Condition Basics

What are keloids?

A keloid (say "KEE-loyd") is a thick scar that can develop at the site of a wound, surgical cut, or anywhere the skin is damaged. Keloids commonly grow on the ear, jaw, upper back, and shoulder. They don't become cancer. But they can be bothersome or painful enough that you seek treatment.

What causes them?

Keloids are likely the result of a problem that can happen as a wound heals. The problem seems to involve inflammation in the deepest layer of the skin. But the exact cause of keloids isn't clearly known.

Keloids can form where the skin is damaged, such as by a surgery cut, a piercing, a burn, or acne. Thick tissue grows up and out from the healing area, making the scar bigger than the original injury. Sometimes even a scratch can lead to a keloid. Some people with darker skin are more likely to develop keloids. Genetics may be involved, as the tendency to develop keloids often runs in families.

What are the symptoms?

Keloids look like firm, raised, shiny scars. They grow larger over time. In lighter skin, the colors vary from slightly pink to bright red. In darker skin, keloids may be the same color as the nearby skin or darker. Keloids can be itchy and painful. When exposed to the sun, they can become darker.

How are keloids treated?

Keloids don't need treatment. But if they are itchy or painful or you want them removed, your doctor can treat them. Your treatment can depend on the size, thickness, symptoms, and number of keloids.

Some possible treatments are:

• Silicone sheets or bandages.
• Medicines, such as corticosteroids or fluorouracil. These are injected into the keloid. Corticosteroids may also be put on the skin, either as a tape or a cream.
• Cryotherapy. This freezes a keloid.
• Laser therapy.
• Surgery to remove the keloid. After surgery more treatment, such as radiation therapy, may be used to keep the keloid from coming back.

How can you prevent them?

To prevent keloids after a minor skin injury, there are some things you can do that may help it heal faster and prevent keloid growth.

• Treat a new wound right away. Cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage. Hold the bandage in place with tape so that there is even pressure on the wound. Wash the area with soap and water every day.
• Bandage newly healed wounds. Use a silicone gel bandage. Keep even pressure on the area. Use the bandage on the skin for 12 to 24 hours a day for 2 to 3 months. This may prevent keloid growth. (It takes 3 months for a keloid to grow.)
• Try to avoid activities that could harm new wounds. Don't do things that might stretch a healing scar, especially if it is on your chest or belly. Also, make sure bath water isn't too hot. Hot baths can make inflammation in a healing wound worse.
• Talk to a doctor if you have acne. Getting treatment right away may increase your chances of scar-free healing.
• Avoid piercings, tattoos, or surgeries you don't need.