Everybody knows how scars are formed, but did you know that there were several different classifications of them? If you have ever experienced the type of scar called a keloid, then you recognize the severity of it and how cosmetically damaging they can be. This kind of scar has proven to be one of the more severe types of scars that one can suffer. A good option is to answer some common questions about this type of scar, learn what makes them unique, and review some of the treatment and removal options.

What is the Basic Definition of a Keloid?

The difference between a keloid scar and other types of scars is that it grows beyond the site of the original wound. This scar raises above the skin with an irregular shape, enlarging progressively as it grows. Their color and texture resemble a pinkish or purplish shiny dome shaped scar.. While all other scars decrease in size over time, keloids continue to grow while not subsiding in size. Many people for this reason choose to do whatever they can to diminish them or ride themselves of them all together.

How is a Keloid Formed?

Without having the exact definition as to what causes keloid scars, it is believed it involves the body's cellular signals that control skin growth. The biological term of a keloid scar is a fibrotic tumor. Its main properties are atypical fibroblasts that are known to excessively overproduce collagen in addition to elastin and proteoglycans. Studies to understand exactly what causes this atypical fibroblast growth and how it produces excessively these properties have proven elusive up to this point.

What are the Prevention Possibilities?

There is no easy answer to this question, and the best way to prevent them is to not contract them in the first place. One should be aware however that individuals with high pigmentation or whose family lineage includes members who've contracted the scar are more prone to their development. A person finding themselves with one or more of these traits would do best to try to avoid elective cosmetic surgeries and ear piercings as all incisions are a possible starting point to the formation of keloids.

The Keloid Scar Removal Options Are What?

The effort at keloid scar treatment involves the following techniques:

- Cortisone Injections: Cortisone injections are given one time a month for as long as it takes until one's desired outcome is achieved. The shots are beneficial for the flattening of the scar, but could possibly make it more red by its triggering of blood vessel formations.

- The Option of Surgery: Although this is a great way to remove the scar completely, the sad truth is that the wound caused by the surgery has a high chance of the scar's recurrence.

- Laser Therapy Options: A pulse-dye laser treatment is good for reducing the redness of the scar while also flattening it out to a respectable degree. There are some formidable negatives to this treatment however. The cost of laser therapy runs in the thousands of dollars. It requries multiple sessions and there is a substantial possibility it will not be covered by your health insurance.

- Cryotherapy's Possibility: This treatment option utilizes liquid nitrogen to remove completely the keloid scar by freezing it. When frozen the doctor can successfully remove it. The after effect of cryotherapy is a dark skin spot replacing the section where the keloid had been located.

What About Naturally Treating Keloid Scars?

The trick to making all-natural treatments effective for keloid scars is to find products that use ingredients conducive to promote skin regeneration. There is one ingredient that should be any skin product you buy to treat keloid scars. The ingredient Helix Aspersa Muller has the ability for regulation of the natural processes of the healing of skin and the formation of scars. What it does for all natural scar removal creams is change the cell communications to restore healthy skin structures. The aftermath is fresh, healthy looking skin.