There are different types of scars that can range from minor blemishes to the more severe and constricting type. The type of treatment you use will depend greatly on the type of scar and the extent of injury. Keloid scars are one of the most difficult ones to treat.

What are Keloids?

Keloids aren't really scars. They are, in fact, 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 severe itching, pain, and visible disfigurement. The main difficulties facing keloid scar treatment are constant growth and a high rate of recurrence.

Keloids can either be small or extensive. Not only does size determine how serious this scar is, but so does location. If a keloid appears over a joint, it can cause mobility problems as well as pain.

Learn How you can Treat Keloids

There are several methods for treating keloids. They include silicone sheeting, surgery, compression dressings, steroid injections, cryosurgery, and radiation and laser therapy. Cryosurgery in conjunction with steroid injections is very successful for treating small keloids. However, if you're trying to treat larger keloids then you'll probably have to undergo surgery.

Nonetheless, the best forms of keloid treatment aren't just about keloid removal. Successful keloid scar treatment must include procedures that are implemented before, during and after surgery. Here's a quick overview of keloid scar removal.

Before and during surgery, a surgeon will inject steroids directly into the scar tissue to help dissolve it. Studies have shown that this is an effective way of helping minimize the rate of recurrence. Once the keloid is removed, the area must be watched carefully.

Another treatment used after keloid scar removal surgery, is the use of 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 uses a laser to produce a superficial peel. Higher success rates occur when laser therapy is used in conjunction with silicone sheeting or steroid injections.

Radiation therapy is most effective when used soon after having undergone surgery. When this type of treatment is applied while the wound is still healing, it becomes even more effective.

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

When using gels and creams, you must be persistent. This is the only way for the treatment to be successful.