7 Effective Ways to Prevent Keloid Scars

Keloid scars can be an unsightly reminder of any type of skin injury, including surgeries, burns, and acne. Raised, thickened skin that can be red, itchy and sometimes painful, keloids are caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue beyond the boundary of the original wound. Preventing keloid scars is often more manageable than treating them, and there are several effective ways to do this.

1. Protect Your Wound

One of the most effective ways to prevent keloid scarring is to protect your healing wound from forming the scar. After any type of injury, make sure to keep the affected area covered and clean. Infections can lead to keloid scars as your body tries to heal your wound and creates too much scar tissue; hence, keeping the wound clean and uninfected is critical.

2. Massage Your Scar

Massaging the scarred area using a moisturizing lotion or oil has been proven to prevent keloid scars from forming. The rubbing motion promotes blood circulation, which breaks up collagen and helps to prevent the buildup of scar tissue. At the same time, using a lotion or oil during the massage helps to keep the skin moisturized and supple.

3. Wear Compression Clothing

Wearing compression clothing after an injury like surgery can help prevent keloid scars by limiting the amount of oxygen and blood that can reach the injury site. The compression can also discourage the spread of scar tissue.

4. Use Silicone Gel or Sheet

Silicone gel or sheets can help prevent keloid scars from forming, especially when used within the first few months after an injury. The silicone helps to flatten and soften the scar tissue while also regulating excess collagen production.

5. Use Sunscreen

Exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can cause new scars to develop and interfere with the healing of existing scars. Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every time you’re outside, even on cloudy days.

6. Don’t Scratch or Pick Your Scabs

Scratching or picking at scabs can damage the affected area and create keloid scars. It is essential to resist the temptation to scratch an itchy scar, as it can potentially extend the healing period and exacerbate the scar.

7. Consider Scar Revision Surgery

When keloids become severe, they can be challenging to treat, which is when scar revision surgery becomes a viable option. During surgery, a plastic surgeon will remove the excess tissue, and the incision will be re-sutured with fine stitches. In most cases, post-surgical efforts like using silicone sheeting and avoiding sun exposure will need to be taken to ensure that new keloids do not form.

In conclusion, keloid scars can be distressing for anyone, but thankfully, several effective ways can prevent them. Protecting the injured area, massaging the scar, using compression clothing, silicone gel or sheet, and wearing sunscreen are all ways to prevent keloid scars. Additionally, avoid picking or scratching scabs and consider scar revision surgery if the keloid becomes severe. By following these steps, you can keep your skin smooth and keloid-free.

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