| Keloids are breaks in the skin from either injury or incision,
and they may heal better in some people than others. Remaining scars are the result of
poor healing, probably caused by poor blood flow, and thus a lack of supply of
both oxygen and vital nutrients to the injured area. If a scar overgrows into a large, rounded, raised pinkish mass, this is known as a keloid. Sometimes keloids form in areas affected by acne; sometimes they form for no apparent reason at all. People of African
genetic ancestry are more likely to develop keloids than those of other ethnic backgrounds. The chest, upper back,
and shoulders are the most common sites.
Keloids resulting from cuts and incisions are more common than those
caused by acne. The latter are more likely to form with deep acne that forms abscesses chronically draining pus. If this
occurs on the back of the neck or scalp then permanent hair loss
can result in the affected area. As always proper nutrition is beneficial
for both prevention and healing. Keloids may occur from such skin injuries
as surgical incisions, traumatic wounds, vaccination sites, burns,
chickenpox, acne, or even minor scratches.
They occur often in both young women and African Americans. But
keloids are also seen in Indians and Chinese, and more rarely in Whites. Keloids tend to run in families. If your parents or siblings have
keloids, you are more likely to have them as well. Keloidosis or
"cheloidosis" is a term used when multiple or repeated
keloids are produced.
Most keloids will flatten and become less noticeable over a
period of several years. They may become irritated from rubbing on
clothing or other forms of friction. Extensive keloids may become
binding, limiting mobility. They may cause cosmetic changes and
affect the appearance. Exposure to the sun during the first year
of keloid formation will cause the keloid to preferentially tan.
This dark coloration may become permanent. Keloids are not
considered medically dangerous, but they do affect the person's
looks, and in some cases, they may reduce in size over time.
Symptoms of keloids include: skin lesions, flesh colored red, or
pink, located over the site of a wound, injury, or other lesion,
nodular or ridged, itching during formation and growth. A large keloid in the skin over a joint may interfere with joint function.
|
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| Gotu Kola |
10 |
this herb has been shown to help wound and
healing and used by people with keloids by helping with blood flow and
oxygen levels into the areas that need it. |
| vitamin E |
10 |
taking high doses of vitamin E may help
people with keloids. Choose a formula containing mixed tocopherols and start by taking 100 international units daily. Then gradually increase the dosage to 400 to 800 international units twice daily over a period of two to four weeks, making sure you have no problem with an increase in blood pressure. |
| vitamin C |
9 |
good for healing and prevention |
| Bioflavonoids |
8 |
work with vitamin C |
| Carotenoids |
8 |
helpful for healing and
prevention |
| Ginkgo Biloba |
7 |
herb that serves as an anti-oxidant and helps to increase blood flow
and it works well when combined with the herb Gotu kola |
| Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
9 |
vitamin B complex, boron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium,
vitamin E all serve to help people with keloids and/or acne. A daily supplement
provides nutrients needed by the body for good health and well being. |
| Selenium |
10 |
this mineral works with vitamin E and may
also have its own role in nourishing the skin. |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|
