A large keloid on the ear

It may feel firm, look smooth or lobulated, and cause itch, tenderness, heaviness, or cosmetic concern. Treatment can flatten or reduce it, but keloids can regrow, so dermatologists often combine methods and plan follow-up.

A keloid forms when scar production continues outside the boundary of the original skin injury. Ear piercing is a common starting event, though surgery, burns, acne spots, and other trauma may also precede one. Growth can continue after the wound itself has closed.

A clinician checks whether the growth fits a keloid rather than a hypertrophic scar, cyst, infection, or another skin lump. The original trigger, rate of enlargement, colour, symptoms, attachment to the earlobe or cartilage, and previous treatment all affect the management plan.

Remove pressure and friction from earrings, headphones, helmets, and sleep position. Do not cut, tie off, or inject the growth yourself. If the diagnosis is uncertain or the keloid is enlarging, arrange assessment with a dermatologist or clinician experienced in scar treatment.

Options may include steroid injections into the scar, pressure devices, silicone-based care, freezing treatment, laser treatment, or surgical removal. Excision by itself can be followed by renewed growth, so the clinician may recommend treatment around the procedure. Choice depends on size, location, skin characteristics, previous response, and personal priorities.

Seek prompt care if the area becomes hot, increasingly painful, rapidly swollen, or starts producing pus, particularly after a recent piercing or procedure. Fever, spreading redness, or feeling unwell can point to infection around the scar.

Book a non-emergency review for steady enlargement, bleeding, ulceration, colour change, increasing itch, distortion of the ear, or uncertainty about whether the lump is truly a keloid. Assessment before another piercing can also help discuss recurrence risk and safer placement choices.

Ask how the diagnosis was made, what reduction is realistic, which combination suits the ear location, and how discomfort will be managed. Also discuss the chance of regrowth, the follow-up plan, pressure-device care, and whether future ear piercing should be avoided.