4.8
Keloids: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
5 natural approaches to Keloids, graded by evidence — including Silicone Gel Sheets, Aloe Vera Topical and Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica).
5 options · 1 graded A · 4 traditional or ungraded
What matters most to you about your keloid right now?
I want the raised, firm bump to flatten and feel softer
Silicone Gel Sheets
Supported by controlled trials (Evidence grade A · Traditional use not yet assessed)First-line non-invasive way to flatten keloids
- Why this matches
- You want a raised keloid to sit flatter and softer, and silicone sheeting is the most established at-home way to work toward that.
- Why try it
- It creates a hydrated, occlusive layer over the scar that softens the tissue and helps normalize collagen, gradually reducing scar height, redness and hardness.
- Dose or use
- Wash and dry the area, then wear the sheet over the scar 12-24 hours a day, reusing and cleaning it as directed.
- Time to results
- Gradual; most people wear it consistently for 2-3 months before seeing meaningful change.
- Key study
- Controlled studies of silicone sheeting on raised scars report reduced scar height, redness and firmness; it is a widely recommended first-line non-invasive option for keloid and hypertrophic scars.
- Caution
- Can cause mild skin irritation or itching under the sheet; results depend on wearing it daily without long gaps. Not for open or broken skin.
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleHerb traditionally used to soften and remodel scars
- Why this matches
- You want the raised scar to feel softer and smoother, and gotu kola is a traditional skin-repair herb used on healing scars.
- Why try it
- Its triterpenoid compounds are thought to support collagen balance and skin remodeling, which is why it appears in many traditional scar preparations.
- Dose or use
- Apply a gotu kola cream or gel thinly over the scar once or twice daily, following the product's directions.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used over several weeks to months of consistent application.
- Key study
- Traditionally used for wound healing and scar softening; its specific benefit for keloids has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction in some people; do a small patch test first and stop if the area becomes red or itchy.
It itches or feels tender — I need it to stop bothering me
Silicone Gel Sheets
Supported by controlled trials (Evidence grade A · Traditional use not yet assessed)First-line non-invasive way to flatten keloids
- Why this matches
- You want a raised keloid to sit flatter and softer, and silicone sheeting is the most established at-home way to work toward that.
- Why try it
- It creates a hydrated, occlusive layer over the scar that softens the tissue and helps normalize collagen, gradually reducing scar height, redness and hardness.
- Dose or use
- Wash and dry the area, then wear the sheet over the scar 12-24 hours a day, reusing and cleaning it as directed.
- Time to results
- Gradual; most people wear it consistently for 2-3 months before seeing meaningful change.
- Key study
- Controlled studies of silicone sheeting on raised scars report reduced scar height, redness and firmness; it is a widely recommended first-line non-invasive option for keloid and hypertrophic scars.
- Caution
- Can cause mild skin irritation or itching under the sheet; results depend on wearing it daily without long gaps. Not for open or broken skin.
Aloe Vera Topical
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleSoothes itching and irritation on tender scars
- Why this matches
- You want relief from a keloid that itches or feels tender, and aloe is a gentle, cooling option for irritated skin.
- Why try it
- Its polysaccharides and anti-inflammatory compounds soothe and hydrate skin, easing redness, itching and discomfort.
- Dose or use
- Apply pure aloe vera gel to the scar as needed, up to a few times a day, for cooling relief.
- Time to results
- Soothing effect is usually felt within minutes of applying.
- Key study
- Traditionally used to soothe itching, redness and skin irritation; it is a symptom-relief option and has not been shown to shrink keloids in controlled trials.
- Caution
- Some people are allergic to aloe; patch test first and stop if the skin reacts. It relieves symptoms but does not flatten the scar.
I want it to look less red and noticeable — even out the color and texture
Onion extract
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleClassic scar-gel active for redness and appearance
- Why this matches
- You want the scar to look less red and more even, and onion extract is the active ingredient in many popular topical scar gels.
- Why try it
- It is rich in flavonoids like quercetin with anti-inflammatory action, and is traditionally used to calm redness and improve the look of scars.
- Dose or use
- Apply an onion-extract scar gel to clean, dry skin two to three times daily, massaging in gently.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used for several weeks to a few months of daily use.
- Key study
- Traditionally used topically for scar appearance and redness; its specific benefit for keloids has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May irritate sensitive skin; patch test first and avoid open or broken skin.
Vitamin E Topical
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staplePopular topical for scar appearance and moisture
- Why this matches
- You want to improve how the scar looks and feels, and vitamin E is one of the most reached-for topicals for scars.
- Why try it
- As an antioxidant that hydrates and supports skin repair, it is traditionally used to keep scar tissue soft and less noticeable.
- Dose or use
- Massage a small amount of vitamin E oil or cream into the scar once or twice daily.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used over weeks to months; effects on appearance are gradual.
- Key study
- Traditionally used for scar appearance and skin repair; its specific benefit for keloids has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Can trigger contact dermatitis or irritation in some people; patch test first, and evidence for keloids specifically is mixed.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Keloids, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.