Keloid medications and other procedures that are effective and safe

Keloids are scars that arise from an overly aggressive healing process. This causes a scar that rises to the surface so that it is not flush with other surfaces when touched. Is there a drug to treat keloids?

Why do you have to overcome keloids?

Keloids occur due to wounds on the skin, such as burns, tattoo and piercing wounds, severe acne, to surgical wounds. In fact, the appearance of keloids is only a process of healing skin cells to repair themselves.

The appearance of keloids varies from person to person. Can form very quickly, some can take months after the injury occurs.

In addition, the size of the keloid also varies widely and it cannot be predicted how big it is. It could be that keloids stop growing within half a year. It can also continue to grow over the years.

So, what will happen if this scar is left untreated and left untreated?

Indeed, keloid scars are considered tumors, but they are not cancerous so they do not cause a critical condition that requires immediate treatment.

However, keloids can enlarge and cause unpleasant symptoms, such as itching, sensitivity, and pain. If the keloid that forms covers the area of ​​the joint, this can limit the movement of a person's body.

In addition, keloid scars that don't go away will make people with this condition feel insecure because of their appearance. Keloid characteristics and symptoms will still appear and sometimes make the patient disturbed.

Variety of drugs and ways to get rid of keloids

There are various ways to get rid of keloids. In addition to removing keloids, the procedure also aims to reduce pain, restore motion that was previously limited to keloids growing in the joint area, and prevent keloids from forming again.

For maximum results, the doctor will determine the treatment based on the patient's age, type of keloid, and other considerations. For example, a patient with a keloid scar on the earlobe will be recommended to undergo a layered keloid removal operation.

According to the American Association of Dermatology, keloid scars can be medicated or treated in the following ways.

1. Corticosteroid injections

Injections containing corticosteroid drugs are often given to reduce the size of the keloid while reducing pain.

Generally, the injection will be given regularly every 3-4 weeks. Most patients undergo treatment with this injection four times.

At the first injection, the symptoms will subside and the keloids will feel softer. It is estimated that 50-80% of the keloid will shrink in size. However, within 5 years, keloids can get bigger again. For that, the doctor will add other treatments later.

2. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a procedure that involves freezing keloids from the inside of the skin to the outside. The goal is to reduce the level of hardness and size of the keloid scar. Usually, this technique works well with keloids that are small in size.

Before running, patients will be given corticosteroid injections first so that treatment is more effective. Skin health experts found that cryotherapy 3 or more times the result is better.

3. Surgical removal of keloids

Keloid scars that are left untreated and left alone will keep them there and sometimes affect appearance. That's why some people choose surgical removal.

Surgery will be recommended by the doctor if the keloid is old or large. This treatment involves surgery to cut the scar tissue.

This surgery may seem like the most effective treatment. But in fact, almost 100% of keloids will come back after surgery.

To prevent keloid scars from forming, doctors will add other treatments after surgery, such as corticosteroid injections or cryotherapy.

4. Laser treatment

This treatment aims to reduce the size as well as fade the red, black, or purplish color of the keloid. Treatment for keloids is usually done together with injections of corticosteroid drugs.

Later, the keloid and the surrounding skin will be illuminated with a laser that uses a high light beam. Not only does the light from this laser work to deflate the keloid.

Unfortunately, lasers can have side effects in the form of redness on the skin and leaving scars. Before choosing this treatment, consult your doctor again.

5. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a follow-up treatment after keloid removal surgery. This is done so that the keloid does not form again and can be started a week after surgery.

This therapy can be used as a single treatment to reduce the size of keloids. Unfortunately, the results will be more effective if done after surgical removal.

6. Ligature

A ligature is surgery using surgical threads that are tied around the keloid. The thread can gradually cut the keloid gradually. Usually the ligature will be done every 2 - 3 weeks until the keloid is gone.

Keloid scars that are left alone and untreated may not interfere too much with daily activities. The impact that appears is usually only in terms of aesthetics.

7. Pressure treatment

This method of getting rid of keloids is also usually done after keloid surgery. This procedure is performed using special tools such as pins or earrings and is usually used to treat keloids in the ear lobe.

The purpose of this pressure method is to reduce blood flow, which can prevent scar tissue from forming again.

This pressure device should be used for a maximum of 16 hours a day for a period of six to 12 months. Sometimes, this tool is used in conjunction with a silicone sheet and gel which also works to even out scar tissue.

Regardless of which medication and treatment you choose, it comes back to you whether you want to get rid of keloids or not.

Consult a dermatologist to determine if you need to eliminate its presence. The view from the doctor will help you decide with the right.