Home Remedies for Keloids and Keloid Scars

Are there home remedies for keloids and their scars that work? With most conventional treatments like surgery and steroid injections, keloids and keloid scars tend to recur. Other than opting for expensive ineffective treatments, try these simple natural remedies to shrink and get rid of keloids on ears, nose, chest, face, scalp and piercings in different parts of the body.

Home Remedies for Keloids that Work

What is a keloid? In this article, description and treatment refers to both keloids and keloid scars. These are marks or scars that continue to grow even after the skin is healed. Keloids are formed when there is improper formation of collagen when the skin is damaged as part of the healing process. When there is injury or damage to the skin, fibrous tissues also known as scar tissue forms over the wound to hasten the healing process. Overgrowth of this scar tissue is what becomes a keloid or keloid scar.

Keloids are irregularly shaped with a smooth top but rough to touch with pink or purple color . They have a thick texture and spread beyond the boundary of the skin . They are rarely painful but can get itchy sometimes. Unlike common scars, keloids do not improve over time. In one study on the genes linked to keloid scarring, African Americans are seven times more likely than Caucasians to develop keloids .

There are many herbal extracts and essential oils that are very effective in reducing the appearance and prevent more irregular growth of scar tissue. Studies show that ingredients that are rich in antioxidants such as onions and aloe Vera may fade and shrink the keloid while those with antiseptic and antibacterial properties help in proper healing of the skin. Try these home remedies for keloid scars to shrink, fade and get rid of keloids naturally;

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is a very good and effective home remedy for keloids. It kills bacteria, minimizes redness and visibly reduces the size of the scar.

1. Clean the affected area with water and mild soap
2. Dab apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball and apply directly to the keloid
3. Massage gently and allow it to dry for 5 minutes
4. To hasten the healing, do this several times a day for four weeks until the keloids reduce in size

Raw apple cider vinegar may be used on the keloids at a lower frequency. It is however advisable to dilute it to half strength with water as it may cause stinging and irritation.

Baking soda

Baking soda is a great exfoliating and skin whitening agent. It gently removes the top layer of damaged skin and promotes new cell growth. To effectively manage keloids with baking soda,

1. In the ratio of 1:3, mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a smooth paste.
2. Using a cotton ball, apply the paste to the keloid
3. Allow it to stand for 15 minutes as it dries
4. Rinse off with cool water
5. Do this multiple times a day for 4 weeks

Honey

Honey is one of the best age’s long natural ingredients with lots of healing properties for the skin. It is used to treat a number of skin ailments including keloids. Honey reduces the number of proliferating cells in the keloid.

1. According to the size of the keloid, scoop honey and apply it to the keloid
2. Massage gently to remove dead cells and enhance blood circulation
3. You may or not wash it off, though the area will feel a little sticky if you don’t
4. Do this twice daily until you achieve desired results

Depending on individual skin reaction, appearance of scar tissue will improve in 3 weeks.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is very effective on range of skin conditions. It is mild yet effective for treatment of keloids.  It also reduces inflammation, prevents infections and moisturizes skin.

1. Clean the affected area
2. Apply fresh aloe Vera gel to the keloid and let it dry
3. Do this twice daily for best results

It is recommended that you use aloe Vera juice directly from the plant rather than buying from the store. Aloe Vera is also a great for skin whitening and moisturizing.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. It is an all-round treatment for keloids as it improves the color and texture of the keloid scars.

1. Extract enough fresh lemon juice depending with the severity and size of the keloid
2. Apply it on the area and leave it for 15-30 minutes
3. Rinse off with cool water
4. Do this twice daily for best results

Lemon is a great skin lightening agent and treating dark spots . With consistent application, you will notice a change in color and texture of the keloid as new cell growth sets in.

Garlic for Keloids

This must have DIY ingredient is able to reduce scar generation in keloids. Studies have found that garlic onion extract is able to stop abnormal fibroblast growth that is known to cause keloid development.

