Naturally we all know a cut or incision will lead to a scar, but did you know there were different kinds of scars? If you have ever experienced the type of scar called a keloid, then you recognize the severity of it and how cosmetically damaging they can be. This kind of scar has proven to be one of the more severe types of scars that one can suffer. A good option is to answer some common questions about this type of scar, learn what makes them unique, and review some of the treatment and removal options.

What is the Basic Definition of a Keloid?

What differentiates a keloid from other types of scars is it expands beyond the site of the original wound. This outgrowth is irregularly shaped and is likely to enlarge progressively. Their color and texture result in a smooth and shiny pink or purple and they are mainly dome shaped. While all other scars decrease in size over time, keloids continue to grow while not subsiding in size. Many people for this reason choose to do whatever they can to diminish them or ride themselves of them all together.

What Causes a Keloid?

Without having the exact definition as to what causes keloid scars, it is believed it involves the body's cellular signals that control skin growth. The keloid scar biologically is a fibrotic tumor. It consists of atypical fibroblasts that overproduce mainly collagen but also elastin and proteoglycans. Studies to understand exactly what causes this atypical fibroblast growth and how it produces excessively these properties have proven elusive up to this point.

Is It Possible to Prevent Keloids?

We are sure you will be glad to read that the number one prevention mechanism to avoid a keloid scar is to not get one in the first place. Ones who have a high probability at being prone to keloid scars are those with high pigmentation in their skin and those whose family line has a history of contracting the scar. f you find yourself with one or more of these traits, it is best to avoid elective skin injuries such as ear piercings as any incision could lead to the formation of a keloid.

What Are the Keloid Scar Removal Options?

The following options are what is available for keloid scar treatment:

- The Injections of Cortisone: Cortisone injections are given one time a month for as long as it takes until one's desired outcome is achieved. Cortisone injections are good for flattening out the scar, but their initiation of blood vessel formations cause keloids to become much more red.

- The Option of Surgery: The irony with this option is that while it can completely eliminate the raised scar, it produces a fresh wound afterwards that has all the traits of forming another keloid scar.

- The Option of Laser Therapy: A pulse-dye laser treatment is good for reducing the redness of the scar while also flattening it out to a respectable degree. There are some formidable negatives to this treatment however. The cost of laser therapy runs in the thousands of dollars. It requries multiple sessions and there is a substantial possibility it will not be covered by your health insurance.

- The Option of Cryotherapy: This type of therapy effectively freezes off the affected area with liquid nitrogen. The unfortunate side effect to cryotherapy is that afterwards what remains is a dark section on your skin where the keloid scar was located.

Are There Natural Treatment Options to Utilize When Treating Keloid Scars?

The trick to making natural treatments effective for keloid scars is to find products that use ingredients conducive to promote skin regeneration. There is one ingredient that should be any skin product you buy to treat keloid scars. The ingredient Helix Aspersa Muller has the ability for regulation of the natural processes of the healing of skin and the formation of scars. Cellular communications that restore healthy skin structures are initiated by the regenerative properties of this famous ingredient.