The causes of keloid scar and the best ways to deal with it

When you get a cut or a scratch, you can be sure that your skin will heal it. You think it will. Because it is the skin, the largest organ of your body, that will always provide, except when it doesn't.

Whenever your skin experiences a trauma or wound, it works to heal that area by putting on a protein called collagen, which forms a scaffold with other proteins to support healing, says AmberNoon, a board-certified dermatologist at Audubon in Pennsylvania. A line of sun protection clothing for women. In some cases, however, scars can be rough. When collagen is placed unplanned and grows beyond the area of the scar, a keloid develops.

Fortunately, keloids do not spread to other parts of the body, but grow locally. The good news, however, is that they can be treated and sometimes even prevented if you know what to do.

What are the causes of keloid scars?

Any wound can cause keloid scars, according to Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City and the founder and chief medical officer of the PFRANKMD Brand . Common triggers for developing keloid scars include body piercings, tattoos, and any kind of essential or cosmetic surgery. However, there is a strong genetic component to them. For this reason, we advise people who are prone to these scars to avoid elective surgeries, if possible.

Keloid scars can also develop without any apparent cause. The most frustrating ones are the ones that pop up without an obvious trigger, Dr. Ilyas said. These are often associated with acne , especially on the back, shoulders, and mid-chest, and are more common in men.

Keloid scars can cause pain and discomfort, but the most common complaint is itchy skin. Keloid scars are filled with mast cells. Mast cells are the same cells in the body that release histamine in response to an allergic reaction, making the scar itchy, Dr. Ilyas explained.

How to Prevent and Treat Keloid Scars

Although keloid scars are not always easy to prevent, they can be prevented, starting with being proactive in optimizing the healing process. Contrary to popular belief, the time to intervene with scars is sooner rather than later, says Dr. Frank. Keep the wound clean and moist to prevent it from becoming infected.

After primary healing has occurred, usually within 10 to 14 days after the wound closes, apply silicone scar sheets, which are available over-the-counter. These sheets apply pressure to the wound to promote healing. That pressure alone sends a signal to the body not to build up that wall, Dr. Ilyas said. Not only are these sheets effective, but they don't cost much either, especially if you are prone to keloids. Use them for six weeks.

Next, Dr. Ilyas recommends massaging the wound with gentle pressure for at least 10 to 30 seconds every night. That massage will help flatten the wound and stimulate healing. If you need something slippery to help your fingers glide over the wound, use a mild skin softener or ointment such as Vaseline, Vitamin E, or coconut oil, which contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in healing.

Some keloid scars do need to be treated, but if detected early, the need for treatment can be minimized. According to Dr. Frank, in addition to silicone scar sheets, injectables such as cortisone and kenalog are usually included, as well as a chemotherapeutic agent called FiveFu. He often combines this with treatments such as VBeam or DyeLaserTherapy. This will [stop] the blood supply and make the scar red and thick, he said.

Have a wound, but still have keloid scars? If the wound has been healing for three months (unless there is a foreign body such as inflammation, infection, or dissolution of stitches that delays wound healing), it is probably obvious.