Contractubex for keloid scars: what to know

A keloid is firm, raised scar tissue that grows beyond the original wound. It can follow acne, piercing, surgery, burns, or a minor injury, and may itch, feel tender, or gradually enlarge. A gel cannot confirm whether a lump is a keloid, and a product that suits a flat healing scar may not control an established raised scar.

Do not confuse a keloid with an infection or another skin lump. A clinician can examine its colour, firmness, borders, and history before suggesting treatment.

Use any scar product exactly as its label or clinician advises, and stop if the area becomes increasingly irritated. Protect the scar from sun exposure, avoid picking or piercing it, and keep the surrounding skin clean. Do not apply a product to an open, infected, or freshly treated wound unless your clinician has said it is suitable.

If the keloid is itchy, painful, enlarging, or affecting movement, ask about options such as steroid injection into the skin, laser treatment, freezing treatment, or carefully selected surgery. Keloids can return after treatment, so follow-up matters.

Arrange a dermatology review if a scar keeps growing, becomes painful, bleeds, breaks down, or is not clearly linked to an injury. Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, or sudden swelling, because those features may point to infection or another problem.

Ask whether the raised area is a keloid or another type of scar, whether Contractubex is appropriate for its age and condition, and which treatment is least likely to worsen it. You can also ask how long to try a plan, what irritation should prompt stopping, and how recurrence will be monitored.