Keloid scars are difficult to eliminate, even for the most competent dermatologists. A variety of consumer products purport to get rid of keloids and other hypertrophic scars, and for keloid sufferers who are unwilling to receive more intensive medical treatment--or for those who simply cannot afford a cosmetic procedure--these miraculous "scar reducers" may seem enticing. If you're looking for a nonprescription cream or gel that will completely eradicate keloid scars, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that you won't meet with much success.
Causes of Keloids
Depressed scars are caused by a loss of tissue, but keloids are the result of too much tissue formation, explains the AAD. These rubbery, thick raised scars may form after the skin is burned or cut, lingering or months and sometimes continuing to grow and expand for many years. Some people have a genetic predisposition for keloids, says the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP). Keloid scars are also more likely to occur in the African-American, Latino or Asian population, those under the age of 30, pregnant women and teens. Keloids tend to form on the face, earlobes, shoulders and chest.
Creams, Gels and Tapes
Scar cream is in no short supply, including topical consumer products that claim to work on keloid scars. The Mayo Clinic's Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., a dermatologist, says that using a scar cream probably won't give you noticeable results. Some nonprescription scar treatments may slightly reduce the appearance of keloids if they contain silicone, says the AAD. Additionally, silicone gels, creams and tapes (sheets) may reduce tenderness and itching associated with this type of scar. The AAD stresses that to see any benefit, silicone treatments must be used continuously for a long period of time. Keloid scars may flatten slightly, but won't disappear. Prescription tretinoins, used to treat acne and wrinkles, may be prescribed by a dermatologist as another way to treat these scars topically. The AAD points out that many patients choose to treat keloids topically, rather than go through more costly and painful procedures that are often ongoing.
Conventional Treatments
Conventional medical treatment is used to significantly reduce the appearance of keloid scars, says the AAFP. Some treatments used by dermatologists include a series of corticosteroid injections, freezing the keloid (cryotherapy) and laser treatments. The AAFP points out that these procedures take a lot of time and can be costly. More pronounced keloids may be surgically removed and then treated with corticosteroid shots and the application of silicone sheets to prevent them from returning.
Cautions
The problem is that many keloids do return, says the AAD. If the keloid is removed surgically and no other treatments used, between 45 and 100 percent of these scars come right back. Corticosteroid injections are given to many patients who have keloids removed surgically. For this reason alone, the AAD notes that when treating keloids, dermatologists usually give patients more than just one option.
Preventing Keloids
It may prove extremely difficult to prevent keloids once your skin is injured. The National Institutes for Health indicates that imiquimod cream can be used post-surgery to prevent keloid formation. Discoloration of the skin surrounding a keloid that's in the process of forming can also occur due to sun exposure. The NIH recommends covering the keloid with bandaging and wearing sunscreen before going outdoors.
Member Comments
MclainTrain June 8
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