The Best Non Surgical Route to Ridding Yourself of Keloid Scars

How we best diminish scars is an important question as a scar will in almost all cases develop from any cut or injury we experience. Three categories of scars encompass the full range of how they can appear on one's skin. Pitted, atrophic scars cause the injury or cut to be indented. Raised, hypertrophic scars will develop on top of the cut or injury but not extending beyond its borders. After that there are keloid scars. These expand above and beyond the borders of the injury or cut to sections of the skin that weren't originally injured. This is the most difficult form of scar to treat for various reasons.

To start with the causes of keloid scars can vary from burns to cuts to piercings to inflammatory reactions triggered by acne. Secondly they may only begin to grow after much time has elapsed since the original injury. The third and most dispiriting issue is cutting off the scar successfully via surgery could very easily cause a new keloid scar to develop over the surgery wound!

These factors of this form of scar call for a deeper investigation as to how one should handle them.

Finding an Effective Treatment for Keloids

Doctors frequently employ additional treatment methods to accompany surgery that decrease that chances of a post keloid treatment recurrence. The main techniques involved with this method are steroid injections and compression therapy.

The injection of steroids can be used both before, during, or after the sugery with the result of flattening out the scar. Long-acting cortisone (steroid) shots are generally injected on average once a month with the difference in size recognizable in three to six months time. Their advantage is the cortisone reduces the size of the scar with very little of it entering the bloodstream.

Compression bandages are believed to work from limiting oxygen to the scar which reduces the biological process that leads to the creation of what are keloids. They are specialized made garments that are made to be worn 24 hours a day and changed once a week for a period of 6 to 18 months. They have a track record of successfully cutting down the dimensions of the scar but the time and effort is very consuming.

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A Good Scar Fade Cream Can Help to Reduce the Appearance of Scars

When you receive an injury or a wound to your body, there is a process that your body goes through in order to stimulate the regeneration of tissue and repair the physical barrier which protects your body against infection. The healing of wounds is a vital body process that generally leaves a scar after completion. Scar tissue appearance is different than that of normal skin because both skin cells and connective tissue are produced by your body to repair the wound and if the ratio of these cells is not right, you may end up with a prominent keloid scar or hypertrophic scar which makes your skin appear red and raised in the area of the scar. The purpose of the scar is to restore functionality to that part of your skin. In the ideal skin healing process, the wounded skin is rapidly closed and the healing area is slowly reconstructed. The healing process of a wound may take up to ten years to complete.

Scars can be a badge of honour, proof of a past traumatic experience, or they may be embarrassing and painful, something that you want to hide or remove. While most scars are permanent, their appearance can be minimized up to 90% with the right treatment.

There are many treatment options available today, and it is sometimes difficult to determine what the best scar treatment is. One of the main considerations for many people is cost. While laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, chemical peels, the "punch" technique, subscision, augmentation and saline injections are all great, effective options for the treatment of scars and Keloid scar treatment, many people cannot afford these options and must look at other ways to treat scars, such as a good scar fade cream. There are literally thousands of scar fade creams on the market today, but many of them are not effective and different treatments work for different people. You may spend an equal amount of money to some of the more expensive options in looking for the right cream that works for you.

In other words, the best scar treatment is one that works for you. Expensive treatments may work for some people, while they are not only unaffordable for most, but don't make much difference in the appearance of their scars. Oftentimes, the appearance of a scar can be drastically reduced, with repeated treatments.

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Types of Scars From Burns

An Overview

When a person suffers a burn, there are three types of scars which can emerge: Keloid, Hypertrophic, and Contractures. Keloid scars result from an overgrowth of scar tissue. The scars are generally red or pink in coloring but turn brown with time. Hypertrophic scars are raise, red, and thick. They differ from Keloid scars as they do not extend beyond the site of injury. Contracture scars emerge from a tightening of skin. These scars can affect the underlying tendons and muscles limiting mobility as well as causing nerve damage.

Keloid Scars

A Keloid scar involves a growth of excessive scar tissue beyond the site of the burn injury. It is caused when the body continues to produce collagen even after the wound has healed. These scars are very thick, ridged, nodular and itchy during formation. If the scar becomes too extensive it may limit mobility. Keloid scars are sensitive to friction such as clothing rubbing against them. People with darker skin and a youthful age are most likely to develop Keloids.

