Keloids – are you at risk?

Keloids are raised, thickened scars that form when the skin heals from an injury. They are more common in people with dark skin, especially those of African, Asian, or Latin-American descent. They can be caused by various factors, such as burns, cuts, piercings, acne, or surgery. Keloids can be itchy, painful, or cosmetically bothersome. They can also grow larger over time and affect the normal function of the skin.

One of the common treatments for keloids is steroid injections1. Steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce the production of collagen and proteins that make up the scar tissue. By injecting steroids directly into the keloid, the scar can become softer and flatter over time. Steroid injections can also help relieve the symptoms of keloids, such as itchiness and discomfort.

Steroid injections are usually given by a doctor or a dermatologist in a clinic or hospital setting. The procedure involves inserting a thin needle into the thickest part of the keloid and injecting a small amount of steroid solution. The injection is painful and may be repeated at intervals of 3 to 6 weeks until the desired result is achieved. The dosage and frequency of injections depend on the size, location, and severity of the keloid.

Steroid injections are not a cure for keloids. They can only improve the appearance and symptoms of the scar, but they cannot eliminate it completely. Some keloids may recur or grow back after the treatment, sometimes bigger than before. Steroid injections may also cause some side effects, such as skin thinning, color changes, spider veins, or tissue atrophy (indentations in the skin). These side effects may be temporary or permanent, depending on the amount and duration of steroid use.

Steroid injections are often used in combination with other treatments for keloids, such as surgery2, cryotherapy2 (freezing), laser therapy2, or radiation therapy2. These treatments can help remove or shrink the keloid tissue and prevent its recurrence. However, they do require one or more visits to a clinic and may also have their own risks and limitations.

Cost may also be a factor when deciding a course of therapy for a keloid. Most health insurance policies do not cover keloid therapy or treatment. For in-clinic treatments, out-of-pocket costs can range from $250 to $2500 depending on the type, size, and location of the keloid, as well as the number of sessions required.

Newer non-surgical, non-injection, @home treatment options have become available as a first line therapy in recent years to help prevent or treat existing keloids. These include advanced silicone sheet-based technologies from Neodyne Biosciences or CicaLux Inc. (See Fig. 1). These over-the-counter devices range from $70-$150.

Figure 1: 3-yr old c-section Keloid treated by CicaLux.

It is important to consult with a doctor or a dermatologist before choosing any treatment option for keloids.

Learn more:
  1. aad.org
  2. mayoclinic.org

Cicalux® expands in Belgium with maternity retailer Babyboom

Alvalux Medical is pleased to announce that CicaLux® – Energized Scar Care is now available for sale to consumers in Belgium through leading maternity retailer Babyboom.

“We are delighted to team up with a well-established Belgian partner who has helped new moms receive the best information and quality products over the past four decades,” said Marie-Noelle Thyrion, Vice President, Business Development for Alvalux Medical.

About Babyboom:

Babyboom is a Belgian family business founded in 1982 focused on accompanying a mother’s journey from the birth of their little wonder and throughout the early years.   www.babyboom.be

About CicaLux:

Award-winning CicaLux® Energized Scar-Care is a combination therapy device designed to improve scars resulting from incisional surgeries such as c-section, tummy tucks, and breast reconstruction.    It is a comfortable ‘wearable’ for convenient use at home, at work, or on the go!   CicaLux is a growing global brand currently available in the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Hong Kong, with more countries in the registration process.  cicalux.com 

Cicalux Wins ‘Best For Mom’ award In USA

Alvalux Medical SA (and USA subsidiary CicaLux Inc.) is pleased to announce that its CicaLux® – Energized Scar Care has earned its 2nd USA product award – the National Parenting Product Awards – Best for Mom Winner – 2020.

“We are pleased to see our innovative scar therapy product helping moms achieve better scar results,” says Michel Alvarez, CEO of Alvalux. “This is our 5th award across three countries: USA, France, and England.   Being 5 for 5 is a wonderful validation and we look forward to introducing CicaLux to a greater diversity of people around the world.”  

 

About CicaLux 

Multi-award-winning CicaLux® Energized Scar-Care is a combination therapy devicedesigned to improve scars resulting from incisional surgeries such as c-section, tummy tucks, and breast reconstruction.    It is a comfortable ‘wearable’ for convenient use at home, at work, or on the go! CicaLux is a growing global brand currently available in the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia and Hong Kong, with more countries in the registration process.  cicalux.com

 

About National Parenting Product Awards® (NAPPA)

NAPPA has been celebrating the best for 30 years! The industry knows and respects them, and parents trust them. As one of the longest running awards programs in the country, they are the “go-to” source for parents and professionals seeking the best products for their children and families. www.nappaawards.com 

 

Media Inquiries:
Marie-Noelle Thyrion
marie@alvalux.com

CicaLux® is now available in Australia and Hong Kong!

Alvalux Medical is pleased to announce that CicaLux® – Energized Scar Care is now available for sale to consumers in Australia and Hong Kong following its successful registration and importation by its exclusive distributors Healthport and Aloha Medical.

Healthport works with technology companies that develop innovative wearable solutions for chronic health conditions that can be used in your home.  healthport.com.au.

 

Aloha Medical provides innovative healthcare and wellness products to hospitals, maternity clinics, and pharmacies, and consumers in Hong Kong and Macau. alohamedicalhk.com

 

For CicaLux distribution opportunities in your country, please contact Marie-Noelle Thyrion, Vice President, Business Development – marie@alvalux.com.    

 

About CicaLux:

Award-winning CicaLux® Energized Scar-Care is a combination therapy device designed to improve scars resulting from incisional surgeries such as c-section, tummy tucks, and breast reconstruction. It is a comfortable ‘wearable’ for convenient use at home, at work, or on the go!