What should you know about keloid scar under skin?

Keloids can follow acne, piercings, injections, surgery, burns, or a small cut. They arise when healing produces more collagen than the area needs. The scar may enlarge slowly, remain smooth or shiny, and range from skin-coloured to darker than nearby skin. A keloid is different from a scar that stays within the wound edges. A new, changing, or uncertain lump still deserves an examination because several skin conditions can feel similar.

Do not squeeze, pierce, shave aggressively over, or repeatedly scratch the area. Protect it from friction and use sunscreen on exposed healed skin. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis and discuss options such as steroid injections, laser treatment, freezing, pressure or silicone care, and surgery. Treatment choice depends on the scar's size, location, symptoms, skin type, and whether it has returned before.

Arrange a dermatology review if the area is growing, painful, persistently itchy, restricting movement, or rubbing against clothing. Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, bleeding without an obvious injury, or a rapidly changing lump. These features can signal infection or another diagnosis rather than a straightforward mature scar.

Ask whether the appearance fits a keloid, whether treatment is needed now, how recurrence will be reduced, and which option suits the body site. Mention any previous keloids and procedures that caused them.