What should you know about soft keloid?

Keloids form when scar tissue continues building after skin has healed from a cut, piercing, surgery, burn, or inflamed spot. The scar can grow beyond the original wound and may be pink, red, brown, or darker than nearby skin. A softer texture does not by itself show whether the scar is active or settled. Acne can also leave scars that need a different assessment; see [Acne](/conditions/acne/).

A clinician usually assesses the scar by looking at its surface, borders, colour, firmness, and history. A changing [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/) page can help you describe what you notice, but a lump should not be labelled a keloid without an examination.

Do not squeeze, cut, scratch, or repeatedly rub the area. Protect it from friction and sun, and note its location, size, colour, itch, tenderness, and any recent change. Treatment depends on the scar’s position, symptoms, thickness, and previous response. Options may include [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/), [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/), [Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/pulsed-dye-laser-treatment/), or carefully selected surgery. [Keloid Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/keloid-excision/) needs a plan to reduce regrowth risk; removal alone may not be enough.

Arrange a dermatology review if the scar is enlarging, repeatedly irritated, painful, bleeding, ulcerated, or interfering with movement or sleep. Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, warmth, drainage, fever, or rapidly worsening pain, because these findings can indicate infection or another problem rather than a settled scar.

Ask whether the appearance fits a keloid or another scar, whether treatment is needed now, how recurrence will be reduced, and what changes should trigger a review.