They can be minimized through cyrotherapy (freezing), cortisone injections, external pressure, steroid injections, radiation, or surgical removal. Generally, injections and external pressure are attempted first and if unsuccessful, outpatient surgery is performed under a local anesthesia. Doctors may recommend pressure garments to be worn to prevent Keloids from re-occurring. Treatments may be needed every few years as Keloids commonly reappear.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are limited to the site of injury and will improve over time. With the assistance of steroids, the healing process can be expedited.

Contractures

A contracture scar occurs when the skin tightens permanently. This can limit mobility as well as cause nerve damage. The scar develops when normal elastic tissues are replaced by inelastic fibrous tissue. This new tissue is resistant to stretching and inhibits normal movement.

Physical therapy combined with pressure and exercise can be helpful in aiding these scars. If therapeutic treatment does not succeed, surgery may be needed. A skin graft of flap procedure may be performed by a doctor. In addition, there are new techniques such as Z-plasty or tissue expansion which may be recommended.

Treatment of burn injuries is very expensive. If your injury is the result of someone else's negligence, you have the right to damages. Contact the burn injury lawyers of Williams & Kherker by dialing 1-866-950-9000 for a free consultation.

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Keloid Scars Do Have Some Treatment Options

Take it from someone who has dealt with keloids for the last 15 years, regardless of how many differing treatment options you have undertaken without success, there is a solution available to reduce the unsightly appearance of the scarring.

I began with only a few keloid scars across my chest and arms that spawned as a result of a cooking accident that left me with significant burns that required skin grafting. Despite appearing as a grouping of minor scar tissue, over time they grew to be larger than the French fries that caused the kitchen fire and burning in the first place.

KELOIDS EXPLAINED

If you've never heard of this type of scarring before, keloids are thick, itchy clusters of scar tissue that generally grow beyond the edges of a wound. It is common for them to appear in a nodular form, and they are often darker in color than the surrounding skin. As was the case with me, keloid scars have a propensity to reappear, sometimes requiring repeated treatment. Perhaps this is the reason I have first hand experience with all the following treatment options.

KELOID TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

A key ingredient in learning to prevent keloids is to ascertain whether you are prone to such scarring. If this is the case it is highly advised to avoid any elective skin surgery and piercings. Unfortunately for me and my lovely mocha skin, keloids are most frequent in people with dark skin tones, although they can appear on people with fair skin too.

By the time I turned 32 I could no longer stand the sight and irritation of my keloid scars so following my doctor's advice I undertook a series of corticosteroid injections. As if living through a nightmare, these unsightly scars proved too resilient and simply reoccurred once I stopped receiving the injections. I have also spoken with people with similar experiences after undertaking various laser treatments, radiation, freezing (cryotherapy), and other forms of surgical removal.

However, the treatment that has transformed my keloid problem is the daily application of a natural scar removal cream. This to date has been the only solution that has both reduced the appearance and size of the scarring, as well as curbing the introduction of new keloid scars. Moreover, the cream thankfully removed the discomforting and incessant itching that accompanies keloids.

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How to Remove Keloids Using the Recommended Routes

Scars are generally grouped into three categories: sunken (atrophic) scars, raised (hypertrophic) scars, and keloids. Anyone can develop any of these different types of scars, but keloid scars seem to be predominant in some people. Keloids are also one of the most difficult types of scar tissue to treat.

Keloid scars can develop from any type of wound, be it a cut, burn, or inflammatory reaction such as acne. As they develop, they begin to grow past the edges of the original site of damage and may sometimes keep growing for several years.

In other words, removing keloids can be a difficult procedure. Surgical excision is an option for people who have tried other alternatives without success. Nevertheless, the high recurrence rate can complicate the success of surgery.

Keloid Treatment: a Holistic Approach

Doctors are currently more open to trying different approaches to the more traditional scar treatments. In fact, a global treatment plan has offered the most successful way to eliminate keloid scars for good. This implies a combination of surgery, steroid injections, and compression therapy working together to help make keloid removal a success.

Steroid injections can be used before and after surgery to help flatten the scar. The doctor may also decide to inject steroids directly into the site of the scar during the excision process. Studies have shown that this helps reduce the rate of recurrence.

