Early Keloid: What to Know

A keloid forms when scar tissue continues to build after skin injury. It may start as a thickened, pink, red, brown, or darker area around a piercing, acne spot, cut, burn, injection, or surgery site. Unlike an ordinary flat scar, a keloid can extend beyond the original injury and feel smooth, firm, rubbery, itchy, or sore. A skin lump has many possible explanations, so a new raised area should be examined rather than identified from a photograph alone.

Keloids can become more noticeable with friction from clothing or jewellery. Do not pierce, cut, shave closely over, or repeatedly press the area while it is changing.

Book a dermatology review if a scar is thickening, extending beyond the wound, or causing symptoms. Protect it from rubbing and sun exposure, and follow wound-care instructions if the injury is still healing. Treatment depends on size, location, symptoms, skin type, and whether the keloid has returned before. Options may include steroid injection into the skin, selected laser treatments, cryotherapy, or surgery; a clinician can explain combinations and recurrence considerations.

Arrange prompt assessment for rapid enlargement, bleeding, ulceration, persistent drainage, marked pain, warmth, or spreading redness. Seek urgent care for fever with a hot, swollen wound, severe pain out of proportion to the appearance, or sudden facial swelling. These features can point to infection or another process rather than a straightforward scar and should not be managed by home treatment alone.

Ask whether the scar is consistent with a keloid or a different type of raised scar, whether treatment is needed now, and how the proposed option affects skin colour and texture. Mention previous keloids, family history, acne, piercings, operations, and any history of poor wound healing.