Keloid and Raised Scars
Scars that rise and keep growing beyond the original wound, often on the shoulders, chest, ears and back. Can itch and hurt. Managed, and more importantly, prevented.
Quick answer
A keloid is a scar that carries on growing after the wound should already have healed, so it extends beyond the boundary of the original wound. It is different from a hypertrophic scar, which is also raised but stays within the wound boundary and tends to shrink over time. Keloids are not dangerous but they can itch, hurt and affect confidence. They also tend to recur, so preventing them on future wounds is an important part of the conversation.
Signs and when to have it checked
A scar that keeps growing
A scar still growing after several months, beyond the area of the original wound, is a sign of a keloid.
Itch or pain in the scar
A keloid can itch, throb or hurt when touched. That can be managed.
After a piercing or surgery
The earlobe after a piercing and surgical wounds on the chest are common sites.
After acne on the back
Deep acne on the back, shoulders and chest can leave keloids, not just pits.
A family history
A tendency to keloids often runs in families. If there is one, tell the doctor before any procedure.
Planning surgery or a piercing
If you have had a keloid before, talk it through before a new wound is made, not after.
Keloid compared with hypertrophic scar
Both are raised scars, and people often call every raised scar a keloid. The difference matters because the expectations and the treatment are not the same.
A hypertrophic scar stays within the boundary of the original wound. It is raised and red at first, then tends to become flatter and paler over one to two years.
A keloid crosses the wound boundary. It grows into skin that was never injured, and it does not shrink on its own. Keloids are also more likely to come back after being removed, which makes removal on its own a less simple answer than it sounds.
What can be done
At a general clinic, the doctor can confirm whether what you have is a keloid or a hypertrophic scar, assess symptoms such as itch and pain, and discuss the options.
Treatments commonly mentioned in medical practice include steroid injection into the scar to soften it and reduce symptoms, silicone in sheet or gel form for newer scars, and pressure on certain areas such as the earlobe. Some cases are referred to a specialist for a combined approach.
We will not promise that a keloid disappears completely. The realistic goal is usually reducing the height, the itch and the pain, and stopping the growth. Anyone promising more than that should be treated with suspicion.
Prevention for people prone to keloids
If you have had a keloid before, these steps matter before a new wound happens.
- Tell the doctor or surgeon about your keloid history before any procedure
- Think again about piercings and tattoos in higher-risk areas such as the earlobe, chest and shoulders
- Treat deep acne on the back and chest early, before it leaves scars
- Look after a new wound so it heals cleanly, and avoid tension on the surrounding skin
- Start preventive measures on a new scar early, not after it has grown
- Protect a new scar from the sun while it is healing
What happens when you come in
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1
Register at the counterBring your identity card. If you are using an employer or insurance panel, tell the staff at the counter so they can check your eligibility first.
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2
The doctor examines your skinThe doctor looks at the affected area, asks how long it has been there, what you have already tried, and whether anyone else in the house has the same thing.
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3
Diagnosis and treatment optionsThe doctor explains what they see and the options available. If further tests are needed, that is explained before anything is done.
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4
Treatment and follow-upMedication is given with clear instructions. If the condition needs monitoring, the doctor tells you when to come back and what signs to watch for.
Keloid compared with hypertrophic scar
| Point | Keloid | Hypertrophic scar |
|---|---|---|
| Boundary | Extends beyond the original wound area | Stays within the original wound area |
| Course over time | Does not shrink on its own | Tends to flatten over one to two years |
| Returns after removal | Often | Less often |
| Common sites | Earlobe, chest, shoulders, back | Any wound, including surgical wounds |
| Family link | Often present | Less clear |
This table is general information to help you choose. It is not a price offer.
Common questions
Are keloids dangerous?
A keloid is not cancer and does not spread to organs. The problem is the symptoms and the appearance, that is the itch, the pain, and the effect on confidence.
Can a keloid be removed completely?
Rarely. Treatment usually aims to stop the growth and reduce the height and the symptoms. Promising skin that goes back to how it was is not honest.
If it is cut out, will it come back?
Often yes, if it is removed without additional treatment. That is why removal on its own is rarely the first choice for a keloid.
Does this clinic do keloid injections?
The doctor will assess your case first and tell you whether it can be managed here or is better referred. We do not promise a procedure before an examination.
I want my ears pierced but I have had a keloid before. Can I?
The risk of a keloid recurring in the same place or nearby is high. Talk it through with the doctor before deciding, not after.
Do scar oils or creams from the shop work?
The evidence for many scar products on the market is weak. Silicone in sheet or gel form has better evidence for scars, particularly new ones. The doctor can explain a sensible way and length of use.
Keloids after acne, what should I deal with first?
Control the active acne first. As long as deep acne is still forming on the back or chest, new keloids can keep appearing.
Send a message and clinic staff will answer. If you need to be examined, just come in. No appointment needed.
WhatsApp the clinicReferences
These are general medical references, not a diagnosis of your own condition. A doctor needs to examine the skin itself.
Come when you need to
No. 47 dan 49 (Tingkat Bawah), Jalan 2/1, Taman Seri Jaromas, 42600 Jenjarom, Selangor
Open 24 hours every day, including public holidays. No appointment needed.
The information on this page is for general education. It is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or medical advice. Every case is different. See a doctor for an assessment of your own situation.