What should I do if a keloid is itchy?

Written by Cao Jin Jun

Aesthetic Medicine

Updated on September 25, 2024

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Keloids can be very itchy when at home. You can use some cryotherapy such as applying ice for treatment. However, if the results are unsatisfactory, it might be necessary to visit a hospital for a comprehensive treatment, including medication. Treatment based on the condition can control these symptoms. The itching occurs because the skin's metabolic system is damaged, causing metabolic products to accumulate in the scar.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei

General Surgery

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What should not be eaten with hypertrophic scars?

Hypertrophic scars, in themselves, result from constitutional issues, meaning they are tied to an individual's physical condition and have certain hereditary elements. This condition significantly affects appearance, and certain dietary items can further irritate hypertrophic scars. Thus, it is recommended to avoid certain stimulating foods such as bamboo shoots, beef, crucian carp, and seafood, as these can impede the healing of hypertrophic scars. Moreover, if symptoms are pronounced, or if irritation is prominent, it is also advisable to avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and smoking. Such irritants can notably aggravate the skin, potentially leading to localized scar sensitivity.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

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How to remove keloids?

The formation of keloids is largely related to one's inherent scarring constitution. Some patients are not prone to keloids but can still develop them due to particularly deep or large wounds. Additionally, keloids can form on the chest or shoulders after repeated occurrences of folliculitis. Currently, there are not many treatments for keloids. For larger keloids, medication can be used locally to gradually soften and reduce their size. For smaller areas, cosmetic surgical methods can be employed for removal, although this does not guarantee prevention of recurrence. Once keloids appear, they are mostly irreversible. If the keloid grows rapidly, treatment can also be sought at nuclear medicine departments, where nuclear radiation therapy is used.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

52sec

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Treatment of keloids

The formation of keloids is somewhat related to an individual's scar constitution. Once keloids have formed, there is a lack of a perfectly effective treatment plan. The most commonly used treatments are topical ointments, which can't completely solve the problem. The most frequent treatment involves local application of steroid medications, which can be chosen based on the size of the keloid to be treated 2-3 times, or even four to five times. After treatment, the keloids will gradually shrink, become softer, and smaller, but they will not completely disappear. If the keloid proliferation is not particularly severe, one can also visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital to use fractional laser treatment. Currently, there are many other drug treatments available, but their ultimate effects are not certain, so it is best to prevent such conditions in individuals prone to keloids, avoiding external injuries or scars.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

43sec

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What should I do about auricular keloids?

Auricular keloids are a relatively common clinical condition, which may be related to an individual's scar constitution. Firstly, it is necessary to examine the size of the keloid. If the keloid is small, without obvious enlarging, redness, pain, infection, or inflammation, this situation generally can be considered for observation followed by regular ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist follow-ups to check for any rapid growth. However, if the keloid is large and progressively growing, surgical removal should be considered. After the surgery, local superficial radiation therapy can be considered to help prevent postoperative recurrence.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei

General Surgery

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Can hypertrophic scars be effectively treated?

Hypertrophic scars are related to constitutional issues, generally directly associated with congenital genetic factors. Thus, while it is possible to improve the condition of hypertrophic scars, it is impossible to completely remove them, as altering such constitutional issues entirely is very challenging. When dealing with hypertrophic scars, one can choose various methods to alleviate the condition, such as improving local tissue vitality through massage, which can promote skin regeneration and thus mitigate the effects of hypertrophic scars. Additionally, treatments for hypertrophic scars can include laser surgery or the use of medications that invigorate blood circulation and disperse blood stasis. Importantly, preventing wounds and thus avoiding scar formation is crucial for optimal prevention. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor, and do not self-medicate).