When a normal wound heals, the body lays down collagen fibres that result in a scar forming. Initially the scar may be red or dark and raised, but usually becomes paler and flatter over time. In some people, the body responds to the injury with excessive production of collagen and the scar may continue to thicken for up to six months. It may also become itchy or painful. If the scar remains within the length of the original wound it is called a hypertrophic scar. If it grows beyond the original wound's boundary it is known as a ""keloid scar"".
No treatment for keloids is considered to be 100% effective. Some of the treatments that are currently available are described below. These treatments have varying degrees of effectiveness. All the invasive methods of treatment like surgery carry a serious risk of the keloid recurring and becoming bigger than it previously was.
* Contractubex Gel / Hexilak Gel — These gels contain allium cepa extract, heparin and allantoin. Developed for the treatment of post-thyroidectomy scars, these gels are now indicated for the treatment of all post traumatic (burns, acne, piercings) or post surgery scars and keloids. Treatment is simple but requires perseverance. They have shown exceptional results, especially in newer scars.[citation needed] The earlier the initiation of treatment, the better the prognosis. This is now the first line of approach in conservative treatment of keloids.[citation needed]
* Natural treatments — Some scar treatments contain mucin from the snail helix aspersa müller. The secretion from the snail regulates the skin healing and scar formation process. Topical application of treatments with this ingredient on keloid scars regulates and/or decreases dermal fibroblast proliferation and excess collagen production, and thus prevents and reduces keloid scars and hyperthropic scars.
* Tea tree oil — Keloids that result from piercing can be treated with frequent (1-3 times daily) application of pure tea tree oil, which is most effective on newly formed keloids.[citation needed]
* Crushed aspirin paste — Keloids resulting from piercing can be treated with a crushed aspirin paste applied directly to the scar formation once a day. This is most effective on newly formed keloids.[citation needed]
* Surgery — Surgery requires great care during and after the operation. Keloids that return after being excised may be larger than the original. There is a 50% chance of recurrence after surgical removal. However, keloids are less likely to return if surgical removal is combined with other treatments. Surgical or laser excision may be followed by intralesional injections of a corticosteroid. Plastic closure of the skin including techniques such as v-plasty or w-plasty to reduce skin tension are known to reduce recurrence of keloids following excision.
* Dressings — Moistened wound coverings made of silicone gel (such as Dermatix) or silastic have been shown in studies to reduce keloid prominence over time. This treatment is safe and painless, although some patients may experience increased itchiness from wearing the dressing for an extended period of time.
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2:38 PM on October 01, 2008
