Keloid Scars

What it is
Scars are formed as a part of the body’s natural healing process in which damaged areas of skin are replaced by scar tissue - collagen - which shrinks and forms a pale scar.

If the sides of the wound are well aligned and close together, the scar forms a thin white line but if the edges of the wound are separated or there has been extensive tissue loss, pink granulation tissue forms first which is then slowly replaced to form a tough, wide scar. Sometimes, an abnormally thickened area of scar tissue may form, due to an over-active healing response and the production of excessive amounts of collagen tissue. This is known as a keloid scar which is harder, more irregular and thicker than usual.

The tendency to produce keloids can run in families and is most common over the trunk of the body.

Self help measures:
Rubbing in vitamin E oil/cream may help but some people develop a sensitivity reaction.
The appearance of scars – even old ones - can be helped by applying an adhesive gel sheet (from chemists) which helps to flatten, soften and fade scars that are red or raised.

Applying magnetic patches
Apply one or more magnetic patches over the keloid scar depending on its size – ideally as much as possible of the scar should be covered in magnets.