Treatment for Scarring Keloids

Scars Are a Normal Part of the Healing Process

Scarring occurs when the skin is damaged and special cells called fibroblasts produce collagen to repair the damage. Collagen is the protein "glue" that holds tissue together Collagen is a tough, fiber-like protein that makes up the most part of scar tissue.

Collagen exists in normal skin, too, but in scar tissue, collagen fibers are more numerous and more haphazardly arranged. This is why scars can appear discolored or otherwise noticeable to the eye. Scars change over time. Some fade on their own, though this may take months to years, while others gradually change color and/or shape.

Many Factors Influence Scarring

The degree and location of an injury, a person's age, sex, genetics and ethnicity, all can affect scarring. Most scars are flat and pale; however, abnormal raised scars can occur as hypertrophic scars or keloids due to the overproduction of collagen. Keloids are rubbery to the touch, firm, shiny and can range from pinkish to red or dark brown in color. People of any age can develop them, although children under the age of eleven seem to be less likely to develop them. Usually, they can have severe itching, texture changes and sometimes pain as well.

Scars Never Completely Disappear But There Are Treatments That Can Help Minimize Them

Silicon gel sheeting has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness in preventing and treating scars. Silicon sheets seal in moisture to help soften the tissue and reduce the amount of collagen that builds up. Vitamin A as a 0.05% solution of retinoic acid has some evidence in scar improvement. Administration of Tamoxifen seems to improve wound healing and scar formation in keloids. In burn patients, it has resulted in improvement in all scars in regards to pain, color, volume, and texture. Application of low-dose Celecoxib PLO or cream has shown significant scar reduction with no adverse effects on tensile strength.