Compression therapy includes a garment that has been custom fitted and should be worn 24 hours a day. This type of therapy can be used instead of surgery to treat minor keloid scars. However, it can also be used after surgery to reduce the possibility of a new keloid.

Compression garments or bandages are usually worn anywhere from 6 months to a year or two. No one knows how this works, but there is speculation that the restriction of oxygen can help reduce the biological processes that leads to the development of keloids.

Other Common Alternatives for Keloid Treatment

Laser therapy is a commonly used for keloid treatment. A pulsed-dye laser can effectively flatten keloids and reduce the redness they present. However, if you do decide to undergo this type of treatment you should know that it may require several sessions before you can see positive results.

Some doctors use silicone sheets to help reduce the appearance of keloids and other types of scars. They work much in the same way as compression devices do. However, silicone sheets are worn for fewer hours during the day.

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5 Techniques For Treating Hypertrophic Scarring

There are generally two kinds of scars - hypertrophic and keloid. Scars are considered to be hypertrophic when the damaged tissue heals and becomes a reddish lump that does not overextend beyond the original wound. Though somewhat abnormal looking, these scars heal with time but become permanent in some cases and require hypertrophic scar treatment for removal.

There is a wide variety of hypertrophic scar treatments and it is important to know that no matter which of them is used, scars are never really removed and treatments always leave a trace.

Needling scar treatment

Needling is one of the cheapest hypertrophic scar treatments available. One of its advantages over other treatments is that it can be done at home with special scarring needles under clean and sterile environments. Proper use requires constant needling of scarred tissue to induce collagen formation. First time users are advised to seek professional medical supervision when attempting to needle the face or other vital areas where nerves are located.

Silicone scar treatment

The hypertrophic scar treatment that erases the most traces of scarring is silicone treatment. Typically used by plastic surgeons, silicone gel sheets help to moisturize the scar and even out the discoloration so that it matches the surrounding skin once again. This particular type of treatment has a very low risk of side effects and further damage to the tissue.

Steroid injections

Steroid injection is a common method used in hypertrophic scar treatment. Since steroids cause tissue to thin out, it is injected directly into the scar on a monthly interval until the scar is sufficiently flattened out. Due to the nature of steroid injections, there are certain risks involved in the procedure most especially if the scar to be injected has not completely closed on the inside or is ruptured.

Collagen injections

Similar to certain cosmetic practices, collagen injections can be used as a hypertrophic scar treatment for scars that do not grow out of the skin but rather sinks in. The treatment involves injecting collagen or an alternative into the sunken scar enough so that it rises to the same level of the skin. This method of treatment is short-term, however, as repeated treatments are required to maintain the level of the scar.

Radiotherapy

In extreme cases, scars can be cut out and stitched up or exposed to radiotherapy. These hypertrophic scar treatments are not usually used as it risks opening up new wounds and has long-term side effects.

With the advances in science and technology, new methods of treatment are being researched and developed for treating and removing scars. And with so many treatments for scar care and removal, scars are a thing of the past.

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Scar Removal and Scar Treatment Product Reviews

The appearance of scarred tissue can have many different origins including minor skin damage, acne, burns, injury and surgical procedures. However, regardless of the cause, scars are generally associated with some degree of insecurity and self-consciousness, particularly on areas of the body such as the face. As a result, many scar removal and scar treatment products have been developed over the years in an effort to improve the scar healing process.

Scars can be classified into two general categories: keloid and hypertrophic. Keloid scars are raised, puckered tissue and typically grow beyond the size of the original skin wound. Hypertrophic scars are more common, and their sizes remain within the original skin injury and may recede with time. Other problematic characteristics of scarring include discoloration, itching, soreness, indentation and irregular skin texture.

Because of recent headway in transdermal technology, many highly effective scar removal and healing products are now available on the market. For prominent scarring, surgical treatment is available; however, there are also many non-invasive scar removal products that show significant improvements.

Scar removal creams-available without a medical prescription-can be used for the treatment of both minor and major scar tissue. These creams work to increase the production of the enzyme collagenase, which helps break down the scar tissue. Additionally, a favorable healing environment is created as the cream sends essential lipids and bio-molecules below the skin surface. Finally, the creams help rebuild the damaged stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis), which is most affected by hypertrophic scarring.

