How Do You Get Rid of a Keloid Quickly?

At Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, we often hear people voice concerns about keloid scars. Fortunately, there are effective ways to eliminate this abnormal scarring. Today, we’re looking at how you can quickly improve the appearance of your skin with a course of corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, or surgery. Keep reading if you are concerned about raised red or pink scars that appear larger than the original injury that resulted in scarring.

How Do You Get Rid of a Keloid Quickly?

If you are anxious to treat a keloid scar quickly, the best option for you is probably surgery. If we determine surgery is the best fit for you, we will ensure your comfort during your procedure by administering a local anesthetic prior to the scar removal. After the scar is removed, we may recommend follow-up treatments to reduce the likelihood of developing another scar. For instance, we may recommend a course of corticosteroid injections.

Are Corticosteroid Injections Right for Me?

Corticosteroid injections are a highly effective method for scar removal. However, this treatment method may not be ideal for you if your goal is to remove the scar as quickly as possible. Generally, between three and four injection sessions are required to achieve total scar removal, and injections are spaced roughly one month apart.

Is Laser Therapy Right for Me?

Laser therapy may be an ideal scar removal method for you if you do not present any contraindications. For example, you would be considered a poor fit for this treatment if you suffer from photosensitivity. Similarly, you would be deemed a poor candidate for this treatment if you take any medication that causes photosensitivity.

It is important to understand that if we determine laser therapy is ideal for you, your appointment will need to be rescheduled if your skin is irritated at the time of your appointment. Your comfort and safety are two of our top priorities. Therefore, it is very important that you take steps to prevent skin irritation, like minimizing sun exposure, not getting cosmetic treatments that may irritate the skin in the treatment area, and refraining from depilatory cream use.

Do I Have This Type of Scar?

If you believe you have this type of scar, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. Some of the most common signs of this type of scar include discomfort, itchiness, and skin discoloration. Another common sign of this type of scar is the shiny, raised, lumpy scar being larger than the original injury to the skin.

What Areas Can Experience This Type of Scar?

This type of scar can develop anywhere, but it most commonly develops on the head, neck, shoulders, and upper chest. It is extremely important that you schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to diagnose the skin problem you are experiencing.

It is not uncommon to experience many of the symptoms of this type of scar around the earlobes if you wear gold earrings that you are allergic to. Similarly, you may notice some of the signs of this type of scar, but it may be caused by a different skin condition. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for a quick, effective treatment.

What Are the Risk Factors for Developing This Type of Scar?

Your genes play a significant role in the likelihood that you will develop at least one keloid scar in your life. If immediate family, like a parent or sibling, has a history of this type of scarring, you are more likely to experience this type of scarring. Furthermore, your chance of developing this type of scarring in the future is higher if you have developed this type of scar at least once before.

Race is another significant risk factor for developing this type of scar in the event of a skin injury. The more melanin you have in your skin, the more likely it is that you will develop this type of scar in response to skin trauma. Furthermore, your risk of developing this type of scar is higher if you are under the age of 30.

How Can I Mitigate My Risk of Developing This Condition in the Future?

One of the most effective steps you can take to mitigate your risk of developing this condition in the future is to practice good wound care. Specifically, it is very important that you keep your wound moist and clean while it is healing. To keep it clean, wash the injured skin gently with water and mild soap. To keep it moist, apply Aquaphor, Vaseline, or a similar gentle moisturizer that will not irritate your skin.

Another effective way to mitigate the risk of developing a keloid scar is to do your best to prevent skin injuries. For example, you should consider foregoing piercings or tattoos.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

Depending on your health, goals, and other factors, the best Keloid Removal San Antonio method for you may be surgery, laser therapy, or a course of corticosteroid injections. To find out which treatment method is right for you, contact us today at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX to schedule your initial consultation.