A keloid is an itchy, hard, raised, lump on the skin. It is the result of an overproduction of scar tissue. Keloids occur at the site of a skin injury. The injury can be a result from severe acne, a burn, an operation, a vaccination or a minor scratch.

Keloids are harmless. Sometimes they stop growing or disappear without treatment.They occur on darker skin much more often than on lighter skin.

Alternative Names: Hypertrophic scar, Keloid scar, Scar - hypertrophic

Causes of Keloids

The cause of keloids is unknown:

While most people never form keloids, others develop them after minor injuries and even insect bites or pimples.
Keloids may form on any part of the body, although the upper chest and upper back are especially prone to keloid formation.
Keloids occur more frequently in dark-skinned people.
Keloids are a cosmetic nuisance and never become malignant.

Symptoms of Keloids

Flesh-colored, red, or pink
Located over the site of a wound, injury, or other lesion
Nodular or ridged
The lesion may itch during formation and growth

Treatment of Keloids

The best treatment is to inject a long-acting cortisone into the keloid once a month. After several injections with cortisone, the keloid usually becomes less noticeable and flattens in three to six months time.

Small keloids can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Surgical removal is not recommended because it can cause additional keloids. Injection of corticosteroid drugs directly into the keloid will reduce itching.

Some doctors have had success injecting keloids with bleomycin an anticancer drug.

Discoloration from sun exposure can be prevented by covering the forming keloid with a patch or bandaid, and by using sunblockers when spending time in the sun. These extras protection measures should be continued for at least 6 months after injury or surgery for an adult, up to 18 months for a child.