Keloids are overgrown scar tissue. They look like shiny, raised skin. Keloids form in the months after an injury They’re more common among darker-skinned people

Any kind of skin injury can cause keloids, such as: Cuts Surgery Acne Sometimes, keloids form for no clear reason.

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Keloids

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The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision May 2020| Content last modified May 2020

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Keloid

Keloid Scars

Keloids are overgrown scar tissue. They look like shiny, raised skin.

Keloids form in the months after an injury
They’re more common among darker-skinned people

Any kind of skin injury can cause keloids, such as:

Cuts
Surgery
Acne

Sometimes, keloids form for no clear reason.

Keloids are:

Raised above your skin, as much as a quarter inch (about half a centimeter) higher
Shiny, hard, and smooth
Slightly pink or darkened skin

Keloids may itch or be sensitive, but they don't hurt.

Treatments to get rid of keloids don’t work very well. Doctors may try to flatten keloids by injecting them with medicines called corticosteroids.

Doctors can also use surgery or a laser to remove keloids. However, because keloids start in scars, keloids often just grow back. Sometimes they grow back even bigger. Some new medicines that slow down your immune system may help stop keloids from coming back. Wearing special patches or pressure garments (special, tight clothes) that press on the keloids also can help stop them from coming back.

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