A keloid refers to a raised scar that is red or brown in color and occurs often after a critical surgery or injury, says the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. While these scars are not risky, they can continue to grow over time due to which they can be very embarrassing.
At times, they can be very itchy and even painful. There are many treatments for keloids, which range from medications to surgeries. However, none of them are 100% effective. Fortunately, there are a few natural home remedies that have proved their effectiveness in treating keloid scars.
So, before taking a laser therapy or cortisone injections in a clinic, you can try some natural remedies at home that are more affordable as well as effective. However, these treatments are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). So, it is vital to discuss with your doctor before trying any of these home remedies on your own, especially if you are suffering from other medical conditions.
Effective Home Remedies For Keloids
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the effective home remedies is to rub cider vinegar on the affected skin areas as well as on its surrounding portions. This will aid in slowing down the growth of scars and in reducing their pinkness. But before using it, just test the vinegar for its harshness by applying it a bit on the affected area.
If you find that the solution is too harsh, then you can mix it with water so that its harshness is minimized. Try mixing the two in 1:1 ratio. Even after doing so if you find that the vinegar is still harsh, then consider diluting the vinegar by mixing only one-quarter of it so that the ratio is now 1:3. After doing so, you can apply the mix with a cotton ball.
Note
Never ever apply the solution on a scar that is growing or yet developing. Always apply it on a fully healed area where scars are becoming keloids.
Apply Essential Oils
Essential oils such as lavender, sesame, and rosehip can also be very useful in treating keloid scars. One of the most admirable features of lavender is its capability of healing scars. It has properties that can rejuvenate skin cells and trigger a calming effect for dealing with all kinds of scars. All you have to do is dip the cotton ball in it and wipe the affected area two times a day for minimizing the growth of keloid scars.
According to Jennie Harding who is the writer of ‘The Essential Oils Handbook’, a blend of lavender, sesame, and rosehip essential oils can heal keloid scars. In order to prepare this blend, you need to mix half tablespoon of lavender oil, one tablespoon of rosehip oil, and eight tablespoons of sesame oil in a container and shake it well. Now, you can use this mix for massaging gently on the affected area and leaving it as it is for half an hour so that it can dry. However, ensure that you wash your hands properly before you massage.
Once dried, wash the skin with clean, cool water and with a gentle cleanser after which you can apply your moisturizer. You can repeat this treatment daily until you do not experience skin irritation. You can also try the mixture of sage oil, neroli oil, and olive oil. Ann Worwood who has written ‘The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy’ suggests this mix to get rid of keloids.
For preparing this mix, you need to combine one tablespoon of neroli oil, half tablespoon of sage oil, and six tablespoons of olive oil in a container and stir well. The, pour some amount of this solution on your well-washed fingertips and massage with it gently on the affected portion. After massaging, leave the area for 20 minutes so that it can dry. You can then rinse the massaged area with cool water and a mild cleanser. If you wish, you can now apply your moisturizer. If this treatment is not bothering your skin, you can use it two times in a day.
Try The Mix Of Honey And Indian Gooseberries
Vasant Lad who is the writer of ‘The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies’ recommends applying a solution of gooseberries and honey for getting the rid of keloid scars. In order to make this mixture, you need to grind 1/8th cup of gooseberries along with one tablespoon of honey and then stir it well.
You can now massage gently with this solution on the skin and let it remain for an hour so that it dries completely. Then, you need to rinse the area with cool water and mild soap before applying your moisturizer. You can consider using this remedy thrice a day until skin irritation is not felt.
Experience The Magic Of Vitamin E Oil, Cocoa Butter And Aloe Vera Gel
Julie Gabriel who is the author of ‘The Green Beauty Guide’ says that applying a mix of vitamin E oil, cocoa butter, and Aloe Vera gel can keep keloid scars at bay. So, you simply have to mix 1 tablespoon of Vitamin E oil, one tablespoon of cocoa butter, and two tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel in a small vessel.
Then, you can apply its thick layer to the affected area and allow it to dry for half an hour. Remove the excess off the area before you leave the area for drying. In this case, you need not wash the skin unless the solution is irritating your skin. You can store the remaining mixture in a dark, cool place for not more than five days.
Put Garlic To Test
Many experts believe that garlic extract can aid in averting the extreme fibroblast proliferation that leads to keloid growth. According to a study conducted at Aarhus University in Denmark, garlic extract has an impact on the growth of fibroblast cells due to which it may aid in retarding the growth of keloid scars.
One more study performed at the Vavilov Institute of General Genetics in Moscow has also concluded that garlic has the potential in averting the atypical fibroblast growth.
