Also known as: Cheloid
A keloid is a raised growth of fibrous scar tissue that forms over an area of trauma to the skin and extends beyond the area of the original injury.
Anyone can develop a keloid, but they are more common in young women and African Americans.
A keloid can be caused by injury to the skin, such as a burn, insect bite, acne, cut, body piercing, or a surgical incision. Scar tissue normally grows in response to a wound, but a keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue over a healed wound. Some people have a genetic tendency to develop keloids.
A keloid looks like a raised bump. It may be red, reddish-brown, or flesh colored; tender to the touch; and itchy. Keloids often become larger with time. The most common locations for keloids include the ear lobes, upper chest and back, and the shoulder area.
Keloids can be diagnosed according to appearance.
There is no truly effective treatment for keloids. They may be reduced in size through a corticosteroid injection or application of topical retinoids, or removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery). However, new keloids often develop at the site of the treatment. Keloids can be reduced in size by applying a sheet of silicon gel over the growth. Keloids that are disfiguring because of location and color may be improved through pulse dye laser treatment.
You can help prevent keloids by treating skin injuries with care. Do not pick at or scratch acne lesions, insect bites, and other skin irritations, and do not pierce your body.