Keloids are scars that become enlarged due to abnormal growth of fibrous tissues. Skin injuries like acne, minor burns, bites, cuts, or scrapes can leave scars. Keloids form over time, when an excess amount of collagen grows in the scars. Generally, they do not cause pain, but sometimes they can be itchy.
Even though keloids do not pose a health concern, many people dislike having these enlarged, ugly scars. Some people opt for surgery, injections or laser treatment to remove them. Instead of paying for expensive treatments, there are some simple natural remedies that you can use to take care of your keloids at home for little cost.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for keloids.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
A great home remedy for treating keloids is apple cider vinegar because it helps minimize the size and redness of the scar.
- Apply apple cider vinegar directly on the affected area and gently massage it so the vinegar is well absorbed into the skin.
- Allow it to dry for a few minutes, and then repeat the process in order to expedite healing.
- Do this several times a day for maximum results and continue this treatment for four to five weeks.
If the apple cider vinegar causes any skin irritation, you can dilute it with water. You can also use pure tea
tree oil.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda acts as an abrasive agent and helps exfoliate the skin. It can also be used successfully to manage keloids.
- Mix one part baking soda with three parts hydrogen peroxide to make a smooth paste.
- Apply the paste directly on the affected area to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
- Do this three or four times a day depending upon the severity of the scar.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains antioxidants and vitamin C that are very helpful in treating different types of scars, including keloids. After a few weeks of using this remedy, you should see significant improvement in the color, texture, appearance, and flexibility of the scar.
- Extract the juice from a fresh lemon and apply it on the affected skin area.
- Leave it on for about half an hour, and then wash the area with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process at least once daily.
4. Aspirin
The same aspirin that you take for headaches and other health problems can also be used to treat keloids as it helps reduce the scar’s size and appearance.
- Crush three or four aspirin tablets and add a small amount of water to make a smooth, thick paste.
- Apply the paste on the scar, allow it to dry completely and then rinse it off by rubbing the area gently under water.
- Pat the area dry and then apply some olive oil or tea tree oil.
- Do this daily until the keloid is gone.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is very good for the skin and can be used in the treatment of keloids. It will help reduce inflammation, keep the skin well-moisturized and heal damaged skin. It also helps prevent skin infections.
- Clean the scarred area thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the scars twice daily.
6. Sandalwood and Rose Water
Sandalwood has many skin regenerating properties and rose water is a natural skin toner. Used together they can help prevent or reduce and lighten keloid scars.
- Make a thick paste of sandalwood powder and rose water. If you wish, you can also add some black gram to the paste. You can find black gram in an Asian supermarket.
- Clean the scar with water and apply the paste before going to bed. In the morning, wash the area thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Do this regularly for a month or two.
7. Honey
Honey is a natural humectant that heals and moisturizes the skin. This is why honey is highly recommended for the treatment of keloids. Regular application of honey over a few weeks can solve the problem of keloids.
Apply fresh honey on the scar and massage the area gently to improve blood circulation and prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells.
For best results, use Tualang honey, which is made by bees from the Tualang tree. This particular honey can decrease the number of proliferated cells in keloids, thus reducing the appearance of these scars.
8. Garlic
Garlic prevents the excessive fibroblast proliferation that can lead to keloids, making it a good home treatment for these types of scars.
- Apply garlic oil directly on the scar.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash the area thoroughly.
If garlic oil is not available, you can use crushed garlic cloves. If the garlic oil or crushed cloves cause burning or irritation, immediately wash the area with lukewarm water.
9. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has skin cell rejuvenating properties that can help with all forms of scarring, including keloids. It also helps increase the skin cell turnover rate, which is highly beneficial in preventing scars from becoming permanent.
- You can minimize a scar by applying lavender oil and massaging the area gently for several minutes. Do this several times a day for faster and better results.
- You can also mix equal amounts of lavender oil and tea tree essential oil or olive oil and apply it on the affected area several times a day.
10. Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s earth may also be used to get rid of different types of scars, including keloids.
- Mix one tablespoon of fuller’s earth, one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of rose water to make a smooth paste.
- Apply the paste on the scarred area and massage it gently in order to soften the scar. Allow it to dry and then apply another layer of paste.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash the area thoroughly with cold water.
- Do this on a regular basis until the scar vanishes.
To conclude, you can try a variety of home treatments for keloids. Be aware that newer keloids are easier to treat, while older ones may take more time.
Diet For Keloids
- Eat a healthful diet rich in foods that promote skin health and drink plenty of water. Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and healthful fats are some of the most important nutrients for skin. Orange vegetables, citrus fruits, seeds, nuts and olive oil can provide these vital nutrients.
- Consume a lot of collagen-rich food and drinks such as soymilk, cheese, red peppers or tomatoes. All of these will promote faster tissue repair or healing in wounds. Cheese and soymilk contain a substance called genistein that aids collagen production; while red peppers and tomatoes contain lycopenes that acts as antioxidants and also help in collagen formation.
