Keloid Scars
What Are Keloid Scars?
Keloid scars are raised, thickened scars that develop when the skin heals after an injury but produces too much collagen. Unlike normal scars, keloids continue to grow beyond the original wound, becoming larger and sometimes uncomfortable. They can form after:
- Cuts, burns or surgical incisions
- Acne or chickenpox scars
- Piercings or tattoos
- Even minor skin trauma, such as insect bites
Keloids are harmless but can cause itching, tenderness, or discomfort, and for many people, they can feel cosmetically distressing, especially if they’re on visible areas like the chest, shoulders, jawline, or earlobes.
What Do Keloids Look and Feel Like?
- Firm, raised, smooth scars
- Pink, red, or darker than your natural skin tone
- Can feel itchy, tender, or even painful to touch
- Often continue to enlarge over time
They are more common in people with darker skin tones and can affect both men and women, though hormonal changes can sometimes make them more noticeable in women.
Why Do Keloids Form?
Keloids happen when the skin’s natural healing process goes into overdrive, producing excess collagen that builds up and thickens the scar tissue. Genetics can play a role, and some people are simply more prone to developing them.
