Can you put tretinoin cream on a keloid scar?

Author: Kiera Jaskolski  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Applying prescription medications such as tretinoin or steroid creams. This has been known to reduce itching and pain caused by a keloid scar. Applying these medications twice daily has been known to produce better and faster results.

Can tretinoin help keloids?

Background: Numerous modalities have been used to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars; however, optimal treatment has not yet been established. Therefore, prevention is the mainstay. Recently, silicone gel and tretinoin cream have been shown to be useful for the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Can you put retinol on a keloid scar?

Although clinical studies have demonstrated that retinoids led to slight reductions in the size and symptoms of keloids, they should not be considered first-line therapy for these conditions.

Which cream is best for keloid scars?

Silicone-based gels, such as Kelo-Cote, are highly effective for treating deeper surgical scars. Regularly massaging the area with silicone gel for several months can help minimize scar tissue formation.

What is the best thing to put on keloid scars?

Applying a prescription strength corticosteroid cream can help ease itchiness. Injected medicine. If you have a smaller keloid, your doctor might try reducing its thickness by injecting it with cortisone or other steroids. You'll likely need monthly injections for up to six months before seeing the scar flatten.

Can You Prevent Keloid Scars After Surgery?

How do you fade a keloid scar fast?

Treatment for keloid scars
  1. steroid injections or cream.
  2. silicone dressings or gels.
  3. cryotherapy (a treatment to freeze the keloid scar)
  4. laser therapy.

What not to do to keloids?

If you are more likely to get keloids, you should avoid skin injuries, ear piercing, and surgery whenever possible. If you need surgery, especially in an area that is more likely to scar, make sure your doctor knows that you may get keloids.

Should you moisturize a keloid?

Moisturization: Keep the healing skin well-moisturized with a quality moisturizer. Well-hydrated skin is less prone to developing abnormal scars. Sun Protection: Protect healing scars from sun exposure, as UV rays can worsen scarring. Use sunscreen with a high SPF on the healing area when exposed to sunlight.

What is inside a keloid?

Generally, they contain relatively acellular centers and thick, abundant collagen bundles that form nodules in the deep dermal portion of the lesion. Keloids present a therapeutic challenge that must be addressed, as these lesions can cause significant pain, pruritus (itching), and physical disfigurement.

What happens if you put retinol on a scar?

Retinol is also found in many acne scar treatment products because it promotes new skin cell growth and helps even out skin texture and skin tone — all of which can help reduce the appearance of newer, red acne scars and older scars.

Does tretinoin work for hyperpigmentation?

Tretinoin works in a number of ways to get rid of hyperpigmentation. Firstly, it accelerates skin cell turnover which helps exfoliate the skin. This sped up renewal process helps to shed the top layer of the skin that contains the excess pigment, leading to a reduction in the appearance of dark spots over time.

What does Vaseline do for keloids?

Keloids can be relatively uncomfortable and restrict movement, especially if occurring at joints. Try Vaseline's skin-care products enriched with ingredients like aloe and nourishing argan oil, to help soften and soothe the skin at the scar. Read up on how you can heal your scars with the help of Vaseline.

How long does tretinoin take to fade hyperpigmentation?

The time it takes to start fading hyperpigmentation varies depending on severity and whether you're using Tretinoin alongside Hydroquinone. Noticeable improvements in skin tone may start after as little as 6-8 weeks or as much as 3-6 months of regular use.

How to flatten keloid scars?

Medical Treatment for Scars & Keloids
  1. Over-the-Counter Topical Treatments. A variety of topical silicone products, which are available without a prescription, may reduce the size and color of scars. ...
  2. Steroid Injections. ...
  3. Superficial External Beam Radiotherapy. ...
  4. Laser Treatment. ...
  5. Dermabrasion.

What does a bad keloid look like?

Shiny, hairless, lumpy, raised skin. Varied size, depending on the size of the original injury and when the keloid stops growing. Varied texture, from soft to firm and rubbery. Reddish, brown or purplish, depending on your skin color.

What ointment is good for keloids?

A prescription-strength corticosteroid cream can help ease itchiness from your keloid. Avoid scratching or picking at your keloid to prevent further damage. An injection of a corticosteroid can reduce the size of a keloid scar. In general, steroids reduce inflammation and redness.

What shrinks keloids?

Treatment
  • Corticosteroid shots. The medicine in these shots helps shrink the scar.
  • Freezing the scar. Called cryotherapy, this can be used to reduce the hardness and size of the scar. ...
  • Wearing silicone sheets or gel over the scar. This can help flatten the keloid.
  • Laser therapy. ...
  • Surgical removal. ...
  • Pressure treatment.

Does Aquaphor help keloids?

Specifically, it is very important that you keep your wound moist and clean while it is healing. To keep it clean, wash the injured skin gently with water and mild soap. To keep it moist, apply Aquaphor, Vaseline, or a similar gentle moisturizer that will not irritate your skin.

What oil shrinks keloids?

Essential oils like tea tree oil, garlic oil, and vitamin E oil are increasingly popular in the realm of natural keloid care.

What can worsen keloid?

Avoidance of Body Piercings: If you are prone to keloids, consider avoiding body piercings or tattoos, as they can trigger excessive scar tissue formation. Early Treatment of Acne and Infections: Promptly treat acne and skin infections to minimize the risk of scarring.

Can you massage out keloids?

What scar features indicate that massage may be beneficial? Bulk– scar massage may help flatten certain bulky scars; nevertheless, keloid scars are unlikely to benefit.

Does pus come out of keloids?

Keloid infections, also known as suppurative keloids, suppurative keloidosis and keloid suppuration, can give rise to redness, agonising pain, tenderness, sinus and pus discharge.

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