A second scar removal treatment to consider is the application of silicone scar sheets. These medical devices are used for the treatment and prevention of scarring by patients and professionals. Silicone sheets are a cost-effective alternative to surgical scar removal, and they are easy to use and reusable. They work to soften and smooth skin texture, reduce discoloration and thickness of scars, and diminish the itching and soreness that is associated with scarring. The individual sheets are offered in multiple sizes and shapes to accommodate virtually any scar type. Small silicone discs are suggested for the treatment of acne, while large rectangular sheets can be used on areas such as the back and stomach. Existing scars as well as recently healed scars can be treated with silicone scar sheets, but they are not to be used on open wounds.

Scar healing kits can also be found that include the combined use of creams and silicone sheets. These kits would be a good choice for those who desire maximum results. However, always keep in mind that the best improvements come with the consistent application of the scar removal products.

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What is the Best Treatment to Keloid Scar?

Keloid scar is a form of broken skin, a raised scar which extends outside of the discrete scar. It's often happened as a result of accident, surgery or more commonly from skin piercing. Keloid removal is part of the remedy to scar tissue removal.

Essentially the most generally recognized remedies to Keloid removal may be listed such as: steroid injection, interferon injection, surgery operation, laser treatment, silicone sheets dressing and Cryotheraphy. Nevertheless, amongst all the mentioned methods in treating Keloid scar, the very best combination would be laser surgery and the use of silicone scar sheets.

Although laser scar removal may be expensive, it's recognized to have the best result, the fastest removal time and the shortest healing period. Laser scar treatment makes use of laser to take away the layer of Keloid scar from our skin, once this surgical procedure is completed; we are able to proceed to use the silicone sheets dressing onto the treated area.

Today, silicone is being produced cheaply; additionally it is effective and popular among people who deal with Keloid scar. Silicone sheets or gel for Keloid treatment are to flatten the tissue and fade the color of the Keloid. One other benefit of Silicone is that it is extremely effective in stopping water, wind and other irritants from getting into the wound. It not only smoothes the tissue but also helps keep moisturizing it so to encourage the wound to heal.

Due to this fact, for the most effective treatment to Keloid removal, the combination of laser scar treatment along with silicone sheets dressing are the best way to get rid of Keloid scar.

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What Are Your Options For Keloid Scar Removal

Keloid scars can form for a variety of reasons. Acne and piercings are the most common causes of these unsightly raised scars, but there are others as well. Keloid scar treatment can be a little tricky, because you want to remove the scars without causing permanent damage or causing more to form. The treatment options below will present you with a few of the available options if you suffer from this type of scarring.

Injections

One common keloid scar treatment is to inject cortisone into the affected area. This is a slightly painful procedure, where an injection of a steroid is placed into the keloid until it has flattened. However, this treatment can actually cause the scar to be more noticeable and red, as the steroids can stimulate the formation of additional blood vessels near the top of the skin. This is a completely safe method that has been shown to produce guaranteed results.

Laser Treatments

The most popular keloids scar treatment on the market right now is laser procedures. Unlike injections, they do not redden the scars and make them more noticeable, and it is also completely safe. This method uses a laser to target the scars to flatten them and reduce redness. This process will also require several different treatments in order to be completely effective, and some minor discomfort may be involved as well.

Surgery

This is an option that is not advised by many doctors anymore, as the removal of keloids is a very tricky process that could cause many problems if done incorrectly. If not done properly, even more scars could appear in place of the one that was removed. There is also a high cost, risks, and pain associated with this method as well.

The options above are just a few of the keloid scar treatments that are available. If you suffer from these scars, then you will need to investigate all of the available options before making a final decision.

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Home Remedies for Scars

A scar is the pinkish or brown patch of skin that grows in the place where you once had a wound or sore. They are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin tissue after destruction of some of the dermis. A scar is thus the skin's natural way of repairing itself from injury. Most people have scars.
The word scar is derived from the Greek word eschara, meaning fireplace.

Every skin injury or wound heals with a scar. The appearance of a scar however depends on the type and extent of the wound, as well as how an individual's body heals.

Scar tissue is not similar to the tissue that it replaces and is usually of inferior quality. There is no hair growth on the scar tissue, and the skin there becomes less resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

How scarring occurs?

