What Causes Keloid Scars?

A keloid forms when healing skin produces excess scar tissue that grows beyond the original wound or injury. It may follow acne, an operation, piercing, vaccination, a burn, or a small cut, and it can continue enlarging after the wound has closed.

Keloid scars are often raised, firm, smooth, shiny, or darker than nearby skin, and they can extend outside the original injury. They may itch, feel tender, or hurt when rubbed by clothing or jewellery. Some people are more prone because of inherited healing patterns, but a person cannot reliably predict whether every new wound will form a keloid.

A raised mark is not automatically a keloid. Acne can trigger a keloid, while other scars remain within the wound edges. A clinician may examine a new Skin Lump to distinguish a scar from another growth.

Protect healing skin from repeated friction, avoid unnecessary piercing through a keloid-prone area, and do not pick at a wound. Once the skin has closed, a dermatologist can discuss options such as Steroid Injection Into The Skin, Fractional Laser Treatment, Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal), or surgery. Treatment plans often combine approaches, and a scar can recur after removal, so prevention and follow-up matter.

Arrange assessment when a scar is growing beyond the original injury, becomes itchy or painful, catches on clothing, or limits movement. Seek prompt care for bleeding, ulceration, sudden rapid change, warmth, pus, or fever. A new unexplained lump should be examined before any cosmetic treatment is planned.

Ask whether the mark is a keloid or another scar, what triggered it, which treatment fits its size and location, how recurrence will be reduced, and what wound care is needed afterward.