What should you know about massaging keloid scars?

A keloid is raised scar tissue that extends beyond the original injury and may continue to thicken. It can feel firm, itchy, tender, or tight. Gentle touch may help a healed, stable scar feel less stiff, but rubbing cannot be assumed to stop a keloid’s growth. Repeated friction, picking, or aggressive tools can worsen irritation and make the area sore.

Not every raised mark is a keloid. A hypertrophic scar stays within the wound edges, while an inflamed spot, cyst, or other skin lump can look different and needs a proper examination. See [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/) for broader information, and do not squeeze a raised lesion that followed [Acne](/conditions/acne/).

Do not massage an open, crusted, infected, bleeding, or newly injured area. Once the skin is fully closed, ask a clinician whether very gentle moisturised massage is suitable; stop when it causes pain, bleeding, persistent redness, or increased itching. Keep nails and jewellery from catching the scar, and protect it from repeated rubbing.

A dermatologist may consider [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) to soften or reduce a keloid. Depending on its colour, thickness, and location, options can also include [Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/pulsed-dye-laser-treatment/), [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/), or freezing treatment such as [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/). Surgery can be discussed carefully because a keloid may recur after cutting; relevant procedures include [Keloid Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/keloid-excision/) and [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/).

Book an assessment if a scar is enlarging, newly painful, persistently itchy, bleeding, ulcerated, or restricting movement. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, or rapidly increasing swelling. A scar that changes after repeated rubbing should be examined rather than treated with stronger pressure.

Ask whether the mark is a keloid or another type of raised lesion, whether massage is safe at its current stage, and how to protect it from friction. Ask which treatment targets thickness, itch, colour, or discomfort, and whether a history of keloids changes your plan for future injuries or procedures.