Keloid Treatment

A keloid can be defined as an abnormal scar that occurs due to an excess growth of granular tissues. This kind of infection generally takes place on the earlobe and is called auricular keloids. It is very common after ear-piercing. In auricular keloid, a fibrous nodule that is made up of collagen, (which is generally used in repairing wound) is formed. In this case, there is an overgrowth of collagen on the earlobe, which produces a lump.

There are certain key symptoms of a keloid scar. This includes itchiness and pain on the scar, followed by a change in skin texture. These scars are usually darker than the normal skin. Sometimes they can also be pink or red in color.

Treatment of keloid
There are various treatments for keloids. However, none of these are considered to be absolutely effective. These treatments vary in their degrees of effectiveness. Some of these treatments are listed below.

Scar-reducing creams and gels
There are a number of creams and gels that reduces keloids. They are more like moisturizers. ScarAway serum belongs to the group of silicone products and can be used for this purpose. Creams that contain onion extracts are also very useful in treating keloid scars. Hexilak Mederma and Contractubex that are generally used for burns, acne, and piercing, among others, are very effective scar-reducing and is readily available in the market. The patient needs to apply a thick layer of the cream on the ear scar at least twice a day.

As far as homemade remedies are concerned, the liquid extracted from grapefruit seed can to a large extent cure the disease. However, it has to be applied regularly and is not a permanent solution to cure ear keloids.

Scar-reducing dressing
Dressings such as Dermatix and ScarAway have proved to be very useful for reducing scars. These dressings are available at the local drugstore. It is a silicone gel dressing that can be placed over the scar for a few weeks continuously. This helps in reducing the size and appearance of the keloid to a great extent. Once the dressing is done, the person may experience some itchiness. Later, he gets adjusted to it. The treatment is safe and painless. It helps in some are even helpful in alleviating the itching often associated with keloids.

Compression
Compression with the help of Silicone Scar Sheets has shown improved results in treating keloids. It can be applied to the scar for several months. A continuous compression for six to twelve months may reduce the size of the scar. The compression can be done by pressing against the scar gently with your fingertips. After a few months, a marked improvement is noticed in the size and appearance of the scar.

Steroid injections
Doctors often give you a steroid injection of corticosteroids. This reduces swelling and improves the overall appearance of the scar. If the scar size is large, two to three injections are given. Although the injections reduce the size of the scar, these are often uncomfortable and painful for the patient.

Surgical treatment

Those suffering from keloids can go for a surgery, but in 50% instances, there has been a recurrence of the scar after the surgery. And it has been observed that the scar that appears again is much larger than the original. Therefore, the operation has to be undertaken with utmost care. However, if the surgery is followed by intralesional injections and covered with a silicone scar sheet, there are less chances of the lump to reappear. Plastic surgery using techniques such as v-plasty or w-plasty, is definitely a more sophisticated way of removing the scar.

Laser treatment
Many people with keloids try out laser surgery as against conventional surgery. Lasers produce a superficial cure by smoothing the scar, thereby making it less visible. However, the bulk of the keloid does not get removed in this method. Doctors often combine laser therapy with steroid injections. The keloid is then covered by using silicone sheeting for better results. The treatment user laser is highly expensive.

Newer treatment
Some of the newer treatment of keloids has shown promising results. Some medicines that are used to treat cancer, such as alpha-interferon, 5-fluorouracil and bleomycin are found to be very useful for treating auricular keloids. However, this area requires a lot more research in medical science.

source: buzzle.com