What are keloid scars?
A keloid is the formation of a type of scar which depends on its maturity. It is the result of an overgrowth of granulation tissue at the site of a healed skin injury, which is then slowly replaced by collagen. Keloids are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules, and they can vary in color from pink to the patient’s flesh color or from red to dark brown. A keloid scar is benign and not contagious, but it is sometimes accompanied by severe itchiness, pain, and changes in texture. In severe cases, it can affect the movement of the skin. Keloid scars are seen 15 times more frequently in highly pigmented ethnic groups than in Caucasians.
What Causes the Condition?
Most types of skin injuries can contribute to keloid scarring. These include:
- Acne scars
- Burns
- Chickenpox scars
- Ear piercing
- Scratches
- Surgical cuts
- Vaccination sites
What Are the Symptoms of Keloids?
Keloids occur due to the overgrowth of scar tissue, and symptoms manifest at the site of a previous skin injury.
Symptoms include:
- An area that is flesh-colored, pink, or red
- A lumpy or ridged area of skin
- An area that continues to grow larger with scar tissue over time
- An itchy patch of skin
Keloid scars tend to be larger than the original wound itself. They may take weeks or months to fully develop.
Prevention of Keloids
The best treatment is prevention in patients with a known predisposition. This includes avoiding unnecessary trauma or surgery (including ear piercing and elective mole removal) whenever possible. Any skin problems in predisposed individuals (e.g., acne, infections) should be treated as early as possible to minimize areas of inflammation.
Homeopathic Treatment for Keloids
At Kanakaveda, keloids are effectively treated with homeopathy. No surgical procedures are required, no injections are given, and no creams or lotions are applied. Only oral medications are prescribed without any diet restrictions. After starting the treatment, the keloids begin to shrink slowly. Another advantage of homeopathic treatment is that it eliminates the tendency to develop recurrent keloids.