How to Apply Pressure for Keloid Scars

Keloids form when scar tissue continues to grow over a healed wound. These scars can appear months after a wound has healed and can get larger over time 2. Keloid scars respond to several different types of treatment, including corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, cryotherapy and silicone tapes or sheets. A doctor performs most effective keloid scar treatments, but you can treat keloids at home with silicone products that put pressure on the scar. The silicone in these products also helps reduce itching and pain. While applying pressure won’t completely eliminate a keloid in most cases, it can help make it smaller and less noticeable.

Wash the scarred area with warm water and a mild soap. Pat the area dry with a clean towel or allow it to air dry.

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Apply the silicone sheet directly over the keloid, according to the manufacturer’s directions. Most silicone sheets are self-adhesive.

Wear the sheet over the keloid for 12 to 24 hours a day for at least two to three months to help the scar shrink.

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Wash the silicone sheet and your scar daily. You can use the same silicone sheet until it starts to break down, which can help you save money, since most silicone products for scars are expensive.

Tips

Apply silicone sheets as soon as possible to encourage the best results. Doctors and surgeons sometimes advise people prone to keloids to begin pressure treatment shortly after surgery. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about other treatments for your keloid if you’re not satisfied with the results from applying pressure with silicone sheets.

Warnings

Do not apply silicone sheets to open wounds.