Keloid is a form of fibrous scar tissue which is firm and rubber like in texture and is the result of a skin injury. Under normal conditions, skin injury heals and is replaced by fibrous tissue. In rare cases, collagen tissue replaces this fibrous tissue during the healing process, resulting in the formation of a keloid.
Keloids are typically rubbery, firm and shiny tissue which may be dark brown or pink in color. These are noncontiguous overgrowths, which are associated with symptoms of itching and pain. Experts suggest that keloids occur in individuals with family tendency and are more common among individuals between 10 to 30 years of age.
What Causes Keloids On The Scalp?
Acne or burn wounds often result in formation of keloids. Dark skinned people are more likely to suffer from formation of keloids. Keloids are usually non malignant tumors.
This condition is referred to as Acne keloidalis nuchae, which is characterized by formation of keloids on the scalp and back of the neck.
Common causes include genetic predisposition, ingrown hair growth and folliculitis. Some reports have suggested that elevated levels of testosterone can also lead to keloids. These keloids are usually itchy but can also result in occasional bleeding.
Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Keloids On Scalp
To deal with keloids on the scalp,
- Wash the affected area gently with natural and non irritating cleansers.
- Keep your scalp uncovered and avoid it from being rubbed against by clothing or gear.
- Avoid application of oil on the scalp. Also avoid cutting your hair too short, which increases the risk of ingrown hairs and therefore keloids.
- Local application of Aloe Vera gel is effective in the management of keloids. Aloe contains allantoin which hastens the healing process and helps in naturally clearing off the scar.
- Local application of freshly squeezed lemon/ lime juice can help in shrinking the steroid. Lemon and lime juice contains citrus acid, which burns down the unwanted collagen tissue fibers and hastens the overall healing process. Local application of lemon juice can sting/burn the keloid tissue and can cause superficial burns if it spills on to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Local application of extract of onions is great for management of keloids. Onions contain anti inflammatory agents which hasten the healing process while preventing the spread of scar tissue. A slice of onion or freshly squeezed onion juice is equally effective.
- Local application of paste of turmeric is also effective. Turmeric contains curricum, which has anti inflammatory properties and hastens healing. Apply paste of turmeric on the keloid and cover it with a piece of cloth, so as to exert continuous pressure on the keloid.
- Homeopathic remedies are also potentially effective in the management of keloids. Homeopathic drug Graphitis taken in high potency and repeated once a day is effective in reducing symptoms like itching and irritation. It can also help in reducing the spread of the keloid tissue. Graphitis also is considered to be highly effective in eliminating the tendency for recurrence of scars in an individual.