What should you know about a minor keloid?

Keloid tissue forms when healing produces extra collagen. It can follow acne, piercing, surgery, an injection, or a small cut, and it may continue to thicken after the surface has closed. A keloid is different from an ordinary scar because it can extend outside the injury's original borders. Its colour may be pink, red, brown, or darker than nearby skin. The area can be smooth or shiny and may become irritated by clothing or jewellery.

A minor keloid is usually assessed by looking and feeling the scar. A changing lump, persistent bleeding, ulceration, or uncertainty about the diagnosis deserves a clinical examination rather than self-treatment.

Reduce rubbing, picking, and repeated injury. Keep the area moisturised if the skin is dry, and use sun protection because new scars can darken with exposure. Do not pierce or cut through the keloid without a treatment plan. A clinician may discuss intralesional steroid injections, laser approaches, freezing treatment, or surgery depending on its size, location, symptoms, and previous behaviour. Surgery alone can allow a keloid to return, so aftercare or combined treatment may be considered.

Arrange a dermatology review if the scar is enlarging, painful, persistently itchy, restricting movement, or catching on clothing. Seek prompt care for warmth, spreading redness, pus, fever, sudden marked swelling, or an open sore, as these findings can signal infection or another problem. A scar after acne can be compared with information about Acne, while an unexplained raised lesion can be discussed alongside Skin Lumps.

Ask whether the appearance fits a keloid or another raised scar, whether treatment is needed now, and how recurrence will be reduced. You can ask about Steroid Injection Into The Skin, Fractional Laser Treatment, Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal), Surgical Excision, and Keloid Removal Surgery, including expected skin changes, aftercare, and warning signs.