Keloids are firm, raised scars that extend beyond the original wound boundaries and can be a source of significant physical discomfort and emotional distress. While conventional medicine offers various surgical procedures and injections, many individuals are seeking for a gentle, holistic path to scar reductions.
This is where keloid treatment in Ayurveda comes in. Ayurveda focuses on correcting the internal imbalance that leads to abnormal scar formation. In this blog, we will explore the Ayurvedic perspective on keloids and ways to manage them.
What Are Keloids? Understanding the Ayurvedic Perspective
Keloids are benign, fibro-proliferative growths that form as a result of aggressive healing processes. Unlike a normal scar, a keloid continues to grow well beyond the confines of the original injury, creating a firm, raised, and often shiny patch of skin. Keloids normally present with severe itching, tenderness, and develop sinus with discharge if they have a secondary infection.
How Ayurveda Views Keloids
In Ayurveda, keloids are often correlated with the concept of Vrana Granthi. Vrana refers to a wound or ulcer and granthi refers to a swelling, knot, or a localized tumor-like growth. Ayurveda classics describe Vrana Granthi as hard, elevated masses that arise at the site of a healed or unhealed wound due to improper diet and lifestyle practices or inadequate wound care.
Dosha Involvement
Ayurveda consider Keloid as Rakta and mansapradoshaja vikara (disease caused by vitiation of rakta and mamsa dhatu). Vitiation of vata dosha and rakta dhatu results from wound injury, and improper wound dressing. This is followed by an accumulation and drying up of vitiated rakta at the site of the wound, which creates an elevated structure that is accompanied by burning and itching. As per Ayurveda, the factors involved in keloid formation include:
- Dosha: Vata
- Dushya: Rakta
- Adhishthana: Arudh Vrana (Healing wound), rudh matra vrana (Healed wound)
- Vyadhi Marga: Bahya
Causes of Keloids According to Ayurveda
Ayurveda identifies several contributing factors (Nidana) that disturb the natural healing process and lead to Vrana Granthi:
- Apathya sevana (consumption of unwholesome foods) by a wounded person during the wound healing process or after complete healing of wounds.
- Excessive physical exertion, injury to the wound site, or environmental factors that provoke Vata and vitiate Rakta.
- Improper wound dressing or leaving the wound open leading to a moist wound.
- External trauma over wound
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Symptoms and Types of Keloid Scars
Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward effective management of keloid scars. The symptoms include:
Raised and Hard Skin Growth
The defining characteristic is a scar that is elevated, often dome-shaped, and feels firm or rubbery to the touch due to excessive scar tissue (collagen) deposition.
Itching, Pain, and Sensitivity
Active keloids are frequently accompanied by persistent itching, tenderness, or an occasional burning sensation, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Areas Most Commonly Affected
Keloids can appear anywhere but are most frequent on the chest, shoulders, earlobes (especially after piercings), neck, and back.
Difference Between Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
| Feature | Keloid Scar | Hypertrophic Scar |
| Growth Boundary | Extends beyond the original wound boundary | Stays within the original wound boundary |
| Growth Period | Can continue to grow for months or years | Develop within weeks and may spontaneously regress or flatten over time |
| Recurrence | High rate of recurrence, even after surgical procedures | Lower rate of recurrence |
| Histology | Thick, disorganized, glassy bundles of collagen and less α-smooth muscle actin | Contain collagen fibers arranged in an organized, parallel, or nodular pattern |
| Location | Occur in specific high-tension areas like the earlobes, chest, shoulders, and upper back. | Develop anywhere, often in areas of high skin tension or where wounds are infected or irritated. |
Keloid Treatment in Ayurveda: Holistic Healing Methods
Keloid treatment in Ayurveda is a highly individualized and holistic approach that aims to pacify the vitiated vata dosha and rakta dhatu, cleanse the accumulated toxins (Ama), and promote healthy, balanced tissue regeneration.
Ayurvedic Herbal Oils for Shrinking Keloids
External application of Ayurvedic herbal oils helps softening the hard scar tissue, improving local circulation, and reducing inflammation.
