Keloids are a type of scar that is much more visible and pronounced than normal scars. They can be itchy or painful, and many people want to know how to get rid of keloids. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, some home remedies may help reduce their appearance or even shrink their size. Before you begin any treatment, however, be sure to talk to your doctor. Some treatments may cause skin irritation or other problems. If you experience extreme skin irritation, worsening of the keloid or signs of allergy or infection, seek care from a health professional immediately.
1. Honey
Honey is a popular home remedy for many skin problems, including keloids. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the size of keloids and improve their appearance. You can apply honey to your keloid several times a day. Just be sure to clean the area first and apply a thin layer of honey. You can also add a bandage to keep the honey in place. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use and talk to your doctor.
2. Onion
Onion is one home remedy that is often recommended for keloids. Onion has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the size of keloids. To try this remedy, cut an onion in half and rub it over the keloid. You can also make a paste by mixing onion juice with honey or olive oil and applying it to the keloid. Leave the paste on for 30 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. Repeat this process once or twice a day for best results. You should see a reduction in the size of your keloid within a few weeks. If you experience any skin irritation, stop using Onion and talk to your doctor.
3. Crushed garlic
Crushed garlic is one home remedy that some people believe can help shrink keloids. To try this, crush a clove of garlic and apply it to the keloid. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. You can do this once or twice a day until you see results. Be sure to wash the area well afterwards, as garlic can cause skin irritation. You may also want to wrap the area in a bandage to keep the garlic in place and protect your clothes from staining. If you experience any skin irritation, discontinue use and talk to your doctor.
4. Homemade retinol cream
Homemade retinol cream is one potential remedy for keloids. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can help improve the appearance of scars. To make your own retinol cream, mix together equal parts of retinol and aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to your keloid every night and cover with a bandage. Wash it off in the morning. You should start to see results after a few weeks of treatment.
5. Other scar minimizers
Other scar minimizers, such as aloe vera, onion extract and vitamin E, may also help reduce the appearance of keloids. You can apply these directly to the scar using a cotton ball or other applicator. Be sure to wash your skin before applying any treatment. You may need to repeat this process several times a day for best results. If your keloid is large or painful, you may also want to try wrapping it in a bandage. This can help prevent irritation and allow the treatment to penetrate more deeply into the skin. Talk to your doctor about other possible treatments, such as silicone gel sheets or injections of steroids, if home remedies don’t work for you. With proper care, you can minimize the appearance of keloids and help them fade away over time.
While there is no guarantee that any of these home remedies will work for everyone, they may be worth a try if you are looking for ways to get rid of keloids. Be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning any treatment, and stop using it if you experience any irritation or other problems. If the keloid does not improve after several weeks of treatment, it may be time to consult a dermatologist or other skin care specialist.
