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The PHARMACIST talks about …

Keloid Scars

Keloids are lumps of scar tissue which grow at the site of trauma or injury to the skin.

Unlike other scars, however, Keloid Scars are larger than the site of the original injury.

In those people with a tendency to form Keloid Scars, the best treatment is prevention. Once the scar has formed, treatment options include surgery, steroid injections, pressure therapy and more recently laser therapy. Silicon gel sheeting may help reduce the elevation of the Keloid. Keloid may grow flatter over time without treatment, but do not usually disappear completely. When patients with a tendency to form Keloids consider surgery, it is important that precautions are taken to minimize more trauma to the skin and further Keloid formation.

Ask your pharmacist…

• Ask your pharmacist about silicon gel sheets for the treatment of Keloid Scars.
• Research indicates that better results are achieved by applying pure vitamin E oil to Keloid Scars with silicon gel sheets than when the sheets are used alone.
• Zinc tape is often prescribed for patients to help reduce the size of Keloid Scars. Zinc tape also helps to reduce the redness and itching of Keloid Scars. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
• Covering the forming Keloid with a patch or band aid can prevent permanent discoloration of Keloid Scars from sun exposure.
• Applying sunscreen every day is also recommended when spending time outside. This should be done for at least 6 months after injury or surgery for an adult and up to 18 months for a child. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable sunscreen for your needs.
• Keloid Scars may become irritated from rubbing on clothing or other forms of friction. Wear loose fitting clothing and/or cover the Keloid with a band aid if irritation occurs.
• If the diet is inadequate consider some nutritional supplements.

Feel free to come in to Healthpoint Chemist and ask our friendly staff for advice.

Please Note: The advice on this website is to be used as an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace advice from your qualified GP or medical practitioner. Please ensure that you speak to them in relation to all of your health issues.