What should you know about burn keloid?

After a burn heals, the body makes collagen to repair damaged skin. In a keloid, scar tissue continues building and extends past the wound edges. It can be smooth, shiny, darker or lighter than nearby skin, and may slowly become thicker. Keloids can occur on many body areas, including the chest, shoulders, jawline and ears. A raised scar that stays within the burn outline is more consistent with a hypertrophic scar, which is managed differently.

Do not scratch, cut, or try to flatten the scar at home. Once the skin has fully closed, gentle moisturising and protection from sunlight can reduce irritation and help the area blend over time. A dermatologist can examine its height, firmness, colour, symptoms and effect on movement. Options may include steroid injection into the skin, pressure therapy, selected laser treatments, freezing treatment, or surgery. Keloids can return after removal, so clinicians often combine approaches and arrange follow-up.

Arrange a clinical assessment if a burn scar is enlarging, repeatedly bleeding, ulcerating, becoming newly painful, or limiting a nearby joint. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, or a wound that is opening, because these features can signal infection or another complication. Sudden change in a long-standing scar deserves review even when discomfort is mild.

Ask whether the scar is a keloid or another type of burn scar, whether treatment is needed for symptoms or movement, and how recurrence will be reduced. You can also ask how many sessions might be needed, what skin changes are possible, and how to protect the area while it heals.