What should you know about keloid popping?

A keloid is an overgrown scar that rises above the original injury. It may feel firm, itchy, tender, or tight, and it can continue enlarging after a piercing, acne mark, cut, burn, or surgical wound. Unlike a pus-filled spot, it has no contents that can be safely released at home. Squeezing, cutting, or inserting a needle creates another injury in skin that already forms excess scar tissue.

A changing lump is not automatically a keloid. A clinician can distinguish it from an inflamed spot, cyst, infection, or another type of skin lump.

Leave the surface intact and avoid friction from jewellery, tight clothing, or repeated touching. Wash gently, keep any open area covered with a clean dressing, and do not apply harsh acids, household chemicals, or unsterile tools. Photograph the area so you can notice changes in size or colour without handling it.

Arrange a dermatology review if the scar is growing, uncomfortable, or affecting movement. Options may include intralesional steroid injection, laser treatment, freezing treatment, or carefully planned surgery. Treatment selection depends on the scar's location, size, symptoms, and history.

Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, worsening pain, fever, or bleeding that does not settle with gentle pressure. Arrange an assessment for a lump that appeared without a clear injury, changes quickly, or does not resemble your previous scars.

Could this be a keloid rather than a cyst or infection? Which treatment fits its location and symptoms? What should I do if it becomes irritated after a piercing or injury? How can future skin injuries be managed?