Thinking of using aloe vera gel for keloids? Keloids are usually not dangerous, however, they can be unsightly and annoying. Keloids are raised scars that develop from an overgrowth on the skin. Skin injuries such as burns, scratches, vaccinations, surgical incision sites, acne scars, chickenpox scars and piercings can all contribute to keloid scarring. Every tenth person in the United States has keloids according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, and women are as likely to suffer from this skin condition as men.
People with darker skin, such as Latinos, African-Americans and Asians, are more likely to have keloids. Even being part-Latino, part-African American or part-Asian can increase your likelihood of being afflicted with this aesthetically undesirable issue. Other risk factors associated with keloid formation include pregnancy and being under 25.
People with keloids may have concerns that go beyond aesthetics. It can take 3 months up to a year before you see the first signs of a keloid. Then it takes weeks or months for it to grow. Sometimes, they continue to grow slowly for years. The excessive stretching of the skin can cause itching, and because of their larger size, keloids are prone to rubbing on clothing, causing irritation. Keloids can cause discomfort, tightness, or even limited range of motion if they occur near a joint, such as the knee or ankle.
Keloids do not disappear on their own. However, they may get smaller or less different in color to your normal skin tone with time. When you notice these unsightly scars on your skin, you may consider trying natural remedies to get rid of keloid scars. Trying to remove keloids surgically is often ineffective. However, both medical and natural treatment methods can help reduce their appearance, like aloe vera gel.
Aloe Vera Gel for Keloids
Moisture
It is important to keep keloids comfortable and well moisturized. This is especially true if using abrasive treatments on the keloids. Aloe vera gel is a natural and powerful skin moisturizer that should be applied before sleeping.
Repairs
Using aloe vera gel for keloids can reduce it drastically, especially if the scar is relatively fresh. Aloe vera cures all types of skin related problems. It repairs harmed skin, diminishes irritation and saturates skin. It is very good at healing and promotes information of new skin cells.
Antiseptic and Antibacterial
Aloe vera gel has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help in healing keloids in the initial stages. It reduces pain, inflammation, and has wound healing properties. As aloe vera gel contains vitamins C and E both of which are anti-oxidants reduces inflammation, prevents infections and best moisturize skin.
Reduced Itching
As keloids scars grow, they may feel painful or itchy. Aloe vera gel has a cooling effect that will reduce itching. This will help you to avoid scratching and give the scar a better chance of healing quickly.
Aloe vera’s medicinal properties go way above and beyond skin care. However, that is what the plant is best known for. It’s best to use real aloe vera gel, not the type sold in stores. With the use of aloe vera gel, when applied helps the scars from ending up as unsightly and uncomfortable keloids. Extraction of juice directly from the plant is highly preferable and make sure it is applied gently each time you apply to the affected areas.
Cut open an aloe vera leaf and extract its gel.
Apply a light coating of aloe vera gel on the area.
Allow it to dry on its own so that the medicinal properties are fully absorbed by the skin.
Apply five or six times daily for several days. Massage can assist with softening and healing of scars.
Note: This remedy works best on fresh scars, and may not be effective on scars that are more than a year old.
Keloids are difficult to treat and they don’t go away on their own. Once a keloid forms, you can’t completely eliminate the scar, though if treated early, it’s possible to diminish the appearance. If you know you are prone to keloidal scarring, avoid activities that can increase your chance of developing keloids.
1. Avoid or be careful when shaving to prevent nicks and cuts.
2. If you have acne, don’t pop pimples and maintain a proper skin care regimen.
3. Avoid body piercings and tattoos
4. Avoid cosmetic surgery
5. Avoid smoking. Smoking decreases blood circulation in the skin, which contribute to inadequate wound healing and possibly tissue loss.
If natural remedies are not helping, you can look into a number of medical treatments, such as steroid injections and laser treatment.