A keloid is an area of irregular, raised tissue that develops at the site of an injury or scar. Keloids are notoriously difficult to remove and, unlike scars, they will not fade over time. There are a variety of treatments available to remove or reduce the size of keloids, including steroid injections, surgical excision and laser therapy. One of the more controversial treatments is keloid cream. Some people have seen significant benefits from using keloid cream, but topical creams generally are not considered an effective cure for keloids.
Keloid cream is available by prescription or sold over the counter. Prescription-strength keloid creams are formulated with ingredients that help to promote new cellular production, stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. When applied for several months, these creams are designed to flatten keloid scars and improve their appearance. Over-the-counter keloid creams typically do not claim to eliminate keloids; rather, they are used to alleviate symptoms such as swelling and itching. These creams contain ingredients that help to soothe irritated skin, moisturize the area near the keloid and treat skin discoloration associated with the keloid.
Though a keloid cream cannot eliminate scar tissue, it can be an effective option for people who want to improve the appearance of a keloid scar. Keloid creams are most successful when used on a newly formed scar. If one is to see any benefit from keloid creams, they need to be applied continually for months. Prescription-strength keloid creams can eventually help to flatten raised keloids over time and reduce skin discoloration; however, even the strongest keloid creams will have little effect on a large keloid scar that protrudes significantly from the skin. Over-the-counter keloid creams will not alter the size and shape of a keloid scar, but they can eliminate annoying symptoms such as itching, redness and pain.
One of the realities of keloid treatment is that, even after surgical removal of a keloid, there is a strong possibility it will return. Rather than going through surgeries and invasive skin treatments that are both costly and time consuming, many people prefer to treat keloids with topical creams. These creams may not provide a miracle cure for keloids, but they can improve the appearance of keloids and the surrounding skin. By consulting a dermatologist and researching how different keloid creams work, it is possible find a keloid cream that offers significant benefits for keloid treatment.