A keloid is a raised, thickened scar that forms when the skin produces excess collagen after an injury.
Unlike normal scars, it doesn’t stop at the wound boundary…it keeps growing.
-Skin injury (cuts, burns, acne, piercings)
-Surgery scars
-Inflammation
-Genetic tendency (more common in darker skin tones)
-Excess collagen production during healing.
IS KELOIDS DANGEROUS?
No, keloids are not cancerous.
But they can cause:
– Itching or pain.
– Cosmetic concern.
– Emotional stress or low confidence.
The Signs & symptoms:
Common locations of Keloid:
• Raised, thick, shiny scar
• Extends beyond wound edges
• Itching or tenderness
• Darker than surrounding skin
• Sometimes painful
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Earlobes (after piercing)
• Jawline/neck
• Upper back
Natural management (supportive, not cure):
• Silicone gel/sheets (helps flatten).
• Gentle massage (may improve texture).
• Onion extract gels.
• Aloe vera (soothing, limited evidence).
NB: Natural methods rarely remove keloids completely.
Medical treatments:
• Corticosteroid injections (first-line, reduces size).
• Cryotherapy (freezing the keloid).
• Laser therapy (improves appearance).
• Surgery (risk of recurrence if not combined with other therapy).
• Pressure therapy (especially for ear keloids).