Scarring occur when the deep dermis layer of skin is damaged. The deeper the damage, the worse the scar.

Many skin scars are pale and leave a trace of the original injury that caused them. The time that a scar takes to form may range from a few days to, in some serious and rare cases, several years. Various treatments can speed up the process in serious cases.

To repair the damage, the body has to lay down new collagen tissues As the body cannot re-build the tissue exactly as it was, the scar tissue will have a different texture and quality than the surrounding normal tissue. An injury does not become a scar until the wound has completely healed.

Factors affecting scar formation -

Many factors affect the severity of scar formation, such as -

- The size and depth of the wound.

- Location of the injury on the body.

- The blood supply to the area.

- Age of the person

- The thickness, type and colour of the person's skin.

- The direction of the scar.

Once a scar forms, it is permanent. However, it may be made less visible or displaced surgically.

Can scars be completely removed?

There is no way to remove scars completely. However, a skilled surgeon can definitely improve the appearance of the scar by disguising it, relocating it, or minimizing its prominence.

Skin colour and type, age, and the size of the scar, are important factors that go on to decide the outcome of a surgery to remove a scar.

Different types of scars respond to different plastic surgery techniques. Timing of the surgery is another important factor. The younger the scar, the more satisfactory is the result of the surgery. Therefore, if you want to have your scar removed, do not wait, until as advised by the doctor.

Types of scars -

1. Keloid scars:

Keloids are itchy clusters of scar tissue that grow beyond the edges of the wound or incision. They occur when the body continues to produce the tough, fibrous protein known as collagen after a wound has healed. They are more common in dark-skinned people.

Keloids are treated by injecting a steroid medication directly into the scar tissue to reduce redness and itching. However, the disheartening fact is that keloids have a tendency to recur, sometimes even larger than before, thus requiring repeated procedures.

2. Hypertrophic scars:

These scars, unlike keloids, remain within the limits of the original wound. They often improve on their own, though it may take a year or more. They may also require steroid applications or in some cases may have to be improved surgically.

3. Contractures:

Burns or other injuries that result in the loss of a large area of skin may form a scar that pulls the edges of the skin together, a process called contraction.

Improving a contracture usually involves cutting out the scar and replacing it with a skin graft or a flap. In some cases, a procedure known as Z-plasty may be used.

4. Facial scars:

Mostly, facial scars are cut out and closed with tiny stitches, leaving a less noticeable scar. Some facial scars can be softened using a technique called dermabrasion, that leaves a smoother surface to the skin, but does not completely erase the scar.

Scar treatment procedures -

No scar can be completely removed. They will always leave behind a trace, but a number of procedures can improve their appearance.

Surgery -

Surgery will never completely remove a scar but can be used to alter its location or shape to make it less noticeable. Surgery is at times necessary to remove a scar on skin near a joint where it restricts movement, but it will leave another scar.

Laser surgery & resurfacing -

The use of laser on scars is still on an experimental phase, as the safety or effectiveness has not yet been proven.

Steroid injections -

A course of steroid injections into the scar may help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.

Z-Plasty -

Z-plasty is a surgical technique used to relocate a scar so that it more closely matches to the natural creases of the skin, where it will be less noticeable. In this procedure, the old scar is removed and new incisions are made on each side, creating small triangular flaps of skin.

Skin grafting -

Grafting involves the transfer of skin from a healthy part of the body to cover the injured area. All grafts leave some scarring at the donor and recipient sites.

Make sure that your expectations from any surgery are realistic. You cannot expect that old scars will completely disappear; however, they will always turn flatter, paler and softer.

Home remedies to lessen scars -

o A mixture of sandalwood paste and black gram paste helps reduce the intensity of scars if started early.

o Rubbing your skin with ice cubes helps to tighten the skin.

o You can use cucumber and lemon juice on your scars.

o Vitamin E oil when applied on the scarred skin may do wonders for your skin.

o To prevent deepening of the scars, apply aloe vera gel, cod liver oil or vitamin E oil.

o Applying cocoa butter is also a good remedy in getting rid of the scars.

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Can an Over-The-Counter Scar Treatment Diminish Keloids?

Keloid scars are often the most frustrating type of scar to have in that they can quickly grow to substantial proportions. However, most of those that develop these types of scars do not know what to do and sometimes wind up trying to cut off these scars themselves which can lead to a variety of medical complications.