- Jathyadi Taila: Helps purify the wound, promotes wound healing, and is often recommended for external application.
- Murivenna: Known for its strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, it aids in tissue repair.
- Kshara Taila: A specialized alkali-based oil used to gently corrode and diminish the hard tissue mass.
Herbal Pastes (Lepas) for Scar Reduction
Lepas (herbal pastes) are applied directly to the keloid for localized action.
- Maha Thikthaka Ghrita: This classic formulation contains bitter herbs that help reduce the size of the growth.
- Vidanga (Embelia ribes) & Haridra (Turmeric) Paste: Applied topically to reduce inflammation and possess anti-proliferative effects.
- Jatyadi Ghrita: Used topically as a paste (Lepam) for wound healing, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant effects.
Panchakarma Therapies for Keloids
For chronic keloids, an internal detoxification and cleansing regimen is essential to tackle the root cause of Dosha imbalance.
- Virechana (Purgation Therapy): A primary Panchakarma procedure to eliminate accumulated Pitta dosha, especially those linked to the Rakta Dhatu vitiation.
- Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): In certain cases and under strict medical supervision, local bloodletting may be used to reduce localized tissue congestion and inflammation.
- Kshara Karma: A para-surgical method using alkaline substances for chemical cauterization, sometimes combined with excision.
Discover how specialized cleansing and detox programs can manage keloid scars: Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala
Internal Ayurvedic Medicines
Internal medicine is crucial for balancing the Doshas and supporting the body’s natural healing process. These typically include:
- Kaishora Guggulu
- Kaanchaara Guggulu
- Manjishthadi Kwatha
- Gandhaka Rasayana
- Arogyavardhini Vati
- Panchatrikta Ghrita Guggulu
- Maha manjishthadi kashayam
- Guggulu thikthakam kashayam
- Varanadi kashayam
Disclaimer: Always undergo Ayurvedic therapies and consume Ayurvedic medicines only under the supervision of a registered Ayurvedic physician.
Diet Recommendations to Reduce Keloid Formation
Food to Include:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds and they help regulate inflammation.
- Vitamin C: Essential for collagen synthesis; it is present in oranges, kiwi, berries, bell peppers, and leafy greens.
- Zinc: Crucial for immune function and tissue repair. Zinc is found in pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, seafood, and lean meats.
- Protein: Lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts provide amino acids for tissue repair.
- Polyphenols: In green tea, dark berries, and olive oil, acting as natural anti-inflammatories.
- Vitamin E: Almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado; helps with scar remodeling.
Foods to Avoid:
- Sugar & Processed Foods: Can delay healing and increase inflammation.
- Excessive Omega-6s: High intake (like arachidonic acid) is linked to keloid formation.
- Incompatible Foods: Avoid combinations that tax the digestion, such as milk with salty foods or fish.
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Best Keloid Treatment at Home (Ayurvedic Remedies)
For minor or early-stage keloids, these simple and natural remedies can act as effective keloid treatment at home.
Turmeric and Neem Paste
A mixture of turmeric powder and neem leaf paste, as noted for its anti-inflammatory and purifying benefits, can be applied to soothe the irritated skin
Aloe Vera Gel Application
Applying fresh Aloe Vera gel directly to the keloid helps in reducing inflammation and promoting the regeneration of healthy skin, which aids in softening the scar.
Coconut Oil + Camphor Massage
Gently massaging the keloid scar with warm coconut oil mixed with crushed camphor can help moisturize the tissue and relieve itching.
Hot Compress for Softening Tissue
Applying a warm compress helps increase local circulation, which assists the body’s own healing process and improves the penetration of applied oils.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practices (Dinacharya) for Skin Health
- Proper cleaning and dressing of wound
- Stay hydrated
- Ensure Good Sleep
Modern Medicine vs Ayurveda: Which Is Better for Keloids?
The choice of treatment often depends on the keloid’s size, age, and the patient’s preference.
