Question 1

is it safe to remove a keloid with a rubber band?

Accepted Answer

Not the way I would : Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue. If a rubber band could be placed around a keloid to cut off its blood supply the keloid would have to turn black and fall off. This would leave a place for a new scar and potential new keloid to return. I treat most keloids with excision, steroids, pressure, topical silicone and sometimes short course of radiation if it has recurred.

Question 2

how long should a rubber band be on your keloid?

Accepted Answer

Keloid: If you're trying to flatten and smooth a keloid scar, a rubber band is ineffective. Applying topical silicone gel sheeting is the best treatment short of having the keloid surgically removed, injected with steroid and undergoing a short course of superficial radiation therapy.

Question 3

2 days ago i put a rubber band on my keloid. it%b4s started getting bumpy as if it had water, now it popped and i have some left. what do i do?

Accepted Answer

Clean : I have never heard of taking care of a keloid in this way. It may actually come back bigger. That would be my expected result. I would just keep it clean now with water and soap daily then a thin layer of vaseline until it heals over.  I would see a physician for taking care of the keloid in the future.

Question 4

can you pop a keloid ?got it from a cartilage piercing. heard you can use a rubber band and tie it off.

Accepted Answer

No you can't: Keloids are abnormal scaring that happens after a minor injury or surgery including ear piercing in individuals that are predisposed to this condition. It frequently occurs in people of african origins. They are treated by excision and steroid injections. Low dose radiation is another treatment for severe cases.

Question 5

would it be ok to tie a rubber band around my ear keloid? i would make sure to keep it clean etc. steroid shots and surgery haven't worked.

Accepted Answer

No: Would not recommend this. High risk of an infection and the keloid will likely recur and may be even worse. Keloids are caused by abnormal inflammation and scarring after surgery or trauma (such as loping off part of your ear with a rubber band). Have you seen a plastic surgeon?

Question 6

if you use a rubberband on a keloid will it grow back?

Accepted Answer

Bad idea!!: Keloids have a high tendency to come back.  When you remove something by 'tying it off', the subsequent wound does not have clean, sharp edges so you are already setting it up at a disadvantage to heal well.  Keloids should be removed and treated by plastic surgeons to minimize the chances of recurrence.

Question 7

can you remove a keloid?

Accepted Answer

Difficult: Keloids can be removed but need very good after care because they have a high recurrence rate.

Question 8

is being keloid prone hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, aggressive scar formation is genetic...Although not absolute, the risk is increased.

Question 9

massage the keloid or leave it alone?

Accepted Answer

Scar Massage: Massage can never hurt a keloid, but may not do much either.  However, massage can help an hypertrophic scar.  The difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar is that a keloid is a tumor of collagen which is much larger than the original injury site. A hypertrophic scar is a thickened scar along an incision line.  See a derm or facial plastic surgeon for the best treatment for you.

Question 10

can my keloid be removed non-surgically?

Accepted Answer

No: No it can't, but with scar treatment such as topical silicone products or steroid injections it can be greatly improved in appearance.

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Doctor answers about:

Keloid rubber band

A member asked:

Is it safe to remove a keloid with a rubber band?

A member asked:

How long should a rubber band be on your keloid?

A member asked:

2 days ago i put a rubber band on my keloid. it%b4s started getting bumpy as if it had water, now it popped and i have some left. what do i do?

A member asked:

Can you pop a keloid ?got it from a cartilage piercing. heard you can use a rubber band and tie it off.

A member asked:

Would it be ok to tie a rubber band around my ear keloid? i would make sure to keep it clean etc. steroid shots and surgery haven't worked.

A member asked:

If you use a rubberband on a keloid will it grow back?

A member asked:

Can you remove a keloid?

A member asked:

Is being keloid prone hereditary?

A member asked:

Massage the keloid or leave it alone?

A member asked:

Can my keloid be removed non-surgically?

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