Keloids are raised scars that appear on some people after an injury to the skin. They are most common on the chest and upper body though they can occur anywhere. These hypertrophic scars are usually darker in color than the surrounding skin. They are caused by an excessive amount of collagen production as they body heals itself. These scars can extend beyond the boundaries of the original injury. Usually, they have no symptoms but, in some cases, they can be painful to the touch.

Any injury to the skin, such as a cut, piercing, or surgical incision, can result in a keloid.

Keloids are not harmful and they have no potential of becoming cancerous. They do pose cosmetic concerns for many people. They can occur on the ears following ear piercings or in any place where a skin injury occurs. On some people, even a pimple or insect bite can result in the development of a keloid. People may wish to have the scars removed.

Keloids can be removed or reduced. Removal by surgical excision can be challenging since it can result in the formation of another keloid. Immediate use of silicone cream or silicone sheets following surgical excision can help prevent the occurrence of another keloid. Another treatment option is steroid injections to reduce the size of the scar. Topical or injected cortisone or laser scar revision surgery may also prove effective.

If a person likely to develop a keloid is having surgery, the surgeon can take steps early on in the healing process to minimize the development of a keloid at the incision site. Dressing the scar with silicone gel sheeting may help limit the scar’s growth.

Keloid treatment is administered by a dermatologist. While there is no cure for the abnormal collagen production that causes these raised scars, treatments can minimize their appearance.