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Scars and keloids

3 sourcesEvery line checked against its source

In short

A scar is a permanent patch of skin that grows over a wound.

What it is1

  • A keloid scar is a raised scar left on the skin after a wound has healed.

    NHS website

Worth knowing4

  • You cannot get rid of a scar, but most will fade over time.

    NHS website
  • A keloid scar usually appears a few weeks to years after you damage or injure your skin, such as after a cut, burn or acne.

    NHS website
  • Keloid scars are usually raised, hard, smooth and shiny.

    NHS website
  • A keloid scar usually grows for months or years and becomes bigger than the original wound.

    NHS website

What helps4

  • Once the wound has fully healed, massage the scar with a water-based cream a few times a day for up to 10 minutes each time. Keep the scar covered from the sun for at least 1 year, with clothing or a dressing, and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more on it.

    NHS website
  • Depending on the type of scar, treatments may include: silicone dressings or gels; steroid injections or cream; cryotherapy (a treatment to freeze the scar); laser therapy; skin camouflage (creams and powders you use to cover your scar).

    NHS website
  • You cannot get rid of a keloid scar, but there are treatments that can help improve how it looks and reduce irritation.

    NHS website
  • It's also recommended to get early treatment for acne to reduce the risk of scarring.

    NHS website

See a provider if2

  • See a health care provider if a scar is painful or bothering you. They may be able to recommend treatments.

    NHS website
  • Get care soon if a scar is swollen or painful, feels warm to the touch, or has pus coming out of it.

    NHS website

Sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.

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