A keloid is a type of scar that develops because of an overgrowth of scar tissue at the site of a skin injury. Also called hypertropic scars, they develop during the healing process and continue to grow after a wound has healed, Langone Medical Center says. The cause remains unknown, but the scars are not harmful and don't affect your health.
Early Symptoms
At first, a keloid appears as a small bump at the site where you experienced an injury. The skin typically becomes discolored and appears reddish or darker than your normal skin tone, although keloids can be flesh-colored, the Hershey Medical Center says. As it continues to grow and form, the scar may itch and burn or be tender to the touch.
Development
A keloid is a scar caused by the buildup of excess scar tissue, and in many cases it can grow quite large. Scar tissue typically stops growing at the edges of the injury sites, but with keloids cells called fibroblasts continue to produce scar tissue. As the keloid continues developing, you'll notice a lump over the original injury site and feel or see a ridge of scar tissue, MedlinePlus reports. The scar tissue continues growing until a large lump or bulge forms over the spot of the original injury.
Risk Factors
A keloid can form at any injury site, but certain types of injuries are more prone to keloid formation. They generally form in response to deep skin wounds as opposed to surface abrasion, Langone Medical Center says. Even a skin injury as simple as an ear-piercing, acne or a vaccination can cause the scar. Keloids are also more common on certain parts of the body, including the earlobes, chest, scalp, neck, upper back and shoulders.
Incidence
Keloids occur in about 10 percent of people, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology reports. People of certain ethnicities more commonly develop the scars. They are most common in African-Americans and also more prevalent in people of Hispanic and Asian descent. They most commonly form in people between ages 10 and 30, and they tend to run in families, according to Langone Medical Center.
Treatment
Keloids don't have to be treated or removed because they are not life-threatening and don't affect your health in any way. However, because they are unsightly, people often choose to have them removed or reduce their appearance. Treatment options include steroid injections, radiation and cryotherapy, MedlinePlus reports. They can be surgically removed, but the wound caused by the removal can cause the keloid to grow back or even worsen and become larger.
