Keloids
A keloid is a raised, firm scar that keeps growing beyond the edges of the original wound. Keloids are much more common in people with dark skin and often run in families. They can follow ear piercing, acne, surgery, burns, vaccinations, tribal marks or even minor scratches, and favour the earlobes, chest, shoulders and jaw. They are not cancer, but they can itch, hurt and affect confidence. Cutting a keloid out on its own usually leads to a bigger one, which is why treatment combines surgery with steroid injections, pressure or radiotherapy.
Find a Plastic Surgery SpecialistMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A raised, shiny, firm scar that grows beyond the original wound
- Pink, red or darker than the surrounding skin
- Itching, tenderness or burning
- Slow growth over months or years
- Common on the earlobes, chest, shoulders, back and jawline
When to See a Doctor
See a dermatologist or plastic surgeon if a scar is growing, itchy or painful, and before any planned surgery or piercing if you have formed keloids before. See a doctor for any scar or lump that changes quickly, bleeds or breaks down, to rule out other skin lesions.
Treatment options
- Steroid injections into the keloid, repeated every few weeks
- Silicone gel or sheets
- Pressure earrings or garments after surgery on the ear
- Surgical excision combined with steroid injections or radiotherapy to reduce recurrence
- Cryotherapy for smaller keloids
- Avoiding further piercings or cosmetic procedures where keloids form easily
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the operations used to treat this condition. Your own quote follows an examination.
Common Questions
Will a keloid come back after surgery?
Excision on its own has a high chance of recurrence, often bigger than before. Combining surgery with steroid injections, pressure or radiotherapy reduces that chance considerably. Follow-up injections in the months after surgery are part of the treatment.
Can I prevent keloids?
If you are prone to keloids, avoid unnecessary piercings and tattoos, treat acne early, and tell any surgeon before an operation. Early steroid injection or silicone on a scar that starts to thicken can stop a keloid forming.
Is a keloid the same as a raised scar?
Not quite. A hypertrophic scar is raised but stays within the original wound and often flattens over time. A keloid spreads beyond the wound and rarely shrinks on its own.
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