Keloids and stitches: what to know

A healing incision may be pink, firm, itchy, or slightly raised at first. A keloid usually continues expanding beyond the original wound edges and can feel firm, shiny, itchy, tender, or tight. A raised scar that stays within the wound boundary may be a hypertrophic scar instead. Personal or family history, darker skin tones, and scars on areas such as the chest, shoulders, earlobes, or jawline can increase susceptibility. The stitch material and the way the wound heals can affect irritation, but removing stitches early will not reliably prevent a keloid.

Follow the wound-care instructions, keep the dressing clean and dry as directed, and avoid picking scabs or pulling at threads. Attend the planned appointment for removal when non-dissolving sutures were used. Once the skin has fully closed, ask a clinician whether silicone gel or silicone sheets are suitable; do not put products on an open wound. Tell the clinician before any future procedure if you or a close relative has formed keloids, because closure and scar-management options can be discussed.

Contact a clinician promptly for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, worsening pain, fever, wound separation, or bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure. Arrange a scar review if a lump grows beyond the wound, becomes painful or itchy, restricts movement, or continues changing after the wound has closed. Tetanus advice may be needed after a contaminated injury.

Does this scar look like a keloid or another type of raised scar? When should my stitches be removed, and when can scar treatment begin? What should I do if the wound becomes red or opens?