Keloid on the jawline: what to know

Keloids form when scar tissue continues to build after the skin has healed. On the jawline, an acne spot, shaving injury, piercing, injection or operation may act as the trigger, although the starting injury can be easy to forget. A keloid may enlarge slowly, feel smooth or hard and differ in colour from nearby skin. A new or changing lump is not automatically a keloid, so examination matters; other scars, cysts and inflamed lesions can look similar.

Do not cut, squeeze or repeatedly irritate the area. Arrange a skin assessment, especially if the lump is growing, painful or affecting movement. Treatment may include steroid injected into the scar, selected laser approaches, freezing treatment or surgery, often with a plan to reduce regrowth after removal. The best option depends on size, thickness, symptoms, skin tone, previous treatments and whether the scar is still expanding.

Book a medical review for a new, enlarging, bleeding, ulcerated or persistently painful jawline lump. Seek prompt care if redness, warmth, pus or fever suggests infection. Urgent attention is needed for rapidly worsening swelling, trouble swallowing or breathing, or swelling spreading toward the eye or neck.

Could this be a keloid or another type of lump? What may have triggered it? Is it still growing? Which treatment fits its thickness and location? How will you reduce regrowth risk after treatment, and what changes should prompt review?