Taking Care of your Scars

• More information about treatment of Keloid Scars can be found in the TREATING KELOIDS section.
  
  
• When there is a scar it may be useful to avoid certain movements which may strech it during the healing process, e.g. if there iss a scar on the back, shoulder or arm it may be advisable to avoid Golf or Tennis. Certain parts of the body are more likely to be stretched than others
  
  
• When you initially get the wound, it may be useful to keep it covered, as moisture may help the wound to heal.
  
  
• In women whom have keloids on the breasts it is advisable to wear well fitted and tight bras which offer the correct amount of support as this may reduce stretching of the skin which is thought to exacerbate the scar.
  
  
• If some form of wounding does occur it is important that the wound is kept clean by means of washing with water. This is important as infected wounds may lead to a longer healing time and an increased likelihood of keloid formation.
  
  
• Where there is a wound in someone prone to developing keloids it is useful to try to avoid causing friction of the wound by rubbing, e.g. avoid rubbing a keloid on the ear against pillows and try to alternate they way you may sit or sleep to avoid doing this. You should also avoid scrating the scar, even if it may feel itchy.
  
  
• Tape, garments and bandages could be used during the wound healing process in order to reduce the risk of Keloid development, if the correct coverings are used evidence has shown that there may be a smaller scar size.