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 options1 graded A4 traditional or ungraded
A
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Evidence grade A · Traditional use not yet assessed
First-line non-invasive way to flatten keloids
Why it may be relevant
You want a raised keloid to sit flatter and softer, and silicone sheeting is the most established at-home way to work toward that.
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.
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.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trialsTime to resultsGradual; most people wear it consistently for 2-3 months before seeing meaningful change.
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.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Herb traditionally used to soften and remodel scars
Why it may be relevant
You want the raised scar to feel softer and smoother, and gotu kola is a traditional skin-repair herb used on healing scars.
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.
Key study Traditionally used for wound healing and scar softening; its specific benefit for keloids has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used over several weeks to months of consistent application.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
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.
Evidence grade A · Traditional use not yet assessed
First-line non-invasive way to flatten keloids
Why it may be relevant
You want a raised keloid to sit flatter and softer, and silicone sheeting is the most established at-home way to work toward that.
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.
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.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trialsTime to resultsGradual; most people wear it consistently for 2-3 months before seeing meaningful change.
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.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Soothes itching and irritation on tender scars
Why it may be relevant
You want relief from a keloid that itches or feels tender, and aloe is a gentle, cooling option for irritated skin.
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.
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.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsSoothing effect is usually felt within minutes of applying.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
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.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Classic scar-gel active for redness and appearance
Why it may be relevant
You want the scar to look less red and more even, and onion extract is the active ingredient in many popular topical scar gels.
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.
Key study Traditionally used topically for scar appearance and redness; its specific benefit for keloids has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used for several weeks to a few months of daily use.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May irritate sensitive skin; patch test first and avoid open or broken skin.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Popular topical for scar appearance and moisture
Why it may be relevant
You want to improve how the scar looks and feels, and vitamin E is one of the most reached-for topicals for scars.
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.
Key study Traditionally used for scar appearance and skin repair; its specific benefit for keloids has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used over weeks to months; effects on appearance are gradual.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
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. A higher grade is not a personal recommendation. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.
