Can keratoacanthoma cause a sore that will not heal?

Keratoacanthoma is a keratin-filled skin growth that may develop quickly, often on sun-exposed skin. It can look like a firm, rounded bump with a central plug or crater, and the surface may crust, bleed, or resemble a sore that keeps reopening. Its appearance can overlap with other growths, including forms of skin cancer, so a visual description alone cannot establish the diagnosis. A clinician considers the growth's shape, speed of change, location, symptoms, and the surrounding skin.

Do not pick the crust, apply harsh chemicals, or attempt to remove the growth yourself. Keep the area clean, cover it if clothing rubs against it, and use sun protection on nearby exposed skin. Arrange a prompt dermatology visit for a sore that persists, enlarges, becomes painful, bleeds easily, or repeatedly crusts. The clinician may recommend a biopsy or removal so the tissue can be identified accurately and an appropriate treatment chosen.

Seek prompt medical assessment for any sore that does not heal normally, especially when it is growing, firm, bleeding, painful, or changing in colour or shape. Get urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding, spreading redness, pus, fever, or severe pain. Do not wait for a sore to become large before arranging review; early examination can clarify whether it is an injury, infection, inflammatory condition, or skin growth.

Ask what features make the lesion concerning, whether tissue sampling is needed, how the area should be dressed, which sun-protection measures are appropriate, and how quickly you should return if it changes.