
Laser treatment involves delivering highly focused beams of light to the skin. Optimal results come with three or more treatments, and it may work better for smaller keloids. Doctors use this technique to decrease the size of the keloid.
Keylord scarring skin#
CryotherapyĬryotherapy involves freezing a keloid while preserving the skin beneath it. However, many keloids come back within 5 years. The typical regimen involves one injection per week for 4 weeks, which results in 50–80% shrinkage. The AAD state that doctors may use the following nonsurgical treatments for keloids: Corticosteroid injectionsĬorticosteroid shots are anti-inflammatory drugs that a doctor injects into a keloid to shrink it.
In some cases, a combination of two methods may be most effective. Options for treatment include both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. In addition to the above measures, people can visit a dermatologist, who may be able to suggest treatment plans and prevention strategies.
cleaning the wound daily until it has healed. using sterile petroleum gauze to bandage the area. washing the area immediately using soap and clean water. People can also ensure that they practice proper wound care after any skin injuries. Keloid treatment may also help prevent thickening. Telling a surgeon before surgery: The surgeon may be able to use a technique to reduce the likelihood of keloids developing. Wearing a pressure garment may help stop the skin from thickening. Testing the skin before a tattoo, body piercing, or cosmetic surgery: By testing a small area of skin, people can see how their skin will react. Paying close attention after an ear piercing: If a person notices the first sign of thickening, wearing a pressure earring may help prevent the keloid from forming. These symptoms usually resolve when the keloid stops growing.Īlthough it may be difficult for people at higher risk to prevent keloids, they can take steps to reduce their chances of developing a keloid. It is also not uncommon for a keloid to feel tender, itchy, or painful while growing. Keloids can vary in size from smaller than an inch across to larger than a football. On some parts of the body, such as the neck, abdomen, or ear, a keloid may hang by a stalk and move slightly when a person touches it. Keloids will feel different than the surrounding skin and may be either soft and doughy or hard and rubbery. A keloid on an earlobe is usually round and firm, while on other parts of the body, it may appear as a raised scar with a flat surface. The appearance and texture of keloids may also differ depending on their location. In some cases, though, they may grow quickly and triple in size within a few months. Keloids tend to grow slowly, with most continuing to spread for weeks, months, or, sometimes, even years. The British Skin Foundation (BSF) add that these scars may appear as shiny and hairless skin lumps. The border is also usually darker than the center. It may initially appear as a red, pink, or purple scar but will eventually turn darker than the person’s skin. According to the AAD, the first sign of a keloid appears roughly 3–12 months after an injury.