Keloid Scars

A keloid scar can develop on any part of your body, but they’re most common on the chest, shoulders, chin, neck, lower legs and ears.

Most keloid scars: 

• are raised, hard, smooth, hairless and shiny

• may be pink, red, purple, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin

• grow beyond the area of the original injury

• vary in texture and may be soft, firm or rubbery

• may feel itchy or painful while the scar is still growing

• may cause difficulty moving (depending on the location and size of your scar)

Keloid scars usually develop over several months or even years after the skin has sustained an injury, such as a cut or burn. 

It’s thought that this happens when your body produces too much collagen, causing your scar to overdevelop and grow more than it should.

Keloid scars can form as a result of any type of trauma to the skin, such as a cut, burn, surgery incision, acne, piercings or tattoos.

Your risk of developing a keloid scar is higher if you:

• are of South Asian, Chinese, African Caribbean or Black African descent

• are under 30 years of age 

• are pregnant

• have a personal or family history of keloid scars

At your first consultation, your dermatologist will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history and any medications you take regularly. 

They’ll also ask you some questions about when the initial injury took place, how it was treated, and how you feel your scar affects you. They’ll then perform a physical examination of your scar. 

At the end of your appointment, your consultant will make a diagnosis based on your medical history and physical examination.

They’ll explain your diagnosis to you and create a personalised treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Keloid scars can’t be prevented, but if you are at risk of developing them, you may be able to reduce the risk by: 

• avoiding situations that could lead to scarring, like tattoos, body piercings, and elective surgery

• treating any conditions that could lead to scarring, such as acne, as soon as possible

• cleaning any wounds immediately and applying a moist dressing to reduce the risk of infection and scarring 

• keeping any wounds and new scars out of the sun 

• using silicone products to reduce scarring after your wound has healed (your dermatologist can recommend a suitable product)

Keloid scars are not usually harmful, but untreated keloid scars can lead to complications, including: 

• discomfort, pain and itching

• reduced or restricted movement (depending on the size and location of your scar)

• psychological and emotional distress, which can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety and social isolation 

• infection, thinning of your skin (skin atrophy) and changes in your skin pigmentation (these are rare)

Early treatment is the key to minimising the growth of a keloid scar, but treatment can also be effective at a later stage to improve the appearance of your scar, restore mobility and reduce discomfort. 

It’s important to remember that a keloid scar cannot be removed completely and that it can recur after treatment.

Treatment options for keloid scars include:

• topical or injected corticosteroids – can help ease itching and reduce skin thickness to flatten your scar

• silicone dressings or gels - help flatten the keloid scar and reduce the risk of it returning after treatment, such as surgery

• cryotherapy - freezing the skin may reduce the size of a keloid scar and can also make steroid injections more effective

• laser therapy - may help to reduce itching, flatten your scar and reduce any discolouration

• surgery - a keloid scar may be surgically removed if other therapies have not been effective, but most keloid scars will return with this method

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.