What should you know about a large keloid on the ear?

A keloid forms when scar tissue continues growing beyond the original wound. On the ear, it may follow a piercing, cut, acne spot, burn, or another injury. It can feel firm, smooth, itchy, tender, or tight, and its colour may differ from nearby skin. A keloid is not the same as a scar that remains within the wound edges. A clinician can examine the surface, texture, rate of change, and history of injury before confirming the diagnosis. New or unusual growths should not be assumed to be keloids without an examination.

Do not cut, squeeze, pierce, or repeatedly rub the lump. Protect it from friction from headphones, masks, jewellery, or sleeping pressure, and keep any wound clean while it heals. Arrange a dermatology review, especially if the lump is enlarging, uncomfortable, or affecting glasses, hearing devices, or sleep. Options may include steroid injected into the skin, laser treatment, freezing, or surgery. Because a keloid can return after removal, your clinician may combine approaches and plan review visits.

Seek prompt care if the lump becomes hot, increasingly painful, rapidly larger, or starts draining, bleeding, or opening. Fever or redness spreading into surrounding skin may indicate infection. Arrange assessment for a growth that changes unexpectedly, develops without a clear injury, or does not resemble your previous scars. Sudden swelling with breathing or facial symptoms is an emergency for a different reason and needs immediate help.

Does this look like a keloid or another skin lump? Which treatment suits its size and position? How could treatment affect the ear’s shape? What aftercare and follow-up will help detect regrowth early?