Common Alternatives for Keloid Treatment
January 18th, 2010Scars are often grouped into three categories: atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars, and keloids. Anyone can develop any one of these scars, however, keloid scars seem to be the most predominant and most difficult type of scar tissue to treat.
Keloid scars can arise from any type of wound, whether it be a cut, burn, or an inflammatory reaction such as acne. As they develop, they begin to extend past the edges of the original site of damage. Sometimes, keloids keep growing for years.
In other words, keloid removal can be difficult. Surgical excision is an option for people who have tried other alternatives without success. Nevertheless, the high recurrence rate can complicate the success of surgery.
A Holistic Approach to Keloid Treatment
Recently, doctors have been more open to trying different approaches to the more traditional scar removal treatments. In fact, a global treatment plan has offered the most successful way to eliminate keloid scars for good. A combination of surgery, steroid injections and compression therapy is what can make keloid removal successful.
Steroid injections can be used before and after surgery to help flatten the scar. The doctor may also choose to inject steroids directly into the site of the scar during the excision process. Studies have shown that this helps reduce the rate of recurrence.
Compression therapy involves a custom fitted garment that should be worn 24 hours a day. This type of therapy can sometimes be used in place of surgery but only when treating minor scars. In case your scar removal does require surgery you can also use it as a post-op treatment to help reduce the possibility of a new keloid formation.
Compression garments and bandages are usually worn for long periods of time which may mean anywhere from several months to a year or more. No one really knows how it works, but many speculate that the restriction of oxygen help reduce the biological processes that lead to the development of keloids.
Alternatives for Keloid Treatment
Laser therapy has become a successful alternative for keloid treatment. This is done by using a pulsed-dye laser to help flatten keloids and reduce the redness they present. It is necessary to go through several sessions to get the best results.
Another alternative is the use of silicone sheets to help reduce the appearance of keloids and other types of scars. They work much in the same way as compression devices do. However, silicone sheets are worn for fewer hours during the day.
Smaller keloids are usually treated using cryotherapy. The keloid is frozen using liquid nitrogen which helps flatten the scar although it also causes a slight darkened appearance at the site of injury.
BIOSKINREPAIR is a great skin care product that can help with keloid scar removal and overall scar healing. It contains snail serum and other biological ingredients that are ideal for scar treatment. BIOSKINREPAIR is so gentle that it can safely be used on all skin types without having you worry about unwanted side effects.
- Martha Fitzharris