You may not be familiar with the word keloid but you have surely seen one on yourself or others. In a nut shell, they are scars that have become enlarged due to abnormal growth. Skin ailments such as acne, burns, bites, scrapes, and cuts can create the conditions for a keloid to form. They typically do not cause pain unless they are bumped but they can be itchy and anyone who has one knows the feeling that they wish they had their youthful skin once again. Well, there’s good news. You can!
I used to have severe keloids and while learning to live with them and ignore them as much as possible was somewhat effective, the occasional reminder of their presence would always bring up tragic memories of the event that created the initial scarring. I am by no means a vain person but I can say that I thoroughly enjoy having my blemish free skin again.
Sure, surgery, injections, or laser treatment can remove them but it’s costly! Instead of paying for these expensive treatments, here are some simple natural home remedies that can do the trick just as effectively for next to nothing.
TOP 9 HOME REMEDIES FOR KELOIDS
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
-Apply apple cider vinegar directly on the affected area and gently massage it so the vinegar is well absorbed into the skin.
-Allow it to dry for a few minutes, and then repeat the process in order to expedite healing.
-Do this several times a day for maximum results and continue this treatment for four to five weeks.
If the apple cider vinegar causes any skin irritation, you can dilute it with water. You can also use pure tea tree oil.
2. Baking Soda
-Mix one part baking soda with three parts hydrogen peroxide to make a smooth paste.
-Apply the paste directly on the affected area to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
-Do this three or four times a day depending upon the severity of the scar.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains antioxidants and vitamin C that are very helpful in treating different types of scars, including keloids. After a few weeks of using this remedy, you will see significant results.
-Extract the juice from a fresh lemon and apply it on the affected skin area.
-Leave it on for about half an hour, and then wash the area with lukewarm water.
-Repeat the process at least once daily.
4. Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s earth can get rid of different types of scars, including keloids.
Mix one tablespoon of fuller’s earth, one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of rose water to make a smooth paste.
Apply the paste on the scarred area and massage it gently in order to soften the scar. Allow it to dry and then apply another layer of paste.
Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash the area thoroughly with cold water.
Do this on a regular basis until the scar vanishes.
5. Aloe Vera
-Clean the scarred area thoroughly with lukewarm water.
-Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the scars twice daily.
6. Sandalwood and Rose Water
Rose water is a natural skin toner while sandalwood regenerates the skin. When used together this combo will lighten and reduce keloids.
-Make a thick paste of sandalwood powder and rose water. If you wish, you can also add some black gram to the paste. You can find black gram in an Asian supermarket.
-Clean the scar with water and apply the paste before going to bed. In the morning, wash the area thoroughly with lukewarm water.
-Do this regularly for a month or two.
7. Honey
Honey is a great natural way to heal and moisturize your skin. Regular application will work wonders after a couple of weeks.
Apply fresh honey on the scar and massage the area gently to improve blood circulation and prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells.
For best results, use Tualang honey, which is made by bees from the Tualang tree. This particular honey can decrease the number of proliferated cells in keloids, thus reducing the appearance of these scars.
8. Garlic
Garlic prevents the excessive fibroblast proliferation that can lead to keloids, making it a good home treatment for these types of scars.
-Apply garlic oil directly on the scar.
-Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash the area thoroughly.
If garlic oil is not available, you can use crushed garlic cloves. If the garlic oil or crushed cloves cause burning or irritation, immediately wash the area with lukewarm water.
9. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has skin cell rejuvenating properties that can help with all forms of scarring, including keloids. It also helps increase the skin cell turnover rate, which is highly beneficial in preventing scars from becoming permanent.
-You can minimize a scar by applying lavender oil and massaging the area gently for several minutes. Do this several times a day for faster and better results.
-You can also mix equal amounts of lavender oil and tea tree essential oil or olive oil and apply it on the affected area several times a day.
Try a variety of these home remedies for keloids and see which ones are giving you the best results. Every keloid is a little different and keep in mind newer keloids are easier to manage while older ones may take a bit more time and effort. Just be consistent and you will see results in no time!