1. Apply garlic of crushed garlic cloves on the keloids
2. Leave it on for 15 minutes
3. Rinse off with lukewarm water
4. Alternatively, you can mix olive oil with garlic to mask the strong scent

Sandalwood and Rose Water

Sandalwood has great skin regenerating properties that are good for treatment of keloids. It calms itchiness- a symptom of keloids. It is best when used alongside rose water which is amazing in soothing inflamed skin in keloids.

1. Mix one teaspoon of sandalwood powder with one tablespoon of rose water to form a paste
2. Apply the paste to the keloid or keloid scar
3. Let it sit for at-least 3 hours, preferably overnight
4. In the morning rinse off with cool water
5. For best results, do this every other day for one month

If used diligently, sandalwood will reduce the size of keloids and lighten the skin over it to improve appearance over time. Alternatively, you can use black gram with sandalwood to heal keloids naturally.

According to Lamont Jones, Vice Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, and director, Cleft and Craniofacial Team, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit “Currently, keloids are treated using cortisone injections, pressure dressings, silicone gels , surgery, cryosurgery (freezing), laser treatment or radiation therapy. However, in many cases, keloids return after treatment up to 50 percent to 100 percent of the time.”

This is the reason why most people have resorted to home remedies for keloids. Home remedies for keloids using natural common kitchen ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and olive oil have been shown to effectively shrink keloids and improve their appearance over time with a reduced chance of recurrence. Effectiveness and efficiency depends on how old the keloid is- the newer the better.

How to Get Rid of Keloids on Ear

Keloids can appear of different parts of the body but most commonly on the ears. They are common after ear piercings. The ear lobes, tragus and cartilage are most affected. Keloids from ear piercings are usually pink, brownish or purple in color. They come with discomfort, itching and on some occasions, pain. They grow bigger and darker with time. Treating earlobe keloids can be very difficult but the sooner you treat, the more likely you will be able to rid yourself of it.

Home Remedies for Keloids on Ears

Those who form keloids on ears from piercings are more likely to form then again. According to Dr. Roach of stltoday.com, “ The best treatment in people who are predisposed to keloids is to avoid them by avoiding any unnecessary surgery (including ear and other body piercings). Once a keloid has formed, there are several possible treatments. Unfortunately, the longer a keloid has been there, the harder it is to treat.”

Here is how to remove keloids on ears with tea tree oil;

Tea Tree Oil for Earlobe Keloids

Tea tree oil is most reviewed of all home remedies for keloids with great results. It is a very effective home remedy that inhibits abnormal cell growth. It also relieves itching and redness from inflammation.

1. Clean the affected are with a mild antibacterial soap and pat it dry
2. Using a Q-tip, apply tea tree oil directly to the keloid
3. Do this twice a day until the keloid disappears
4. Once the keloid disappears, reduce frequency to once a day so that the keloids don’t come back

   

Tea tree oil works faster on newly formed ear keloids. It may take longer to work on older keloids. Tea tree oil is very potent-it stings and has a strong smell. It is advisable to apply it before bedtime. If you cannot be able to stand the smell, dilute it with water. Note that diluting tea tree oil reduces the strength and may take longer to work.

What are the causes of keloids on the ear? Keloids on the ear are common after ear piercings, around acne pustules or chickenpox, and at the site of minor scratches, particularly in people prone to keloids. A family history of keloids is often present in people experiencing the hypertrophic scars. Older children and teens — those aged 10 to 20 — and some minority groups are more susceptible to developing keloids after a skin injury.

Home Remedies for Keloids on Nose

Keloids on the nose usually appear as a small raised red bump (pimple like) 2weeks to 1 month after getting a nose piercing. Keloids on the nose are not as common as those that appear on the ear lobes. However, those who have had keloids in other places of the body are at a higher risk of getting nose piercing keloids.

Aspirin for Keloids on the Nose

Aspirin contains salicylic acid- a powerful anti-inflammatory used to treat many skin conditions.