Even if those affected went to a doctor to cut off these wounds, the reality is that surgically removing Keloids will work temporarily, but there is a very large downside in that 50% of surgically removed Keloid scars result in the formation of a new Keloid. This is one of the main reasons why doctors still don't fully understand these wounds.

Over-The-Counter Scar Treatments

Thankfully, topical scar treatments have been shown to help reduce the size, color, and pain associated with Keloids. However, it is vital that you ensure that Keloid scar treatment you choose is primarily silicone based as this is the single most important ingredients used in the topical treatment of Keloids.

Silicone based products are available in two main forms: gels and sheeting. Both of these options have been shown to work, but it is typically more cost effective to use gel based products because you will only need to use a small amount of the gel to cover the wound. In turn, by covering the wound with the silicone, you will not only help protect it from natural elements such as water and wind, but you will also be able to allow the scar to retain moisture from surrounding, healthier areas of skin which will help it heal more efficiently.

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The Most Extraordinary Keloid Scar Removal Methods

You will find various kinds of scars that may vary from small imperfections up to the more serious and constricting kinds. The type of treatment method you utilize will be based significantly upon the sort of scar as well as the degree of the injury. Keloids are probably the most challenging type of scarring to treat.

Exactly what are Keloids?

Keloids are not really scars. They're, in reality, harmless fibrotic tumors that contain atypical fibroblasts. Also, they are identified by the abnormal quantity of components that make up the skin, specifically: collagen, elastin in addition to proteogylcans.

Typically, keloid scars consist of relatively acellular centers and possess a thick and a considerable amount of collagen bundles that form nodules in the deep dermal portion of the particular lesion. They might hurt, itch, and result in disfigurement. The primary complications dealing with keloid scar treatment are continuous growth as well as the excessive rate of recurrence.

Keloid scar tissue are generally small or fairly large. Both size and area assist to figure out the severeness of this kind of scar tissue. If your keloid appears over a joint, it may cause mobility difficulties and also pain.

Discover Ways to Deal with Keloids

There are numerous ways of dealing with keloids. These consist of compression therapy, steroid injections, cryosurgery, silicone sheeting, surgery, and radiation and laser treatment. Cryosurgery along with the use of steroid shots is quite a good method of dealing with smaller keloids. Nevertheless, if you are attempting to take care of bigger keloids then you will most likely need to go through a surgical procedure.

Nevertheless, the most effective types of keloid treatment methods are not just regarding keloid removal. Effective keloid scar treatment must always consist of treatments which are applied prior to, during, and following surgery. Here is a fast breakdown of keloid scar removal.

Previous to as well as during surgery, a professional may inject steroids into your scar tissue to help you reduce the scar. Research has demonstrated that this facilitates to reduce the rate of recurrence. When the keloid is taken out, the location should be looked after meticulously.

A different treatment method utilized right after keloid scar removal surgery, is using compression therapy or silicone sheets to keep the keloid from recurring. Compression may well last as prolonged as 12 months.

Laser and radiation treatment are an additional solution that will help you cope with keloids. Laser therapy involves utilizing a laser to create a shallow peel. When laser therapy is used along with silicone sheeting or steroid injections, an increased success rate occur.

Radiation therapy is best when it's implemented immediately after surgery. When this kind of treatment is used while the injury continues to heal, it becomes all the more effective.

Gels and/or topical applications can also always be applied for scar treatment. Researching into this kind of remedy you should look at solutions that are 100% silicone, they are the very best types for this kind of treatment. Products that includes onion extract are also proven effective when dealing with lots of post traumatic injuries. Actually, they've even been recognized to assist in the healing process.

Regardless of which gel or cream you apply, you have to always be persistent. This is the most important and single method in which virtually any remedy will be successful.

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Why Darker Skin is a Definite Candidate For a Silicone Keloid Scar Treatment

Keloid scar removal is especially tricky for people with darker skin.

o Darkly pigmented people are exceptionally prone to forming keloids.
o This "scar tissue that won't stop growing" may not be a candidate for surgical removal, or dermabrasion.
o There is a real risk the skin that grows back after keloid scar removal will be bigger, bolder keloid tissue.

Keloids on dark skin appear pink or red. They stand out on dark skin.

