What should you know about nose keloid?

A keloid forms when the skin produces excess scar tissue after trauma such as acne, a piercing, surgery or a minor wound. It can be smooth, firm, raised and darker or lighter than nearby skin, and it may grow beyond the original injury. A keloid is a type of skin lump, but not every nasal lump is a keloid; cysts, inflamed acne, infection and other growths can look similar. Examination matters before treatment, particularly when there was no clear injury.

Do not squeeze, cut or repeatedly rub the area, and avoid a new piercing through or beside the scar. A dermatologist may discuss steroid injection into the skin, pressure or silicone-based care, laser treatment, freezing treatment or surgery. The choice depends on size, firmness, colour, symptoms and previous treatment. Surgery alone can be followed by another keloid, so a plan to reduce regrowth may be considered. Protect the area from sun and photograph changes for comparison at appointments.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if a lump is growing, painful, itchy, bleeding, ulcerated or repeatedly inflamed, or if its diagnosis is uncertain. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever or rapidly increasing swelling after a piercing or procedure. Emergency help is needed for facial swelling with breathing difficulty. A new or changing lesion should not be labelled a keloid from appearance alone.

Ask whether the lump is clinically consistent with a keloid, what triggered it, which treatment fits its location, how recurrence will be reduced and how many visits may be needed. Discuss expected colour or texture changes, wound care and whether future piercings should be avoided.