If internal or external tissues are fractured in any way, be it from a cut, scratch, acne, bite, burn, or surgery, our body's automatic reaction is to increase its collagen production in order to create a protective scar that will assist in healing the wound.

The majority of scars usually diminish over time, however, this is not the case with keloid scars. As noted by Indy Rihal, of the Birish Skin Foundation "A keloid scar is an overgrown scar that can spread outside the original area of skin damage...(they) are shiny and hairless, they're raised above the surrounding skin, and can feel hard and rubbery," and perhaps the most concerning feature is that they can last for years.

PEOPLE IN THE HIGH RISK CATEGORY

In the opinion of Rihal "People with dark skin get keloids much more easily than people with fairer skin, and it is common in people with black skin! They're most common between the ages of 10 and 30, and can run in families. Burns, acne scars and wounds that get infected are particularly likely to form keloids, and you're at higher risk of getting a keloid scar if you have had one before."

REDUCING THE RISK

Due to the nature of keloid scars, the only sure way to limit their presence is to avoid any unnecessary lacerations of the skin, such as piercings and tattoos. Another smart option is to avoid cosmetic surgery and reduce the risk of acne scarring by seeking medical treatment for prominent acne outbreaks.

TREATING KELOIDS

There are a range of treatment options available that assist in flattening keloid scars but success is not always guaranteed. For example: steroid injections, covering scars with steroid-impregnated tape, applying silicone sheets, freezing the keloids with liquid nitrogen, laser treatment, and surgical removal. The downside is that these treatment options do not hinder the progression of new keloid scars, not to mention the fact they are intrusive, time consuming, and heavy on the pocket.

THE BEST TREATMENT INVOLVES NATURAL PRODUCTS

More and more people are now looking to treating keloid scars with natural products due to the fact that they are not as expensive, free of side effects, and are successful in curbing the progress of future scar tissue.

This is in part due to the application of ingredients such as Helix Aspersa Muller glycoconjugates, which expedite the regeneration of healthy skin cells as well as increasing skin elasticity, due to their high collagen count and near identical cell structure to human skin.

Butterbur Herb (Petasites japonicus) extracts are another trooper in the war on keloids, as they are effective in minimizing mast cell degranulation and histamine, two critical components for counteracting the discomfort, itching, and irritation caused by keloid scars. Also, extracts of the Elder Tree (Sambucus nigra L.) contain some of the best known natural anti-inflammatory properties which are extremely effective in limiting the development of future scar tissue.