Why does my keloid hurt?

Keloids are raised scars that extend beyond the original injury and can feel firm, tender, itchy, or tight. Clothing, jewellery, pressure, or repeated rubbing may make discomfort more noticeable. A new lump, drainage, warmth, or rapidly changing appearance may point to another issue rather than the scar itself. Acne can also precede scar formation, but a painful lump should not be self-diagnosed.

Reduce rubbing and pressure, keep the area clean, and avoid cutting, squeezing, or piercing the scar. Note whether pain follows contact or occurs at rest, and photograph changes for comparison. Dermatology options may include steroid injection into the skin, pulsed dye or fractional laser treatment, cryotherapy, or carefully selected surgery; keloids can recur after removal, so follow-up planning matters.

Arrange review for increasing pain, warmth, redness, swelling, bleeding, pus, fever, or a scar that changes quickly. Seek prompt care for severe pain with spreading redness or feeling unwell. A clinician can distinguish a symptomatic keloid from infection or another skin lump.

Does this look like a keloid or another skin lump? Is irritation or infection contributing to the pain? Which treatment lowers bulk and discomfort while considering the chance of recurrence?