One unique type of scar, the keloid, is able to expand past its original size. Keloids are left behind from skin lesions. These lesions can include cuts or abrasions of the skin. They can also be left behind by skin piercings or illnesses such as chickenpox or acne.

Treatment Options

There are various treatment options for keloid scars; however, these options fall into two general categories. One method is to use a topical cream or gel. Or you can have it surgically taken care of using traditional techniques or newer laser treatments.

Surgical Treatments

If you opt for surgery you can assume there will be higher risks. You should take time to think whether surgery is necessary. The initial risk is an allergy to anesthesia. There is also no guarantee that the keloid scar will be removed forever because of the possibility of another keloid developing in response to the surgery. Price also needs to be taken into consideration because surgery does not come cheaply. Some patients have medical insurance, however it is not guaranteed that aesthetic surgery such as this one will be covered. Those who do not have coverage should expect to pay a high price. It is also possible to get steroid or cortisone injections rather than actually surgically remove the scar. Outcomes of these injections don't always boast great results, and the cost is still something to think about.

Topical Treatments

The other category of treatment is a topical approach. This option does not show immediate results, patience is necessary. Yet, this method is less of a risk as well as cheaper than the alternative. Products range from cream and gels to silicone sheeting.

Products that have been proven to be effective are those that contain silicone. Silicone is an important ingredient when it comes to scar removal which is why it is best to look into products with appropriate and effective ingredients that include this vital component.

Silicone sheeting is placed over the affected area and is proven to diminish various type of scars including keloid. This product, however, is also very expensive. People also often have problems with the movement of the sheeting as it slips and does not stay in contact with the scar during the time of healing.

The Most Effective Keloid Scar Treatment

Topical scar removal gels or creams are the most effective treatments when it comes to removing keloid scars. Silicone in gel form is flexible enough to move naturally with skin and maintain contact with the affected area. These products protect the scar from outside contaminants as well as moisturize the scarred area. The scarred area gently begins to flatten and heal to blend into the surrounding healthy skin.

Keloid scars are very important to take care of right away as to not allow them to spread. If you become victim to a keloid, it is vital that you find an effective keloid scars treatment to start the healing process as soon as you can. While some more serious cases require surgeries, most scars can be diminished using simple topical scar removal gels.