People of color are particularly in search of a removal treatment that fades the color of the out-of-control scar tissue.

With medical options discouraged by doctors, silicone based, over the counter products make sense for those with darker skin. Silicone promotes fading and reduces size over time.

Keloids begin to form immediately after even the simplest wound, even acne or a skin piercing. Immediate application of a silicone cream or gel can be the most successful in slowing and reducing the spread of damaged fiber. Often pressure is maintained on top of the silicone layer to reduce the raised quality of this type of specific wound.

Even without a taped-on layer, silicone based products form a protective layer, maintaining moisture for proper skin healing. The barrier also discourages infection, which can delay healing and actually make the wound worse than it was.

Surgeons and dermatologists often tell patients nothing can be done.

o Yet, distinguished medical research proves the effectiveness of silicone as a keloid scar removal option.
o Many doctors use silicone keloid scar removal gels alongside other treatments to double the attack on these types of disfiguring scars.

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Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

Abnormal scarring can be a very troublesome problem and can occur as a result of trauma, skin piercing, or surgery - basically anytime the skin is broken. Keloids or hypertrophic scars occur can occur in any skin types but are more common in African American and Hispanic skin types. A previous history of keloids speaks to an increased risk, but the risk is not one-hundred percent. For patients who experience these conditions, there are many possible treatments but none that have proven to be effective in all cases. Often several treatments must be combined to get optimal results.

While additional research must be done, it appears that keloids and hypertrophic scars are not separate entities but on a continuum with one another. Hypertrophic scars are raised scars which remain in the line of the scar. Keloids are also raised but extend outside of the discrete scar. In order to minimize the risk of either, great care must be used in wound closure to ensure that no tension exists on the wound.

If a person suffers from a keloid or hypertrophic scar, there are several options for repair. Direct excision is always an option though this solution alone will almost certainly result in a recurrence of the process. Topical or injection therapies offer good adjuncts to surgical excision to help prevent recurrence. Though no treatment has shown 100% efficacy at preventing recurrence, several are used with good results depending on physician preference. Intralesional steroid injections, often with kenalog, is a useful tool not only to help prevent recurrence but also to help decrease keloids that are present. Additional therapies with the chemotherapy drug 5-FU directly into the lesion and imiquimod applied to the top of the excised area can be helpful in decreasing recurrence rates. Several studies have been done with the application of silicone sheeting for several hours a day for several days to months after surgical excision of a keloid with very favorable results. The mechanism of action is not entirely known but thought to be related more to the moisturizing effect on the wound than the silicone itself.

For keloids which are particularly troublesome, large, or recurrent, a short course of radiation therapy after excision can be beneficial. Because of the potential side effects of radiation, this therapy is reserved for particularly troublesome cases but can be very useful in the right circumstances.

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Keloid Scars & Hypertrophic Scarring

When we are affected by for example wounds, our body has its own healing mechanism. The healing process starts with the production of fibroblasts and skin cells. If these are produced at the same rate, wound healing will happen normally leaving a small scar that in time fades, but if the production is off, fibroblasts create a dense cluster that hinders the migration of skin cells. This is an abnormality better known as hypertrophic or keloid scarring.

What are Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars?

These, also known as raised scars, are the result of the body's overproduction of collagen when wound healing is taking place. An overproduction will create a raised scar that is limited to the site of the original wound. When the scar is limited to the site of the wound, this kind of scar is called a hypertrophic scar.

Keloid scar are different in that a keloid can grow beyond the site of the original lesion. They are uneven and can grow larger with time.

Because keloid scars grow beyond the area of the initial lesion, they are quite unattractive. Factors such as itchiness, painfulness and tenderness to the touch are normally something usual when dealing with a keloid scar.

Are there Treatments for Raised Scars?

Two of the most common options to treat raised scarring are compression therapy and corticosteroid injections.

Compression therapy is one of the most common treatments for raised scars. The method is to use something to compress the scar and the area around it, to limit the growth. This has also been know to reduce the actual scar, but treatment is not always successful.

Corticosteroids, specifically intralesional corticosteroid injections, are also a regular treatment to help healing of raised scars. This treatment reduces collagen synthesis, by altering glucosaminoglycan synthesis and by inhibiting the production of fibroblast proliferation during wound healing.

source: ezinearticles.com