Scars
Keloids
WHAT IS IT
A scar that grows beyond the original wound
HOW COMMON
Common, more so in darker skin tones
CONTAGIOUS?
No — you cannot catch it or spread it
CURABLE?
Manageable; can be stubborn and recur
What Is It?
A keloid is a raised, thickened scar that grows beyond the edges of the original wound. Unlike a normal scar, it keeps growing and can be larger than the injury that caused it. Keloids can be itchy or tender and are most common on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and upper back.
Signs & Symptoms
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A raised, firm, shiny scar that extends past the wound
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Pink, red, or darker than surrounding skin
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Itching, tenderness, or a pulling sensation
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Common on chest, shoulders, earlobes, upper back
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Continues to grow over weeks to months
Why Does It Happen?
Keloids form when the body makes too much collagen while healing a wound — from cuts, piercings, acne, surgery, or even minor injury. A tendency to form keloids often runs in families and is more common in people with darker skin. Because any skin injury can trigger one, prevention in prone individuals is important. They are NOT contagious.
Treatment Options
Keloids can be stubborn and tend to recur, so treatment is often combined and staged. The goal is to flatten, soften, and relieve symptoms while limiting regrowth.
STEROID INJECTIONS
Flatten and soften the keloid — a common first-line option.
SILICONE & PRESSURE
Silicone sheets/gel and pressure (e.g., earrings) help flatten scars.
PROCEDURES
Careful surgery, laser, or cryotherapy, usually with other treatments to limit recurrence.
PREVENTION
In prone people, avoid unnecessary piercings/surgery and treat wounds early.
Tips for Managing It at Home
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If you're keloid-prone, avoid elective piercings and skin trauma
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Start scar care early on new wounds (silicone, pressure)
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Understand keloids often need combined, repeated treatment
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Protect keloids from the sun to reduce discoloration
When to Call Your Provider
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A scar that keeps growing, itches, or is painful
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A keloid affecting movement or appearance
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A new keloid you'd like treated early
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Signs of infection in a healing wound
Sources & further reading
The information in this handout is based on general dermatology guidance from the reputable organizations below. These links are provided for patients who wish to read more from trusted sources.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Keloids: Overview. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/keloids-overview
DermNet. Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/keloids-and-hypertrophic-scars
MSD/Merck Manual. Keloids. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/benign-skin-tumors-growths-and-vascular-lesions/keloids
This handout is for general education and does not replace advice from your own provider. Always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
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