What should you know about topical keloid treatment?

A keloid is raised scar tissue that grows beyond the original wound boundary. It can follow acne, piercing, injury, or surgery and may feel firm, itchy, tender, or tight. A raised skin lump is not automatically a keloid: hypertrophic scars, cysts, and other lesions can look similar. Diagnosis matters because the treatment for an active scar differs from care for a stable mark.

A clinician may recommend a silicone-based dressing or gel for a suitable healing scar, with instructions about clean, dry skin and regular use. Do not pick, pierce, or repeatedly irritate the area. If the keloid is growing, painful, or bothersome, options may include steroid injection into the skin, laser treatment, cryotherapy, or surgery. These choices have different trade-offs and may be combined.

Book a review if a scar extends beyond the wound, continues enlarging, becomes painful or itchy, restricts movement, or repeatedly breaks down. Seek prompt assessment for bleeding, ulceration, pus, warmth, or rapid change. Stop a topical product for blistering, swelling, or severe burning.

Ask whether the lump is a keloid, whether topical silicone is appropriate, and what signs mean the scar is active. Discuss recurrence risk, skin tone considerations, and how any proposed procedure will be combined with aftercare.