What should you know about cutting keloid off?

A keloid is a raised scar made by an overactive healing response. It can extend beyond the original injury, feel firm or itchy, and become tender when clothing or jewellery rubs it. Cutting it without clinical planning can cause bleeding, infection, a larger scar, or delayed healing. Even professionally removed keloids can recur, so the plan may include treatment of the scar site and scheduled reviews. A new or changing [Skin Lump](/symptoms/skin-lumps/) should be examined before anyone assumes it is a keloid. Acne, piercings, surgery, burns, and minor injuries can all precede raised scarring, but the appearance and history guide diagnosis.

Do not cut, shave, tie off, or squeeze the growth yourself. Arrange a dermatology or surgical consultation with photographs of how it has changed and details of the original injury. Options may include [Keloid Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/keloid-excision/), often discussed alongside injections or other measures to reduce renewed growth. [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) may soften or flatten selected keloids. Laser-based approaches, including [Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/pulsed-dye-laser-treatment/), may be considered for colour or texture in suitable cases. The best option depends on location, size, symptoms, skin type, previous treatments, and whether the scar is still enlarging.

Seek prompt assessment if a scar becomes rapidly larger, ulcerated, persistently bleeding, hot, increasingly painful, or draining. Fever or spreading redness after any procedure may indicate infection. Get advice before treatment if the diagnosis is uncertain, the lesion is near an eye or joint, or movement is restricted. A clinician may use [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/) or another approach only after weighing likely benefits and skin-healing risks. Do not use a home cutting tool or unregulated scar product on a raised lesion.

Is this definitely a keloid or could it be another skin growth? Why do you recommend removal, injection, laser, or observation? How will recurrence be monitored? What wound care and activity limits will I need? Which symptoms after treatment require urgent contact?