How to Get Rid of Cheloids

Cheloids, most often spelled keloids, are essentially a type of scar tissue that has not stopped growing. Unlike hypertrophic scars, cheloids do not subside over time. A cheloid is most often pink or purple in color and has a domed smooth top. The cheloid can be irregular in shape, because the growth tends to be erratic. Shooting pains can be associated with cheloids, which differentiates them from other types of scar tissue.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor. Before undergoing any procedure, or taking any medication, you should consult your physician. Your doctor will also recommend which of the available treatments are best for you. Cheloids are difficult to treat and as such there is no single treatment that works for everyone.

• 2

  Undertake a cortisone injection regimen. Cortisone injections are safe and do not hurt. They can cause the cheloids to flatten but will also change the coloration of the cheloid to a deep red. The injections are given once a month until the ideal results are achieved and the cheloid fades. This will not remove the cheloid but may fade their appearance.

• 3

  Undergo laser treatment. A pulsed-dye laser may break up the cheloid. This will diminish the redness left by the cortisone treatment. Multiple sessions will be required to noticeably reduce the red coloration. Laser treatment sessions are quite costly and considered a cosmetic procedure by most insurance plans.

• 4

  Watch the affected area. Cheloids can reform over time. It is important to watch for changes. A cheloid cannot be effectively removed under the best of circumstances, only managed. If the cheloid reforms you should repeat the process as needed.