1. Home Remedies
The first thing you can do to care for a keloid is protect it and any new scar tissue from harmful sun exposure. The sun can cause darker discoloration in the keloid, which may be permanent. Adults should continue to protect the sensitive skin tissue for at least 6 months, and children should protect it for at least 18 months.
Based on the belief that a keloid develops because of an underlying infection, several home remedies can be tried to combat the cause, and some have good success rates. These home remedies include using a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, using apple cider vinegar (which can be diluted with water), applying a paste of crushed aspirin and water, using crushed garlic or garlic oil (this may be too irritating for some), applying a saturated solution of potassium iodide and fasting. A combination of these treatments may be more effective. Even though these remedies can be administered on your own, consult your doctor first to learn how best to use them and whether or not they will help at all.
2. Medical Treatments
Although keloids do not require medical treatment and most tend to diminish over several years, they can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Because of this, it is understandable that many people seek medical treatments to reduce or remove them. Some people with keloids willingly take risks with surgery or laser treatment, even knowing the possibility that the keloids will return--often even larger--in the new scar tissue. The medical treatments that are currently available include steroid injections, surgery, laser treatments, silicone sheets, liquid nitrogen and interferons (natural, body-created protein that battles invading bacteria and viruses).
3. Awareness
Keloids are not dangerous and do not lead to other harmful skin disorders. However, it is wise to be observant of them and note any changes in growth, as it may be possible to dismiss a new symptom as part of the keloid when it is something more serious. Conduct frequent skin self-examinations, and visit your doctor on a regular basis.
