When a keloid keeps growing: what to know

Keloids can extend beyond the original cut, piercing, acne mark, burn, or surgical wound. Growth may be gradual and accompanied by firmness, itching, tightness, tenderness, or colour change. Other enlarging skin lumps can resemble scar tissue, so appearance alone is not enough.

Arrange a dermatology appointment while the lump is changing. Treatment may include intralesional steroid injections, laser or freezing treatment, or surgery. Limit friction and avoid home cutting, burning, aggressive acids, and unplanned injections. Options to discuss include Steroid Injection Into The Skin, Fractional Laser Treatment, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal), and Keloid Removal Surgery.

Seek prompt review if growth becomes rapid, pain intensifies, the surface breaks, bleeding recurs, or warmth, pus, spreading redness, or fever develops. Seek urgent help if swelling affects breathing, swallowing, vision, or movement.

Ask whether the borders and history confirm a keloid, whether treatment should begin before further growth, what combination is appropriate, and how progress will be measured after each session.