12 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Keloids + Causes + Symptoms

Keloids are large thick scars that dont stop growing and keep getting larger with time. Moreover, they might seem quite unsightly. If you are looking for ways to get rid of keloids, we have got you covered. These benign fibrous tumors of the skin are usually irregularly shaped, pink, have a smooth appearance, and keep increasing in size (1), (2). Hence, you may want to get rid of them naturally.

While the home remedies listed below may not help treat keloids completely, they may help you deal with the symptoms better. Continue reading to know more.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar For Keloids

Apple cider is a chemical exfoliant and astringent. It may help in minimizing the redness and size of the scar (3).

2. Aspirin For Keloids

Topical aspirin is very useful in treating keloids. Its anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties prove beneficial in this case (4). However, it should be used under a physicianss guidance.

3. Lemon Juice For Keloids

Lemon is rich in vitamin C and works as an excellent antioxidant in quick healing of the keloid scar. Within a few weeks of application, you will notice changes in the flexibility, texture, and color of the skin (5).

4. Baking Soda For Keloids

Baking soda is an abrasive agent that may help in exfoliating and keeping the skin clean. It also soothes the irritated skin and reduces any swelling (6), (7). However, there is no scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness in treating keloids.

5. Sandalwood And Rose Water For Keloids

Sandalwood is known for its skin regenerating property, and rose water has anti- inflammatory properties and is a skin toner (8), (9). These properties may help treat keloids.

6. Garlic

Garlic prevents excess fibroblast proliferation that is mainly responsible for the enlargement of keloid scars. It also improves blood circulation to the area, and this helps in fastening the healing process of the keloid (10).

What You Have To Do

You can also use garlic oil instead of fresh garlic cloves.

7. Grapefruit Seed Extract For Keloids

Grapefruit seed extract contains antioxidants, vitamin C, and phytochemical compounds that help reduce scars (11). This may help reduce the size of the keloids.

8. Honey For Keloids

Honey prevents dead cells from accumulating in the affected area, enhances blood circulation, and speeds up the healing process (12). Tualang honey, in particular, is very effective in reducing keloids (13).

9. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help in healing keloids (14). It also reduces soreness and inflammation and has wound healing properties (15).

10. Petroleum Jelly

A simple way to reduce keloid scars is to keep the area moisturized and hydrated at all times. Petroleum jelly, being an occlusive agent, traps the moisture and helps in reducing the scars (16). However, there is no scientific evidence to prove this effect.

11. Onion Juice

The effectiveness of onion in reducing keloid and hypertrophic scars was tested a few years back. It was shown that the appearance of the scars improved to a great deal with this treatment. Onion juice or onion extract used multiple mechanisms to heal scars in a short period (17).

12. Oils To Treat Keloids

There are multiple combinations of oils that may work in fading away keloid scars. Fish oil and mineral oil, in particular, help treat keloids (18).Some essential oils possess skin regenerating and healing properties, along with antioxidants, to aid the carrier oil in healing the keloids.

You Will Need

1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
Few drops of tea tree essential oil
1-2 drops neem oil (optional)

A few drops of Jamaican black castor oil

A few drops of frankincense essential oil

What You Have To Do

Apply a blend of the oils mentioned to the affected area and massage gently.

How Often You Should Do This

You can repeat this remedy several times every day for better results.

Prevention Tips

Keloids are thick, raised scars on the skin that may grow bigger with time. While keloids are benign, you may choose to get rid of them for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons. Effective and simple home remedies to reduce the appearance of keloid scars include using apple cider vinegar, grapefruit seed extract, honey, aloe vera gel, garlic, baking soda, or lemon. To prevent the formation of keloids, tend to a wound as soon as it starts healing by keeping it moisturized and evenly pressed. You need to follow the remedies for keloids diligently and regularly as keloids can be stubborn and take a while to disappear or fade in appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Keloid Scars Contagious?

A keloid scar is not contagious at all. It is the result of skin injury that you have suffered personally and will spread with contact.

Are keloids dangerous?

No, they are not dangerous. They mostly develop at a site of a previous skin injury and can be treated easily.

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