We learn early in life if we’re prone to keloid scarring.
For me, it was aged 8, the school playground. I was always clumsy but that typically meant a whole lot of broken glasses and unexplained bruises. This time was different.
I didn’t notice a concrete step and ended up knee-first on a fractured part of it. My knee split open but instead of the butterfly stitches I probably required, the school nurse slapped on some TCP Liquid Antiseptic, gave me a Strepsil and sent me back to class. Fast forward to the present day, 21 years later and I still have that scar, keloid and likely for life.
Dermatologist and Founder of Dermatology M, Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji explains, “Keloid scars are caused by an excessive reaction of the skin to an injury such as a cut or burn or following an eruption of acne lesion. They form a thick, firm, smooth rubbery elevation, typically growing beyond the borders of the original injury or acne lesion”.
While they are not detrimental to our health, they can cause concern aesthetically or be itchy – and removal is notoriously difficult. Dr Al-Khafaji stresses this, revealing “Any attempts at removing them typically aggravate the scar making them grow larger”.
You may not be able to get rid of them but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat them, take preventative measures or encourage better healing. In clinics, silicone gel or silicone gel sheets are used. They are said to form a protective veil that prevents the formation of excess scar tissue. Steroids are also popular – be it in ointment, tape or injection form – but the latter of which can be painful.
You can also massage nourishing oils into the skin to bring moisture to the area and prevent scarring. This is an approach favoured in Chinese medicine. Dr Al-Khafaji shares, “Chinese medicine’s approach to treatment is by applying Hei Bu Yao Gao (SCR-2, Black Cloth Paste) once every 24 hours to recently formed keloids (once established keloid become increasingly resistant to treatment)”.
Find out more about the different treatments for keloid scars below
Cica-Care Silicone Gel Sheet
Best for: treating and preventing keloid scars
According to Dermatologist Dr Thivi Maruthappu, “Darker skins are 15-20 times more prone to developing hypertrophic and keloid scars. If you plan to have a surgical procedure and are concerned about forming keloids, a silicone gel bandage can be used after the wound has healed for two to three months.” This gel sheet hydrates and moisturises the scarred area, helping tit o appear flatter and more faded over time.
Buy now £24.15, Chemist Direct
Kelo-Cote Scar gel - 6g
While many treatments for keloid scars are most effective immediately after forming or preventatively, Kelo-Cote has impressive results on older scarring - whether they are formed post-surgery or after an accident.
The silicone gel is designed to be applied directly onto the area in question where it transforms into a sheet layer. By taking on this protective form, it prevents interference from external factors while imparting hydration and is flexible and waterproof too. This creates the optimal environment for healing and makes the scar appear less noticeable.
Buy now £19.50, Boots
Eva Naturals Soft Medical Grade Silicone Tape For Scars
The hundreds of five-star reviews for Eva Naturals silicone tape are a testament to their efficacity. As soon as you notice a scar appearing, you simply cut the adhesive and stick it onto the area. It doesn’t feel irritating and stays firmly affixed, even after showering.
The silicone gel that is layered onto the scar is called upon for its fading properties, tackling the likes of hypertrophic, keloid and post-surgery scars, offering relief and improving their appearance.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches 3.8cm x 6.8cm, 21 Patches
The magic of these patches from Elastoplast is that they come in strip form, can be easily cut and applied and are waterproof so they can be left on. In a matter of weeks, scars are flattened, lightened and softened but the idea is to keep replacing them for a period of about two months to see the best results.
Buy now £30.00, Boots
Cicatricure Face & Body Scar Gel
One of the bestselling and most highly rated healing gels on Amazon, there are over 17,000 reviews testifying to the prowess of Cicatricure. The ultra-hydrating formula cares for keloid and hypertrophic scars, stretch marks and dryness as well as improving the appearance of cuts, burns and even acne. Apply around four times a day as directed to see the speedy results.
Buy now £13.12, Amazon
Dealmed 10 Pack 6" Elastic Bandage Wrap with Self-Closure
For new keloid scars, you may just find a simple dressing as an effective solution to prevent them from getting any worse. Compression fabric with stretch puts pressure on the wound, while also shielding it from the outside world. The key is the earlier they are applied, the better so if you’re prone to keloid scars forming, have these stashed away in your bathroom cabinet.
Buy now £58.73, Amazon
Bio-Oil
Since hitting the market back in 1987, Bio-Oil continues to be the leading solution for stretch marks and scarring worldwide. The breakthrough formula was the first to suspend vitamins and plant proteins in oil, which worked to preserve the potency of the ingredients without the need for harmful additives. Bio-Oil contains a hearty blend of plant oils which contain oodles of vitamin A and E, which help to increase cell turnover and collagen synthesis. These oils include rosemary, lavender and chamomile oil for their soothing, calming benefits, as well as calendula oil for stimulating the growth of new skin cells.
The key to using Bio-Oil, as with any topical skincare treatment, is consistency. With regular application paired with self-massage, over time you should see a significant reduction in the size and appearance of your scar.
Buy now £13.33, Amazon
