Keloid ointment: discover the creams and other treatments available

After skin trauma, such as surgery or accidents, the body begins a healing process that consists of producing enough collagen to repair the injured part. So far, nothing unusual – the skin tissues working in your favor. The problem happens when there is an intense and abnormal proliferation of elastic fibers that end up giving rise to a scar, called keloid by dermatologists.

Keloids are more common in people with dark skin, mestizos and orientals aged between 10 and 30 years and the most susceptible places for occurrence are the face, chest, shoulder and neck.

Although feared by many women, keloids can be treated. There is a series of treatments available on the market, laser, ointments, peeling, injections. Meet some.

What is keloid?

According to the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery, keloid is an imperfect scar that arises from an intense healing response of the body, which goes beyond the limits of a cutaneous damage. That is, there is an abnormal growth of tissue during healing.

It is usually caused by an inflammation, burn or surgical incision, but in more extreme cases it can also occur due to acne, chickenpox, piercings in the ears, vaccination sites and tattoos. According to dermatologist Silvia Santilli, keloids are mainly related to genetic predisposition.

How does it manifest?

The keloid “presents itself as a hardened, reddish, raised and shiny tissue, sometimes associated with pain or itching”, says Silvia. It usually takes on a darker or skin-like tone over time.

How to identify?

The diagnosis is made based on the appearance of the skin or scar. A skin biopsy may be needed to rule out other formations that occur on the skin (tumors).

How to treat?

There are several forms of treatment for keloids and the success varies from patient to patient and also according to the type and proportion of the lesion: “there is no single effective treatment for keloids. It depends a lot on the case and the stage of the scar,” says Silvia.

keloid ointments

Currently, there are ointments that are available on the market for the treatment of scars of this nature, such as: Cicatricure, Skimatix, Kelo-cote and Contractubex Get to know each one of them:

Cicatricure: The product is a gel whose formula was created specifically to visibly improve scarred skin. The promise is to repair the texture, decrease and improve the color of the scar. The average price is 45 reais.

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Skimatix: It is a clear silicone gel that helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance, while helping to maintain the healed surface resulting from surgery, burns and other injuries. It promises to relieve itching and discomfort, and lessen skin discoloration. Average price: 80 reais.

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Kelo-cote: Can be used to prevent the formation of keloids in surgery, trauma and burns. It should be used to reduce scars when the wound is already closed. Average price: 215 reais.

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Contractubex: Indicated for hypertrophic and keloid scars, movement limitation, discomfort after surgical interventions, amputations, burns and accidents. Its main objective is to improve the appearance of the scar. Average price: 45 reais.

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According to Dr. Silvia, “the main products for topical use (on the lesions) are corticosteroids and silicone, in the form of gels or patches. Mild products that have a moisturizing effect can be used to massage the scar, thus helping to soften it and improve its appearance, this includes some essential oils, such as rosehip, for example, but they are not highly effective”.

aesthetic treatments

Local radiotherapy, silicone patches, corticosteroid injections, corticosteroid occlusive tapes, reduction surgeries, beta therapy (radiotherapy), photodynamic therapy and cryosurgery (freezing) are some other options available. The indication for each case should always be made by a dermatologist. Discover some methods:

• Peeling: consists of applying a chemical solution to the skin that exfoliates and fights certain skin conditions including scars. The contact of this solution with the skin allows to remove and regenerate the layers of the skin.
• Cortisone injections: These are the most suitable type of treatment for small or early-developing keloids. The drug is injected into the lesion, with an interval of four to six weeks. This treatment decreases scar size and irritation.
• Recent medications: to prevent keloids even before they form, medications such as Interferon, Fluoracil and Tamixofen applied to the lesion can be beneficial, as they decrease collagen production, which is responsible for the exaggerated growth of the scar.
• Cryosurgery: is the freezing of the lesion with liquid nitrogen to reduce the keloid, making it smoother and with less relief. It is important to emphasize that it can cause the skin to whiten in the place where the nitrogen is applied.
• Lasertherapy: It has great effectiveness in whitening and reducing keloids. It consists of exposing the scar to a laser that “heats” the surface layer of the skin, the epidermis and part of the dermis. The laser moves across the entire scar, removing the most affected layers, which exposes new, more natural layers of skin.
• Betatherapy: recommended in cases of individuals who need to undergo a surgical procedure and tend to develop keloids. Radiation is applied to the place where cuts were needed to reduce the risk of scarring.

home remedies for keloids

Although the problems with the appearance of keloids have a genetic origin, there are some homemade recipes to prevent and treat the appearance of these scars. It is important to point out, however, that according to dermatologist Silvia Santilli, there is no scientific proof of the benefits of these treatments and the effectiveness is low. It is also recommended not to expose yourself to the sun.

• Sandalwood powder with rose water: make a paste with these ingredients and apply it on the scar every night until the volume starts to reduce;
• Lemon Juice: Mix 1 tablespoon of rose water, 2 servings of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of earth. Apply this mixture on the scar and massage for 10 minutes. Wash with cold water. Repeat the procedure three times a week;
• Various massage options: massage the keloid with lemon juice, honey, apple cider vinegar diluted in water or calendula essential oils;
• Food: it is essential to strengthen the immune system through the intake of foods rich in vitamins C and E, which act directly on the restoration of the skin.

How to cover up keloids with makeup

In addition to treatments, in case of an emergency, makeup with a good foundation, yellow concealer and powder can cover the scar, helping to even out the skin color to disguise the imperfection. The Vichy brand Dermablend foundation and the Kryolan Dermacolor concealer are highly recommended for scar cases as they provide effective coverage. Check out in the following image the effects of Dermablend makeup on the face:

When applying makeup to cover the keloid, do not put too much product, as this can cause the material to build up and crack. Use good quality, waterproof, full-coverage concealer and powder, so one coat will suffice. If you think it’s necessary, also apply a primer first to ensure that the product stays on the skin and lasts longer. Keloids with very irregular and high relief are more difficult to disguise with makeup.

In the video below, blogger Niina Secrets teaches how to do makeup to cover acne. In the case of scars and keloids, the principle is the same for covering them with make-up. So it’s worth checking out her step-by-step and tips to disguise scars and keloids on the face or other parts of the body:

It is worth remembering that before opting for any treatment or ointment, it is essential to consult your dermatologist. Only the specialist can indicate the best option for your type of scar or keloid.