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Keloid
Mild
A keloid is an area of raised, firm scar tissue that grows beyond the boundaries of an original wound. It develops because the body produces excess collagen during the healing process. Keloids can occur after surgery, cuts, burns, piercings, injections, acne, or other skin injuries, and sometimes develop after very minor trauma. They may be itchy, painful, or cosmetically noticeable. Keloids can continue growing over time and may recur after treatment.
Body System
Skin Hair & Nails
When to Seek Medical Attention
Keloids are generally not an emergency. Seek medical assessment when a scar is growing, painful, itchy, repeatedly irritated, or interfering with movement or function. Prompt evaluation is appropriate if there is significant redness, drainage, increasing pain, or another change suggesting infection or a different skin condition.
Symptoms
1
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
A keloid is an area of raised, firm scar tissue that grows beyond the boundaries of an original wound. It develops because the body produces excess collagen during the healing process. Keloids can occur after surgery, cuts, burns, piercings, injections, acne, or other skin injuries, and sometimes develop after very minor trauma. They may be itchy, painful, or cosmetically noticeable. Keloids can continue growing over time and may recur after treatment.
Symptoms 1
Night Terrors
Causes 1
Keloids form when the normal wound-healing process produces excessive collagen and other scar tissue. The precise biological reason some people develop this response is not completely understood. Keloids may follow surgical wounds, burns, cuts, injections, piercings, acne, or other skin injuries. Some can develop after very minor trauma. Genetic and skin-related factors influence susceptibility, and keloids are more likely in people with a personal or family history of abnormal scar formation.
Genetics
Risk Factors
Risk factors for keloids include a personal or family history of keloid formation, certain genetic and skin characteristics, and injuries such as surgery, burns, acne, piercings, or injections. Keloids are more common in some populations and are particularly likely to occur during younger adulthood. The location of an injury also matters, with the chest, shoulders, upper back, neck, and ears being common sites. Not every scar in a susceptible person becomes a keloid.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Keloids are usually diagnosed clinically by examining the scar and reviewing the history of the original injury. Their characteristic raised appearance and growth beyond the boundaries of the original wound often distinguish them from ordinary scars and hypertrophic scars. Biopsy is not routinely necessary but may be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain or another skin condition needs to be excluded. Assessment also considers symptoms such as itching, pain, tenderness, and the likelihood of recurrence.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Keloids cannot always be prevented in people who are genetically susceptible
When possible, unnecessary skin trauma and cosmetic procedures that create avoidable wounds should be considered carefully in people with a history of keloids
Proper wound care may support normal healing, although it cannot guarantee that a keloid will not develop
People with a strong history of keloids should inform healthcare professionals before planned surgery, piercing, or other procedures that injure the skin
Prevention Guidance
Keloids cannot always be prevented in people who are genetically susceptible. When possible, unnecessary skin trauma and cosmetic procedures that create avoidable wounds should be considered carefully in people with a history of keloids. Proper wound care may support normal healing, although it cannot guarantee that a keloid will not develop. People with a strong history of keloids should inform healthcare professionals before planned surgery, piercing, or other procedures that injure the skin.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Protein-rich Foods
Support tissue repair
Vitamin C Foods
Support healing
Fresh Fruits
Rich in nutrients
Foods to Avoid
Processed Foods
Limit intake
Alcohol
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A raised scar that grows beyond the original wound.
Abnormal scar formation after skin injury.
Usually not harmful but may cause discomfort.
Yes, recurrence is possible.
Proper wound care may reduce risk.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.