Ano Ang Keloid? Understanding Keloid Scars

It can develop after a cut, burn, piercing, injection, surgical incision, or inflamed acne spot. The growth is benign, but it may feel itchy, tender, tight, or uncomfortable and can be cosmetically distressing.

Scar-forming cells normally lay down collagen to repair injured skin. In a keloid, collagen production continues beyond what the wound needs, creating tissue that grows outside the original wound edges. This distinguishes a keloid from a hypertrophic scar, which stays within those edges.

A keloid may be smooth, shiny, firm, or rubbery. Its colour can differ from the surrounding skin, and it may enlarge gradually after the initial wound has healed. Common sites include the chest, shoulders, jawline, and earlobes, although any injured area can be affected.

Avoid cutting, squeezing, or trying to remove the tissue at home. Protect a newer scar from friction and sunlight, and discuss silicone gel or silicone sheets with a clinician if the area is still healing. People prone to keloids should mention this before elective piercings or skin procedures.

Treatment depends on the keloid's size, site, symptoms, and previous response. A dermatologist may consider steroid injections into the scar, freezing treatment, laser treatment, or surgical removal. Combining approaches may help because surgery alone can trigger another keloid. More than one treatment session may be needed, and complete flattening cannot be promised.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if a scar keeps enlarging, becomes painful or very itchy, restricts movement, or affects your comfort or confidence. A clinician can confirm whether the growth is a keloid and distinguish it from another type of skin lump.

Seek prompt care if the area becomes hot, increasingly red, drains pus, opens into a sore, or bleeds without a clear injury. Rapid change or uncertainty about the diagnosis also warrants examination rather than home treatment.

Ask whether the growth fits a keloid or another diagnosis, which option best matches its location and symptoms, and what changes are realistic. It is also useful to discuss discomfort control, the possibility of regrowth, skin-colour changes after treatment, and how to reduce trauma to future scars.