When our internal and external tissues are damaged in any way, be it from a cut, scratch, acne, bite, burn, or surgery, our body's natural healing reaction is to increase its production of collagen and form a protective scar to assist the wound to heal.

The majority of scars usually diminish over time, however, this is not the case with keloid scars. As described by Indy Rihal, of the British Skin Foundation "A keloid scar is an overgrown scar that can spread outside the original area of skin damage...(they) are shiny and hairless, they're raised above the surrounding skin, and can feel hard and rubbery," and their presence can last for years.

PEOPLE IN THE HIGH RISK CATEGORY

In the opinion of Rihal "People with dark skin get keloids much more easily than people with fairer skin, and it is common in people with black skin. They're most common between the ages of 10 and 30, and can run in families. Burns, acne scars and wounds that get infected are particularly likely to form keloids, and you're at higher risk of getting a keloid scar if you have had one before."

REDUCING THE RISK

Due to the nature of keloid scars, the only sure way to limit their presence is to avoid any unnecessary lacerations of the skin, such as piercings and tattoos. It is also wise to avoid any cosmetic surgery and to have severe acne breakouts treated medically in order to avoid potential scars.

TREATING KELOIDS

There are a range of treatment options available that assist in flattening keloid scars but success is not always guaranteed. These include: steroid injections, covering scars with steroid-impregnated tape, applying silicone sheets, freezing the keloids with liquid nitrogen, laser treatment, and surgical removal. The downside is that these treatment options do not hinder the progression of new keloid scars, not to mention the fact they are intrusive, time consuming, and heavy on the pocket.

THE BEST TREATMENT INVOLVES NATURAL PRODUCTS

Natural products are an increasingly popular choice for removing keloid scars as they are side effect free, cost effective, and actually assist in limiting future outbreaks.

This is thanks to ingredients such as Helix Aspersa Muller glycoconjugates, which are extremely effective in the regeneration of healthy skin cells and improvement of skin elasticity due to their high collagen count and close molecular structure to human skin.

Butterbur Herb (Petasites japonicus) extracts are another natural keloid fighter that is effective in the minimization of mast cell degranulation and histamine, two vital components for relieving the discomfort, itching, and irritation caused by keloid scars. In addition, extracts of the Elder Tree (Sambucus nigra L.) possess some of the richest sources of natural anti-inflammatory properties which work wonders in restricting the onset of future scar tissue.