What should you know about hard keloid?

Keloids can develop after acne, piercing, surgery, vaccination, or a small injury. They may continue enlarging beyond the edges of the original skin damage and can feel smooth, shiny, rubbery, or firm. Colour may range from pink or red to darker than surrounding skin. A keloid is different from a raised scar that stays within the wound boundary. A clinician may diagnose it by examining the shape, texture, history, and rate of change.

Avoid piercing, unnecessary skin trauma, squeezing, or attempting to cut the growth yourself. Keep the area protected from friction and use sunscreen on exposed scar tissue. Treatment may include a [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/), laser treatment, cryotherapy, or surgery, often selected according to size, site, symptoms, and previous treatment. Recurrence is possible, so follow-up planning matters.

Book a dermatology review if a scar is enlarging, painful, itchy, restricting movement, or catching on clothing. Seek prompt assessment if it bleeds without being rubbed, develops an ulcer, becomes hot and acutely painful, or changes quickly. A new firm lump that has not followed an injury also deserves examination rather than being assumed to be a keloid.

Is this consistent with a keloid or another [Skin Lump](/symptoms/skin-lumps/)? Would [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/) or [Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/pulsed-dye-laser-treatment/) help its texture or colour? What are the benefits and limits of [Keloid Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/keloid-excision/)?