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| - Last Updated on May 9, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
An article claims that baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can cure Keloids. It suggests using bleaching powder on keloids. After fact checking we term it as false.
The Claim
A website published an article claiming that baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can cure keloids. It recommends putting bleaching powder on keloids to cure it within one month.
Fact Check
Does applying bleaching powder on keloids help cure it?
No, applying bleaching powder on keloids does not help. We could not find any scientific literature which backs baking soda and hydrogen peroxide as a credible method to treat Keloid scars. Even if you think that baking soda is super cheap and easy to access, that’s why there’s no harm in trying that. We must emphasise that baking soda and bleaching powder on keloids, especially for the face, may harm the skin instead.
Let alone that, there’s no evidence for using baking soda for scars. It does not effectively treat skin conditions, as claimed. We keep seeing posts on social media claiming permanent scar removal at home. But, it is very important to consult a dermatologist before initiating any home remedy to reduce the chances of skin irritation or allergic reactions.
The article in question claims that baking soda and hydrogen peroxide combination dissolves keloids at home. However, due to the lack of scientific evidence we term it as false.
What does a dermatologist say about treating keloids at home?
We checked with Dr Sachin Gupta, MBBS, MD (Dermatology & Venereology), working at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, for his valuable insights. He says, “Keloids are thick, raised scars that occur when the skin heals excessively after an injury. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are not effective for keloids. Instead, treatments like steroid injections to reduce the scar size, or cryotherapy, which freezes the scar tissue, are commonly used to manage keloids.”
What causes Keloid scars?
Keloid scars form due to an overgrowth of collagen at the site of a wound or injury. This excess collagen production can occur during the healing process in susceptible individuals. Factors contributing to keloid formation include genetic predisposition, skin tension around the wound area, and certain skin conditions like acne or chickenpox. Additionally, keloids are more common in individuals with darker skin tones.
Can piercings and tattoos cause Keloids?
Yes, piercings and tattoos can potentially lead to keloid formation, particularly in individuals prone to developing keloids. When the skin is punctured or traumatised during piercing or tattooing, it can trigger an exaggerated healing response in some people. This results in the formation of keloid scars. Proper aftercare, including keeping the area clean and following any instructions provided by the piercer or tattoo artist, can help minimise the risk of keloid formation. Additionally, individuals with a history of keloids may choose to avoid piercings and tattoos in areas prone to keloid development.
What are the best practices to prevent keloids after piercings or tattoos?
The use of bleaching powder on keloids is not recommended as a treatment method for keloids after piercings or tattoos. Instead, the best practices to prevent keloids include:
- Proper Hygiene: Keep the pierced or tattooed area clean and dry to prevent infections.
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to the aftercare guidelines provided by your piercer or tattoo artist, which generally involve cleaning the area regularly and avoiding irritants.
- Avoid Trauma: Minimise friction, pressure, and trauma to the area during the healing process.
- Choose Experienced Professionals: Select reputable and experienced piercers or tattoo artists who follow strict hygiene protocols to reduce the risk of complications or infections.
- Monitor Healing: Keep an eye on the healing process and consult a physician if you notice any signs of infection or abnormal scarring.
- Consider Personal History: Individuals with a history of keloids or who are prone to abnormal scarring should carefully consider the location and type of body modifications they choose.
- Consult a Dermatologist: If you have concerns about keloid formation, consult a dermatologist before getting a piercing or tattoo.
Remember, home remedies like bleaching powder on keloids may seem tempting, but they can be harmful. They may even worsen the condition. It’s important to prioritise safe and evidence-based practices for preventing keloids.
What are the side effects of using baking soda on your face?
When considering using baking soda for face scars, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects. Baking soda, often seen as a natural remedy, can actually cause harm to your skin. Its alkaline nature can disturb the skin’s pH balance, leading to irritation, dryness, and redness. Additionally, its gritty texture might create tiny tears in the skin, making it more prone to infection and inflammation.
Continuous or frequent use of baking soda on the face can also weaken the skin’s protective barrier. It can also worsen existing skin issues like acne or rosacea. It’s best to approach the use of baking soda on your face with caution. We would recommend exploring safer alternatives, perhaps under the guidance of a dermatologist.
What are the risks of using hydrogen peroxide on your face?
Using bleaching powder on keloids (such as hydrogen peroxide) can have side effects. It may initially lighten the scar, but hydrogen peroxide is highly reactive and can cause skin irritation, burns, and even tissue damage. Applying it directly to keloids can worsen inflammation and delay healing. This can potentially lead to further scarring. It’s necessary to avoid using bleaching powder or any harsh chemicals on keloids and instead opt for safer, dermatologist-recommended treatments for keloid management.
What are the most effective medical treatments for keloids?
When it comes to managing keloids, various medical treatments offer hope for reducing their size, easing symptoms, and improving their appearance. These methods address the excess collagen production, which is a characteristic of keloid scars. Here are some of the most effective medical treatments available:
- Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting corticosteroids directly into the keloid can help reduce inflammation and flatten the scar tissue.
- Surgical Excision: Surgically removing the keloid followed by close monitoring and often combined with other treatments to prevent recurrence.
- Laser Therapy: Various types of lasers, such as pulsed dye laser or carbon dioxide laser, can be used to reduce the size and redness of keloids.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen can help shrink its size and reduce symptoms.
- Pressure Therapy: Applying pressure to the keloid with silicone sheets or dressings can flatten the scar and improve its appearance over time.
- Interferon Therapy: Interferon injections may help reduce the size and recurrence of keloids by modulating the immune response.
- Radiation Therapy: Low-dose radiation therapy after surgical excision can decrease the likelihood of keloid recurrence.
- Topical Treatments: Certain creams or gels containing ingredients like silicone, retinoids, or imiquimod may help improve the appearance of keloids when applied regularly.
- Collagenase Injections: Injecting collagenase enzymes into the keloid can break down excess collagen and soften the scar tissue.
- Combination Therapies: Often, a combination of treatments is more effective than using one method alone, and the choice depends on the size, location, and characteristics of the keloid.
We have covered several stories regarding Keloids on our website: Can you get rid of keloids naturally? How does diet affect keloid scars? Do keloids exhibit cancer symptoms?
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