Growing Keloid

Keloids are firm, raised areas that can enlarge slowly after acne, piercing, surgery, an injection, or a minor injury. They may feel itchy, tender, tight, or warm, and their colour can differ from nearby skin. A keloid usually remains within the skin rather than spreading through the body, but another lump, inflamed cyst, or skin growth can look similar. Examination is usually the starting point.

Do not cut, scratch, or repeatedly irritate the area. Keep the skin moisturised and protect it from friction and sun while arranging review. Depending on its size, age, symptoms, and location, a dermatologist may discuss steroid injection into the skin, laser treatment, freezing, or surgery. Removing a keloid alone can be followed by regrowth, so combination treatment and follow-up may be considered.

Arrange a timely review if the lump is enlarging, bleeding, ulcerating, becoming painful, or changing unexpectedly. Seek urgent help for fever, spreading redness, drainage, or severe pain, which can indicate infection rather than ordinary scar activity. A new lump without a clear injury also merits a clinician’s examination.

Ask whether the appearance is typical of a keloid, what could be triggering growth, which treatment combination suits its location, how recurrence will be monitored, and how to protect the area after treatment.