thought to work on keloids by keeping the scar moist which prevents it from growing. Honey also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce the size of the scar.
To Make This:
- To start this process, take organic raw honey.
- Spread some honey on the entire affected area.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off.
- You can repeat this process as many times as you like.
Precaution: If you are allergic to honey, do not use this remedy. Patch testing first might be helpful.
8. Onions for Keloids
Onions are rich in sulfur which is thought to help to reduce the size of keloids. Onions also have anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce the swelling and redness associated with keloids. A research conducted in 2013 found that onion extract stopped fibroblasts from entering the skin. And another study found that onion extracts speeds the process of skin healing and reduces pigmentation. The flavonol quercetin found in onions is also thought to have anti-scarring properties.
To Make This:
- Take an onion and cut it into thin slices.
- Put the onion slice into a clean cloth and squeeze it to extract the juice.
- Apply the onion extracts on top of the affected area and leave it on until it dries out.
- Wash it off with water after it dries. Repeat this process 3-4 times a day until you get desired results.
Precautions: If you have sensitive skin, diluting the onion juice with water might be a good idea. Doing a patch test before applying it to the entire affected area is also advisable.
9. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is a natural substance that has been used to treat a number of different conditions for centuries. Grapefruit seed extract is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These properties are thought to help reduce the size of keloids and heals the scars. Grapefruit seed extract is also thought to help to prevent the formation of new scars.
To Use This:
- Take a clean cotton swab and dip it in grapefruit seed extract.
- Now apply it directly on the scar.
- Leave it on for as long as possible before rinsing it off with water.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for best results.
Precaution: If you are allergic to grapefruit, do not use this remedy. Patch testing first might be helpful.
Children and pregnant woman must consult a doctor before using this remedy.
10. Retinoid Creams
Retinoid creams are derived from vitamin A and are thought to help reduce the size of keloids. Retinoids work by increasing collagen production which helps to heal the scars. Retinoids also have anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce the swelling and redness associated with keloids. This cream helps decrease the appearance of keloids and this has been proven.
How to Use: Just simply follow the instructions given on the retinol product you purchase.
Precautionary Measures To Avoid Keloids
I. Avoid Tattoos and Piercings: One of the best ways to prevent keloids is to avoid tattoos and piercings. They are more likely to cause keloids in people who are prone to them.
2. Avoid Cosmetic Surgery: Another way to prevent keloids is to avoid cosmetic surgery. Surgery may cause the formation of keloids, especially if the incisions are not done properly.
3. Do Not Pick at Scabs: Picking at scabs can also cause the formation of keloids. So, it is best to let the scabs fall off on their own.
4. Do not Pop Pimples: Popping pimples can also lead to the formation of keloids. So, it is best to let them heal on their own.
There are many home remedies that can help to reduce the size of keloids and heal them. However, it is best to consult a doctor before using any of these remedies, especially if you have sensitive skin. Some of the home remedies might not suit everyone. So, it is best to be cautious and patch test the remedy first before using it on the entire affected area.
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