What should you know about keloid treatment at home?

A keloid is raised scar tissue that may extend beyond the original injury and can cause itch, tenderness, tightness, or repeated irritation. Gentle care can reduce friction and help a healing area remain intact, but home remedies cannot reliably remove established excess scar tissue. Avoid needles, scraping, strong acids, unprescribed steroid creams, and online devices. A clinician can check that the lump is a keloid rather than another skin problem and discuss treatments such as injections, laser, freezing, or planned surgery.

Keep the area clean and moisturise only when the skin is closed and a clinician agrees. Choose loose clothing, avoid rubbing or picking, and cover the scar from direct sun with clothing or suitable protection. If you have been given silicone or pressure treatment, use it exactly as instructed and stop if the skin breaks down. Take a clear photo from time to time to notice changes in size or colour. Arrange dermatology advice if the scar is enlarging, itchy, painful, or interfering with movement.

Get prompt medical advice for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, bleeding, bad smell, wound opening, or fever. Seek review for a rapidly changing lump or a new growth after an injury. These findings need assessment and should not be managed with home treatment alone.

Ask whether the skin is ready for silicone or pressure care, which products are suitable, and how to protect the area during bathing and exercise. Ask which changes mean you should stop home care and return for review.