Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Francis
Keloids are raised, thickened areas of skin that result from an overgrowth of scar tissue at the site of an injury or incision. They can be itchy, uncomfortable, and unsightly, and can sometimes cause emotional distress. While medical treatments like surgery and corticosteroid injections are options for managing keloids, some people turn to natural remedies in an attempt to reduce their appearance and symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular natural remedies for keloids and examine their potential effectiveness.
What are Keloids?
Keloids are raised, reddish-purple, itchy, and painful scars that develop as a result of excessive healing of the skin after an injury or surgery. These scars are made up of collagen, which is a protein that forms the building blocks of the skin. Keloids can develop on any part of the body, but they are most commonly found on the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobes. They can be unsightly and affect a person’s self-esteem.
What Causes Keloids?
Keloids are caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. It is not clear why some people develop keloids while others do not. However, certain factors may increase the risk of developing keloids. These include genetic predisposition, skin color, and age. Keloids are more common in people with darker skin tones and can develop at any age.
The Genetics of Keloids
Research has shown that keloids tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component to their development. However, the exact genes involved in keloid formation are still not fully understood.
Skin Color and Keloids
Keloids are more common in people with darker skin tones, such as African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics. This may be due to the increased amount of melanin in their skin, which can affect the healing process.
Age and Keloids
Keloids can develop at any age, but they are more common in young adults between the ages of 10 and 30. This may be due to the fact that younger skin is more prone to scarring.
Natural Remedies for Keloids
There are several natural remedies that can help reduce the appearance of keloids. These include:
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant that has been used for centuries for its healing properties. It contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. Applying aloe vera gel to a keloid can help reduce its size and appearance.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying tea tree oil to a keloid can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of scars. Applying lemon juice to a keloid can help reduce its size and appearance.
Honey
Honey has antibacterial properties and can help promote healing. Applying honey to a keloid can help reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of scars. Applying apple cider vinegar to a keloid can help reduce its size and appearance.
FAQs – Natural Remedies for Keloids
What are keloids?
Keloids are raised, fibrous scars that form at the site of an injury. They typically occur after a wound has healed but continue to grow, extending beyond the boundaries of the original injury. Keloids are often firm, smooth or shiny, and range in color from pink to purple. They can be itchy, tender or painful, and can cause cosmetic or functional problems. Keloids most commonly form on the ears, chest, back, and shoulders, and are more common in people with dark skin.
What are natural remedies for keloids?
There are several natural remedies that may help reduce the appearance and symptoms of keloids. One option is to apply onion extract or onion juice to the keloid, which has been shown to reduce itchiness, redness, and overall size. Another remedy is to use honey, which has natural antibacterial properties and can help to heal the skin. Vitamin E oil may also be effective, as it has been shown to reduce scar tissue and promote healing. Aloe vera gel is another popular remedy for keloids, as it has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce redness and itching.
Are there any risks associated with natural remedies for keloids?
While natural remedies for keloids are generally safe to use, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects or allergic reactions. Before using any natural remedy, it’s a good idea to perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure that you don’t have an adverse reaction. Additionally, some natural remedies can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to speak with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any new treatment.
Can natural remedies completely get rid of keloids?
Natural remedies may help to reduce the appearance and symptoms of keloids, but they are unlikely to completely eliminate the scar tissue. For severe keloids, medical treatment such as corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets or gels, cryotherapy, radiation, or surgical removal may be necessary. However, natural remedies can be a complementary treatment option or may be effective for smaller keloids. It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
