How to treat a keloid scar?

Keloid scar is the result of replacement of own tissues, damaged as a result of surgery or trauma, on coarse connective tissue. Such scars often represent a cosmetic defect, they lead to psychoemotional discomfort and, as a consequence, a decrease in the quality of life. The keloid scar is formed in several stages:

- Stage 1 - the stage of inflammation and epithelialization, occurs 7-10 days after injury. During this period, it should be watched that there is no festering of the scar or the divergence of the edges;

- Stage 2 - the stage of formation of a young scar occurs 10-30 days after injury. The granulation tissue is gradually replaced with collagen and elastin fibers, while retaining the enhanced blood supply (a scar of bright pink color);

- Stage 3 - the stage of ripening ripening occurs 1-3 months after the injury. By this time, the vessels and the clearly expressed collagen fibers become less prominent, and the whole scar becomes dense and light;

- Stage 4 - stage of the final transformation of the scar, occurs 4-11 months after injury.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars. Treatment

The most basic rule in the treatment of keloids is their warning. Patients prone to keloids should avoid injuries and unnecessary surgeries. If surgery can not be avoided, it means that the wound closure in the operation should take place with minimal tension. It is also desirable that the scars do not pass in the middle of the chest or through the surface of the joints. Today, the treatment of keloid scars is possible by various methods.

For example, medicamentous (immunomodulators, corticosteroids, collagen preparations ). The introduction of steroids into the formation is still the basis for the treatment of keloid scars. Corticosteroids reduce the synthesis of collagen and thereby prevent the formation of keloid tissue. As for immunomodulators, interferon, which is introduced into the seam line, allows to avoid relapses. The most popular enzyme preparation that prevents the growth of connective tissue is "Longidase", it is used for phonophoresis and ultraphonophoresis.

You can treat the keloid scar with physiotherapeutic and physical methods (occlusive dressings, compression therapy, laser therapy, electrophoresis, cryosurgery, excision). Today, the keloid scar is successfully treated with silicone obturating dressings and silicone plates. Liquid nitrogen makes it possible to distribute the drug well in keloid tissues and prevent its entry into healthy tissues. Under the influence of the laser, the keloid scar becomes milder and less hypertrophic.

Keloid scars can also be treated with radiation therapy. True, it still remains controversial, but many experts believe that external irradiation combined with drugs reduces the possibility of relapse.

Treat such scars and cosmetic procedures that correct external defects. Basically it is peelings, dermabrasion, mesotherapy, which do not carry any therapeutic effect, except for external influence on the keloid scar. However, these methods are used quite effectively with an aesthetic purpose.

And of course, among the therapeutic methods of treating keloid scars is the use of medicines.

In any case, whatever method of treatment is chosen, this is a very long and rather slow process. Despite the fact that the presence of keloid scars sometimes psychologically presses on a person, they do not threaten life and health, and therefore it is possible to live and live with them perfectly. Only on your choice will depend on whether you want to spend your own time and money to solve this problem or enjoy life as if nothing had happened.