Why Ayurvedic Treatment Is Safer for Long-Term Healing
While modern treatments offer rapid reduction, the holistic nature of Ayurveda addresses the internal imbalance (Dosha vitiation) responsible for the abnormal collagen overproduction. By cleansing the system and using herbs that support healthy tissue remodeling, Ayurveda offers a strategy with a lower risk of recurrence and fewer side effects.
Limitations of Laser and Steroid Injections
Modern treatments like intralesional steroid injections, cryotherapy, or surgical procedures can flatten keloids quickly, but they carry risks:
- Recurrence: Surgery alone has a high recurrence rate.
- Side Effects: Steroids can cause skin thinning (atrophy) or permanent discoloration (hypopigmentation), which is especially concerning for darker skin tones.
H3: When to Combine Ayurveda With Modern Care
In cases of very large, rapidly growing, or painful keloids, a consultation with both a modern dermatologist and an Ayurvedic practitioner is advisable. Ayurveda can be used to prepare the body (detoxification) before a procedure and to prevent recurrence post-procedure.
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Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Keloid Formation
For individuals genetically predisposed to keloids, prevention is the best keloid treatment.
Protecting Fresh Wounds
- Keep the wound site clean, moist, and free from tension or irritation.
- Immediately after the wound has closed, apply a topical application as advised by your physician to promote a healthy healing process and minimize inflammation.
Avoiding Piercings or Tattoos if Prone to Keloids
Since any skin trauma can trigger keloid formation, it is best to avoid elective skin procedures like tattoos, piercings, and unnecessary surgical procedures if you have a known history of keloids.
Early Ayurvedic Intervention After Injury
If you suspect you are keloid-prone, consult with an Ayurvedic physician immediately after any skin injury (cut, burn, or surgery) to begin a preventative regimen of internal and external therapies.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic management of keloids offers a holistic, patient-centric alternative to conventional therapies. By identifying and balancing the underlying Vata and Rakta imbalances and using potent herbal medicines, oils, and specialized Panchakarma treatments, Ayurveda provides a roadmap for reducing existing keloids and preventing the formation of new scar tissue. A customized treatment plan, including a stay at Back to Roots Ayurveda, an authentic ayurvedic retreat in Kerala, can offer the most promising, long-lasting results for natural scar healing.
FAQs
Can Ayurveda completely cure keloids?
Ayurveda can be highly effective in significantly reducing the size, thickness, itching, and pain associated with the keloid scar. In many cases, it prevents recurrence more effectively than surgical interventions alone.
How long does Ayurvedic treatment take for keloids?
Reduction in a keloid’s size and firmness typically takes several weeks of consistent internal medication, external applications, and dietary changes. Severe or older keloids may require treatment for six months to a year.
Is keloid recurrence possible after treatment?
Yes, recurrence is possible if the underlying Dosha imbalance and predisposing factors are not addressed in keloid management. This is why Ayurveda’s holistic approach, focusing on internal cleansing and lifestyle correction, is crucial for long-term prevention.
Which Ayurvedic oils are best for keloid scars?
Oils such as Jathyadi Taila, Murivenna, and specific alkali-based oils such as Kshara Taila are traditionally recommended for their potent wound-healing and scar-reducing properties. Always use them under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Is surgery recommended for keloids?
Surgery is generally not recommended as a standalone keloid treatment because the recurrence rate is very high. If surgery is performed, it should ideally be followed by post-operative treatments, including compression therapy, steroid injections, or, ideally, a strong, preventative Ayurvedic regimen.
Are keloids harmful?
Keloids are benign growths and are not medically harmful. However, they can cause significant physical discomfort (itching, tenderness) and psychological distress due to their appearance and location.
Can diet help reduce keloids?
Yes, a Vata and Rakta-pacifying diet is essential. This includes avoiding heavy, oily, fried, or overly spicy foods, and consuming fresh, easily digestible, warm meals. This helps prevent the accumulation of toxins that contribute to the dense tissue growth.
