Ear keloid treatment at home: what to know

Keloids are raised scars that grow beyond the boundary of the original wound. On the ear, they often follow piercing or other trauma and may be firm, itchy, sore, or sensitive when pressed. A scar that stays within the original wound may be a different type of scar. Because several skin lumps can resemble one another, do not assume a new bump is a keloid without an examination.

Wash gently, pat dry, and protect the area from rubbing by helmets, headphones, masks, or jewellery. Avoid re-piercing, picking, shaving across the lump, and applying acids or concentrated oils. Do not use a home needle or attempt to tie off the growth. A dermatology clinician can explain whether steroid injections, pulsed dye or fractional laser treatment, cryotherapy, or surgery is appropriate; the plan depends on the scar and surrounding skin, and follow-up may be needed.

Get prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, increasing pain, fever, or bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure. Book a review if the lump is enlarging, becoming difficult to sleep on, or changing after a piercing. A rapidly changing or unusually ulcerated lesion should be assessed rather than treated at home.

Ask what diagnosis best fits the lump, whether treatment should begin while it is growing, how many visits may be needed, and how the ear will be protected during healing.