What should you know about keloid from vaccine?

A needle puncture can trigger excess scar tissue in skin that tends to form keloids. The area may become firm, smooth, raised, itchy, tender, or darker than nearby skin. A keloid can enlarge beyond the small puncture, while a usual injection mark generally settles within a shorter healing period. A new lump is not automatically a keloid, so examination helps distinguish it from infection, a hypertrophic scar, or another skin lump.

Do not cut, squeeze, scratch, or repeatedly traumatise the area. Keep the skin moisturised and protect it from sun exposure, which can make colour changes more noticeable. Arrange a dermatology assessment if the scar is enlarging, itchy, painful, or catching on clothing. Options may include steroid injection into the skin, silicone-based care, laser treatment, freezing treatment, or surgery; the choice depends on its size, position, symptoms, and previous response.

Seek prompt medical advice for increasing warmth, spreading redness, pus, fever, marked swelling, or severe pain after an injection. These features can point to infection or another problem rather than scar growth. Book a routine review for a firm lump that continues to expand, bleeds, ulcerates, limits movement, or causes persistent discomfort.

Ask whether the lump fits a keloid, whether treatment should start before it grows further, and how the injection site should be protected during healing. You can also ask how recurrence will be reduced if a procedure is considered.