When a keloid is painful: what to know

Keloid tissue can itch, sting, feel tight, or hurt when clothing, jewellery, hair, or movement rubs against it. Sensitivity may be stronger while the scar is enlarging. Pain does not by itself establish the diagnosis: an inflamed piercing, infected wound, acne lesion, or another skin lump can look similar.

Notice whether the pain is constant or triggered by touch, whether the lump is changing, and whether there is warmth, redness, crusting, or fluid. These details help a clinician separate mechanical irritation from inflammation or infection.

Book a dermatology review when pain persists, limits movement, disturbs sleep, or comes with growth. Until then, reduce rubbing and pressure, keep the area clean, and do not scratch, squeeze, pierce, or cut the scar. Use pain relief only if it is suitable for you and according to the product instructions.

Possible treatment discussions include Steroid Injection Into The Skin, laser treatment, cryotherapy, or surgery. The plan depends on the scar's location, thickness, cause, and previous treatment. Keloid Removal Surgery may be paired with another treatment to reduce the chance of the scar becoming active again.

Seek prompt medical care if pain rises quickly, the area becomes hot, redness spreads, pus appears, the wound opens, or you develop fever. Get urgent help for swelling that affects breathing, swallowing, vision, or movement. Pain that is new or out of proportion to the visible scar should also be assessed.

Ask what is causing the tenderness, whether infection needs to be excluded, which treatment could calm the scar, and how pain and recurrence will be checked after treatment.