13 Effective Home Remedies for Treating Keloids Naturally

Keloids, raised and often persistent scars, can be challenging to manage. While medical interventions exist, many people seek natural and home-based remedies to help minimize or prevent keloid formation. This comprehensive guide explores 13 widely discussed home remedies, the evidence supporting their use, application tips, and essential precautions to help you manage keloids safely and effectively at home.

What Are Keloids?

Keloids are raised, thickened areas of scar tissue that form at the site of skin injury, surgery, or even minor skin trauma. Unlike normal scars, keloids can grow larger than the original wound and may continue to expand over time. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobes. Keloids are generally harmless but may be itchy, tender, and cosmetically bothersome for some individuals.

Why Try Home Remedies?

Many people consider home remedies for keloids due to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived gentleness compared to some clinical treatments. However, results vary, and not every remedy is supported by robust scientific evidence. Consulting a dermatologist before starting any new treatment is strongly recommended, especially if you have sensitive skin or existing medical conditions.

13 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Keloids Naturally

• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Sandalwood and Rose Water
• Garlic
• Grapefruit Seed Extract
• Honey
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Petroleum Jelly
• Aspirin
• Onion Extract
• Lemon Juice
• Essential Oils
• Prevention and Aftercare Tips

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy due to its antimicrobial and mild acidic properties. Some believe it helps in reducing the size and redness of keloids when applied regularly. However, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for keloids is limited.

• How to Use: Apply diluted apple cider vinegar (mix equal parts with water) to the keloid with a cotton ball. Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse.
• Frequency: Daily application, but always perform a patch test to avoid skin irritation.
• Precautions: Discontinue use if you notice redness, burning, or irritation.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda acts as a gentle exfoliant and may help cleanse keloid-affected skin. While it soothes irritation and swelling, robust evidence for its effectiveness against keloids is lacking.

• Ingredients: 1 tsp baking soda, 3 tsp hydrogen peroxide (3%), cotton ball.
• Instructions: Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a smooth paste. Apply to the keloid using a cotton ball, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.
• Frequency: Twice daily.

3. Sandalwood and Rose Water

Sandalwood is renowned for skin regeneration, while rose water delivers soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits. Together, they are believed to help manage keloids, although research specific to this combination is minimal.

• Ingredients: 1–2 tsp sandalwood powder, rose water.
• Instructions: Mix into a thick paste, apply before bed to keloids, leave overnight, rinse in the morning.
• Frequency: Nightly.
• Tip: Test for allergies by applying a small amount first.

4. Garlic

Garlic has wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties that may block enzymes involved in excessive scar formation. Studies suggest garlic extract could help minimize keloid development.

• Ingredients: 1–2 fresh garlic cloves or garlic oil.
• Instructions: Crush garlic and apply to the keloid. Leave for 15 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water.
• Frequency: Daily, ideally twice a day.
• Precautions: Discontinue if burning or irritation occurs.

5. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, thought to aid skin repair and potentially reduce keloid size. Scientific studies on its effectiveness remain limited.

• Ingredients: 1 tsp water, 2–3 drops grapefruit seed extract, Q-tip.
• Instructions: Dilute extract in water and apply with Q-tip to the keloid. Leave on as long as possible.
• Frequency: Twice daily.

6. Honey

Honey facilitates skin healing by preventing dead cell accumulation and boosting circulation. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce keloid appearance, with Tualang honey being particularly effective.

• Ingredients: Raw or Tualang honey.
• Instructions: Apply directly to keloids, gently massage, leave for 30–40 minutes, then rinse.
• Frequency: At least twice daily.

7. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is celebrated for its soothing, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties, which can aid in keloid healing and reduce inflammation.

• Ingredients: Fresh aloe leaf.
• Instructions: Extract gel, clean the affected area, apply for 30 minutes before rinsing. May leave on overnight.
• Frequency: Twice daily.

8. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly locks in moisture and keeps keloid scars hydrated, which may help reduce their prominence, though no scientific studies directly confirm its efficacy.

• Ingredients: Petroleum jelly.
• Instructions: Clean keloid area and massage with jelly.
• Frequency: Reapply three to four times per day.

9. Aspirin

Aspirin inhibits the activity of scar-promoting cells, potentially shrinking keloids and lightening their pigmentation, as supported by some modern studies.

• Ingredients: 3–4 aspirin tablets, water.
• Instructions: Crush tablets, mix with water to form a paste, apply to keloid for 1–2 hours, then rinse.
• Frequency: Once daily, adjust as needed for skin tolerance.
• Precautions: Cease use if paste stings or irritates skin.

10. Onion Extract

Onion extract gel is supported by studies showing reduced scar formation, lowered pigmentation, and faster healing due to antioxidant flavanols like quercetin.

• Ingredients: Small onion (any type).
• Instructions: Crush onion pieces, extract juice, apply to keloid, allow to dry, then rinse.
• Frequency: Three to four times daily.

11. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice, high in vitamin C and antioxidants, is sometimes used for its skin brightening and healing effects, though its direct impact on keloids is not well researched.

• Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice.
• Instructions: Apply to affected area, leave for 20–30 minutes, rinse.
• Frequency: Daily.
• Precautions: May cause photosensitivity; avoid sun exposure after use.

12. Essential Oils (Lavender, Tea Tree, Frankincense)

Certain essential oils may provide mild scar-healing and anti-inflammatory benefits, though scientific backing is limited.

• Suggested Oils: Lavender, tea tree, frankincense.
• Instructions: Dilute with a carrier oil, apply to scar once daily.
• Precautions: Always perform a patch test; avoid use during pregnancy or on broken skin.

13. Prevention and Aftercare Tips

• Keep wounds clean and covered to reduce infection risk and prevent excessive scarring.
• Avoid unnecessary skin trauma, piercings, or tattoos if you have a history of keloids.
• Moisturize skin regularly to help maintain elasticity and promote healing.
• Consult your dermatologist for prescription ointments or clinical treatments if home remedies do not help.

Common Questions About Keloid Home Remedies

Q: Can keloids be permanently removed with home remedies?

A: Most home remedies reduce the appearance and symptoms of keloids, but permanent removal is rare. Keloids can respond to clinical treatments like corticosteroid injections, surgery, and lasers if home approaches aren’t effective.

Q: Are these remedies safe for sensitive skin?

A: Many remedies use natural ingredients but may still cause irritation, especially garlic, lemon juice, and baking soda. It’s vital to test on a small patch first and discontinue use if redness or burning occurs.

Q: How long does it take to see results?

A: Results vary. Some may notice changes in a few weeks, while others may require several months of consistent use. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Q: Can keloids return after treatment?

A: Yes, keloids have a high rate of recurrence even after medical and home-based treatments. Long-term maintenance and dermatologist follow-up are recommended.

Q: What medical treatments are available beyond home remedies?

A: Options include corticosteroid injections, pressure therapy, laser treatment, cryotherapy, and surgical removal.

Table: Quick Comparison of Popular Keloid Remedies

Important Precautions

• Patch test all topical remedies before full use.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing or vigorous massage on keloids.
• Consult a doctor if you have concerns, or if remedies cause increased pain, redness, or infection.
• Do not use on open wounds or infected scars.

Summary

If you are seeking to manage keloids at home, a variety of remedies exist, ranging from natural ingredients such as honey, garlic, aloe vera, and essential oils, to simple kitchen staples like baking soda and lemon juice. While not all home remedies are backed by extensive research, some offer promising adjuncts to medical therapy. For stubborn or severe keloids, consult your dermatologist for professional advice and advanced treatment options. Consistency, patience, and gentle skin care practices are key to minimizing keloid scars and maintaining healthy skin.

Author

Medha DebCommerce Editor

 

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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