Keloids are hard, smooth growths that are benign in nature and form because of excessive scar tissue growth usually after a burn injury, piercing, scars from chickenpox, acne, deep wounds, surgery, or vaccination.
When a wound heals, the usual healing process involves new skin growing over the damaged or missing parts. In some cases, it leaves a scar that grows excessively, forming smooth, rigid growths called keloids.
Keloids usually grow on the chest, cheeks, shoulders, and earlobes and are difficult to get rid of.
It’s hereditary, so if your parents have it, you’re more likely to get it too. You can get rid of keloids with some medical treatments, but some natural home remedies are also effective in treating them.
Here are eight of them.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to successfully cure keloids. Its abrasive agent helps exfoliate the skin and remove cells.
How to Use
Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to make a smooth paste. To reduce inflammation, apply the paste directly to the area with cotton wool. Wash it off with water. Do this three or four times a day, depending on the severity of the scar.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the best home remedies for removing keloids is apple cider vinegar. Along with its many health benefits, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the size of the keloid to a great extent.
How to Use
Clean the area, apply the apple cider vinegar directly to the skin, and gently massage it. Allow it to dry for about 20 minutes, and repeat this on the affected area a few times to heal. Do this three times a day and continue this treatment for five weeks. If you have any skin irritation, you can dilute the vinegar.
3. Garlic
The root of garlic can be helpful in getting rid of keloids. It can block certain enzymes from entering the skin, which can lead to the formation of tissue and pigment buildup.
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How to Use
Take 2-3 fresh garlic cloves and crush them. Apply the crushed garlic to the area of the keloid and let it stay for around 15 minutes. Wash it away with water and apply a moisturizer. But if garlic burns your skin, you should reduce or even stop applying it to your skin.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains antioxidants and vitamin C. These properties are very helpful in treating many skin diseases.
How to use
Apply the lime juice directly to the affected skin area. Leave it for about half an hour, and then wash it with lukewarm water. Repeat the process at least once daily. If you feel any irritation, you can dilute it with water or honey before application.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help in healing keloids. It also reduces soreness and inflammation and has wound-healing properties.
How to use
Cut open the leaf and extract the gel. Clean the affected area with lukewarm water and apply the aloe vera gel. Leave it for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off. You can also leave it on overnight.
6. Honey
The anti-inflammatory properties of honey can help reduce keloids effectively. It is considered to be a soothing and natural alternative to steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs for treating keloids.
How to use
You can apply a little amount of raw honey on the keloid site and let it stay until it gets sticky, then rinse it off. As long as it suits your skin, you can apply honey on your skin 2-3 times every day until you get the results you desire.
7. Turmeric
The antioxidants present in turmeric are believed to be one of the best herbs to quickly get rid of keloids. A study suggests that curcumin, present in turmeric, may reduce tissue fibrosis in keloid scarring to reduce pain.
How to use
Apply a paste of fresh turmeric to the affected area and leave for some minutes to see the results.
8. Onion Juice
Quercetin, a flavonoid in onions, has antioxidant properties that can help in treating keloids. Extracts of onion can stop the growth of fibroblasts—the cells producing scar tissue of keloids.
How to use
All you need to do is cut the onion into small pieces and squeeze out the juice by pressing it with a cloth. Apply the juice to the area of the keloid and let it stay until it dries. After the juice dries on the skin, rinse it properly. You can apply the juice 3 or 4 times a day until you achieve the desired results.