Scars can range from minor blemishes to severe and constricting tissue. The type of treatment they require depends on the type and extent of the scar formation. Keloids are one of the most difficult types of scars to treat.

Do you have Keloids?

Keloids aren't actually scars. In fact, they are benign fibrotic tumors that contain atypical fibroblasts. They are also characterized by an excessive amount of components that make up the skin, namely: collagen, elastin and proteogylcans.

Generally, keloids contain relatively acellular centers and thick, abundant collagen bundles that form nodules in the deep dermal portion of the lesion. They can cause pain, severe itching, and disfigurement. The main difficulties facing keloid scar treatment are constant growth and a high rate of recurrence.

Keloid scar tissue can be small or quite extensive. Not only does size determine the severity of this scar tissue, but also its location. If a keloid appears over a joint, it can cause mobility problems as well as pain.

Treating Keloids

There are several way of treating keloids. They include compression dressings, steroid injections, cryosurgery, silicone sheeting, surgery, and radiation and laser therapy. Cryosurgery in conjunction with the application of steroid injections is a very successful way of treating small keloids. However, when trying to treat larger keloids, surgery is usually involved.

Nevertheless, any form of keloid treatment isn't just about keloid removal. Successful keloid scar treatment must include procedures that are implemented before, during and after surgery. Here's a general overview of keloid scar removal.

Before and during surgery, the surgeon may inject steroids to help dissolve the scar. Studies have shown that this minimizes the rate of recurrence. Once the keloid is removed, the area must be cared for carefully.

After keloid scar removal surgery, the surgeon may use compression therapy or silicone sheets to help keep the keloid from recurring. Compression may last as long as twelve months.

Another treatment involves laser and radiation therapy. Laser therapy consists of using a laser to produce a superficial peel. When laser therapy is used in conjunction with silicone sheeting or steroid injections, a higher success rates occurs.

Radiation therapy is most effective when it is used soon after surgery. When it is used while the wound is healing it becomes even more effective.

Natural gels and creams can also be used for scar treatment. Products that are 100% silicone are the most effective. Products containing onion extract have also been proven effective to treat all kinds of post traumatic wounds and help in the healing process.

No matter which gel you use, you must be persistent. If you are not persistent then it is impossible for any treatment to be effective, no matter how good it is.