1. Crush four aspirin tablets
2. Mix with water to form a paste
3. Clean the affected area and apply the paste
4. Allow it to soak in to the skin and dry for 5 minutes
5. Wash off with cool water and apply some olive oil
6. Do this twice daily for best results

Vitamin E and Tea Tree oil for Nose Ring Keloids

This remedy is very good in treating nose keloids. It relieves itching and inflammation . If you are a higher risk of getting keloids after a nose piercing, you can use this natural remedy to prevent keloid growth and infection.

1. Mix vitamin E oil and tea tree oil- 3 drops each
2. Using a Q-tip, apply the mixture directly on the nose piercing
3. Apply this 1 or 2 times a day
4. For best results, do this for at least 2 weeks

Depending on the severity and individual skin reaction the time it takes to see an improvement may vary. Other than the nose piercing itself, the choice of jewelry and infection are major causes of nose piercing keloids. However not all keloids on nose piercing are caused by infection. Some may just be harmless granulomas. Note that oozing pus is a sign of infection and requires immediate medical attention.

Note:

• Choose good quality jewelry- titanium, niobium or stainless steel
• DO NOT change your jewelry before your piercing is completely healed
• Clean your piercing with sea salt soaks three times a day
• Seek medical attention if you have thick smelly discharge or fever

Home Remedies for Keloids on Chest

Keloids tend to occur in high tension sites making the chest wall is another common site for keloid formation. They occur due to injury to the skin, infections to the skin, acne or surgery around the chest wall. The size and shape of keloids on the chest may vary from one person to another. Keloids on chest may be itchy or painful. Exercises like running may cause temporary enlargement of the keloid.

How to Get Rid of Keloids on the Chest

Due to their location and size, treatment for keloids on chest is a bit challenging. Many people may benefit from procedures such as cryo-therapy and keloid removal surgery. But these do not guarantee that the keloid will not come back. Radiation therapy SHOULD NOT be considered in way to get rid of keloids on chest. This is to protect the heart and other organs in the chest cavity from harmful radiations that may cause cancer.

Red Onion Extract for Chest Keloids

Onion juice extract has been shown to prevent collagen formation. Collagen fibers are what results in the abnormal healing to form a raised scar tissue. It also lightens the color of the skin making the keloids less noticeable.

1. Crush one or a number of onions depending with the size of keloid
2. Extract juice using a sieve or cloth
3. Mix the extract with vitamin E oil-1 onion for 3 drops of vitamin E oil
4. Wash the affected area and dry
5. Apply the onion extract rubbing gently and allow it to dry
6. Do this 3 times a day for best results

The effectiveness of onion extract to treat chest keloids by itself is lower than when combined with other treatments such as vitamin E oil and silicone sheets.

Essential Oils for Keloids on Chest

Essential oils have many properties that are beneficial for the skin. They heal, calm itchiness and help in regeneration of skin.

1. Mix lavender, calendula and rose essential oils one part each
2. Apply generously to the keloid
3. Wipe off the excess oil and let it on for 30 minutes
4. Do this once daily for best results

Other natural oils that are beneficial for the in treatment of keloid scars include; mustard seed oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil. Massaging the keloids with these oils helps break the skin making the scar softer and improving the blood circulation to the area.

Keloid on Chest Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic remedies are also potentially effective in the management of chest keloids. Homeopathic drugs; graphites and silicea taken in high potency are effective in reducing symptoms like itching and irritation. Keloid on chest homeopathic treatment can also help in reducing the spread of the keloid scar tissue . These remedies are also considered to be highly effective in eliminating the tendency for recurrence of scars in an individual.

Home Remedies for Keloids on Piercings

Most people trying to get rid of keloids from piercing especially those of the ears say that this method worked for them. I personally do not recommend this method – thinking of the complications that may arise from it- a bad infection, severe pain and there is also no guarantee that the keloid won’t come back. Nonetheless, here is how to remove a keloid with rubber band on piercings.

