Keloid scars are most commonly associated with severe acne. New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH) describes keloid scars as red or dark, thick, rounded clusters of scar tissue made up of collagen. More likely to occur on people of dark complexion, keloid scars expand beyond the borders of a wound, and can appear up to a year after the initial wound over which they form. These types of scars are difficult to get rid of and cannot be completely eliminated. A variety of methods, however, are available to significantly improve its appearance.
Step 1
Get corticosteroid injections in your keloid scars, provided your doctor deems it a safe method of treatment for you. The American Academy of Dermatology identifies these injections as effective at softening, shrinking and flattening keloid scars. They can also ease itchiness and pain caused by the scars, according to NYPH. Corticosteroid injections are a first step in treatment, but are often used in conjunction with other methods as well.
Step 2
Ask your dermatologist whether pressure therapy and medications might work to reduce your keloid scars. Tape or pressure devices, used consistently, can compress the scars. Application of silicone gels and taking prescription tretinoin can help in some instances, according to Skin Care Physicians (SCP) a site operated by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step 3
Consult with your dermatologist about surgical excision for getting rid of keloid scars. The scars can be cut out and the wound can be closed up, or a skin graft may be performed.
Step 4
Complete necessary follow-up care after surgical excision of a keloid scar. The SCP explains, keloids are highly likely to recur if follow-up treatments aren't used. These may include corticosteroid injections, pressure therapy or radiation therapy.
Step 5
Talk to your dermatologist about other surgical procedures besides excision. Laser surgery may be an option. A variety of lasers are available, says NYPH, and the right one is chosen based on individual scar causes and characteristics. Lasers can reduce keloid scars and eliminate its coloration. Cryosugery is another possible option, involving the freezing of scar tissue, which causes it to fall off, according to SCP. Both laser surgery and cryosurgery are typically accompanied by a regimen of corticosteroid injections.
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