What should you know about a keloid on the head?

Keloids develop when scar tissue continues to build after skin injury, such as acne, a piercing, cut, or surgery. On the scalp or around the ear they may feel firm, smooth, rubbery, or tight. Colour can range from pink or red to darker than the surrounding skin. A keloid is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. A new lump should still be examined because cysts, inflamed acne lesions, and other growths can resemble a scar.

Avoid piercing, squeezing, shaving trauma, or unplanned removal of the lump. A clinician may discuss steroid injections into the scar, laser approaches for selected features, freezing treatment, or surgery. Keloids can return after treatment, so a plan may combine removal with measures that calm scar activity. Protect healing skin from friction and sunlight, and do not apply strong creams unless they have been recommended for that area.

Arrange an assessment for a growing, firm, itchy, painful, or bleeding head lump, especially when its origin is unclear. Seek prompt care if redness, warmth, pus, fever, or rapidly increasing pain suggests infection. Urgent review is also sensible when a lesion affects hearing, vision, sleep, or movement. A specialist can confirm whether the change is a keloid before treatment is chosen.

Ask what caused the scar, whether it is a keloid or another lump, which treatment fits its location and size, how recurrence will be reduced, and how the scalp should be cared for afterward.