1. Tie a rubber band at the root of the keloid just next to the flat of the skin
2. This cuts blood circulation to the keloid
3. It turns color in days, from red, bluish then black
4. Depending on the size of the keloid, it may take from 7-10 days for the keloid to die and fall off
5. Be patient and do not disturb or pull on the keloid

Certain groups of people are affected by keloids more than others. People of African or Asian descent are more likely to develop keloid on piercing, and darkly pigmented skin is more affected than lighter skin tones. If you have a history of keloid scarring from other procedures, you have an increased chance of developing a nose keloid as a result of piercing. Keloids often run in families, so if your family is prone to keloids, you may be, too.

Most times, keloids and piercings go hand in hand. What causes keloids on piercings to be more common than those caused by trauma, acne and surgical procedures is not known. However, the chances of developing a keloid scar due to piercing can be reduced by visiting a professional piercer who practices appropriate piercing techniques using a sterile, hollow needle.

This decreases the amount of trauma to the piercing site and prevents scar tissue from forming. Home piercings and piercings performed with piercing guns are more likely to develop a keloid scar due to the pressure and trauma from both the inappropriate piercing technique and inadequate jewelry for healing.

Home Remedies for Scalp Keloids

Keloids on scalp are typically rubbery , firm and shiny tissue which may be dark brown or pink in color. Experts suggest that scalp keloids occur in individuals with family tendency and are more common among individuals between 10 to 30 years of age. Common causes include genetic predisposition, ingrown hair growth and folliculitis. Home remedies for scalp keloids do not in any way differ from those that work on keloids on other parts of the body. The best thing will be to start natural keloids treatment as soon as possible. Waiting for them to grow may require more effort.

Home Remedies for Keloids on Face

Keloids on face are not common with the exception of the jawline. Keloids on the face pose a challenge to manage as they tend to grow wider with raised margins. Simple home remedies for keloids on other places will work just fine. From reducing visibility, improving the texture and ultimately get rid of them.

Home Remedies for Keloid Scars

A keloid scar is a scar that continues to grow outside the boundary of skin damage . It may be smaller, softer or of a lighter color than the original keloid tissue. According to Indy Rihal of the British Skin Foundation, “Keloid scars are shiny and hairless; they’re raised above the surrounding skin, and can feel hard and rubbery.”

Homemade remedies for keloids scars is basically a continuation of keloid treatment. Once the keloid is flatter and lighter in color, natural remedies with properties that reduce the appearance of scars and calm itchiness mSay be of benefit. Try keloid scar cream for faster results.

Other than keloid scar home treatment, other effective removal methods include; surgery, steroid injections and silicone sheets. Pressure treatment or using gel pads with silicone can prevent formation of keloids in those who have a higher risk of keloids.

Natural Remedies for Keloids

As discussed, there are many natural remedies for keloids. Effectiveness and efficiency depends on what ingredients one has at their disposal. Though there are products available in stores that claim to be natural extracts, these are normally diluted through addition of fragrances, preservatives and such other ingredients. Make use of natural products that are close to you so that you can get the extracts when still fresh.

Here is how to shrink keloids naturally using silicone sheets

1. Wash the affected area with water and a mild soap
2. According to the manufacturer’s directions, apply the silicone sheet directly on the keloid
3. Wear the silicone sheet for at least 12 hours a day
4. Wash the silicone sheet and the scar every day. You can use the same silicone sheet until it wears off

Tips to prevent and treat keloids naturally

• Prevention is better than cure
• Start keloid treatment as soon as possible
• If you are prone to acne keloids, consult a dermatologist for proper treatment
• Do not pick on the keloid scars
• Avoid unnecessary piercings if possible
• Do not expose keloids to the sun, they tend to become darker

It is important to know that with all these DIY home remedies for keloids- ranging from topical to surgical, no treatment is guaranteed as 100 percent effective. Some of the remedies may cause bad skin reactions as in allergies or not work on some people. Even after a keloid is treated, it may still return and grow. Dealing with keloids is quite tasking and may take a toll on self-esteem. Seeking early treatment is the best option to keep the keloids in control.