Keloids develop at injury sites where the wound produces a sudden increase in scar tissue. The resulting bump or raised area of skin can be much larger than the actual incision or wound and may be permanent. Some people are more prone to keloids than others and prevention and treatments methods vary in success from individual to individual. There are a few things you can do to prevent or minimize keloids.
Step 1
Tell your doctor if you've previously had a keloid or any problems with scars or scar tissue, so you can develop a prevention strategy. People with previous keloids or scar tissue problems are more likely to develop keloids in the future.
Step 2
Say "no" to tattoos, body piercings and body modifications if you're prone to keloids, recommends FamilyDoctor.org, as you're more likely to develop one at these sites.
Step 3
Ask your surgeon to treat your incision with specialized silicone patches and compression bandages, as these two methods that have been shown to help reduce or prevent keloids, according to a 2009 article published in "American Family Physician."
Step 4
Ask your doctor about getting prescription corticosteroid shots at the wound site to help prevent keloids from forming after surgery or injuries. He may advise injections every few weeks until your would heals, according to DermNet NZ.
Step 5
Cover healing wound areas and existing keloids with bandages before going into the sun. Sun exposure causes forming keloids to take on a dark, more noticeable appearance that may be permanent.
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