Overview
Keloids are the excess growth of scar tissue where the skin has healed. Keloids can form from a wound, a surgical cut, or anywhere the skin is damaged. They are most often found on the ear, jaw, chest, upper back, and shoulder. Some people with darker skin are more likely to develop keloids.
Keloids can be itchy and painful. Keloids exposed to the sun may turn darker than the rest of your skin. The darker color may stay.
Keloids do not become cancer. They do not need treatment unless they bother you. Your doctor may treat small keloids with silicone gel sheets, medicines put on the keloid or injected into the keloid, or by freezing them (cryotherapy). Large keloids may need other treatments, such as surgery. After surgery, you may have more treatment, such as radiation or injected medicine. This is done to keep the keloid from coming back.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Keep new wounds clean and moist so they heal quickly. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the wound and cover it with a nonstick bandage.
- Cover new scars with a silicone gel bandage. Cut the silicone gel slightly bigger than the skin wound. Cover the silicone gel with a bandage or wrap to keep pressure on the area.
- Try to avoid activities that could harm new wounds. Don't do things that might stretch a healing scar, especially a scar on your chest or belly. Also, make sure your bath water isn't too hot. Hot baths can worsen the inflammation in a healing wound.
- Protect scars from the sun when you are outdoors. If the area isn't covered by clothing or a hat, use sunscreen.
- If you get keloids, you may want to avoid body piercings, tattoos, or any surgery you do not need. Keloid scarring can happen after these procedures.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the wound.
- Pus draining from the wound.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter E474 in the search box to learn more about "Keloids: Care Instructions".
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.