Is Your Scar Growing? Why Your Skin Forms Keloids & What to Do Next

If you've noticed that a scar is getting bigger instead of fading, you may be dealing with a keloid.

Unlike normal scars, a keloid doesn't stay within the boundaries of the original wound. It can continue to grow, becoming raised, thick, and sometimes itchy or painful. While keloids are not cancerous and are not contagious, they can be uncomfortable and emotionally distressing.

Let's break down what's happening in your skin, why keloids form, and what medical steps you can take next.

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What Is a Keloid?

A keloid is a type of raised scar that forms when the body produces too much collagen during wound healing.

Collagen is a protein that helps repair damaged skin. Normally, your body produces just enough collagen to close the wound. But with a keloid, the healing process goes into overdrive. The result is:

• A thick, raised scar
• Growth beyond the original injury site
• A firm or rubbery texture
• Pink, red, brown, or darker coloring depending on your skin tone

Keloids can develop after:

• Acne
• Cuts or burns
• Surgery
• Piercings (especially ears)
• Vaccinations
• Even minor skin injuries like scratches

In some cases, people don't even remember the original injury.

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Is Your Scar Growing? Signs It May Be a Keloid

Not every raised scar is a keloid. Some are hypertrophic scars, which stay within the original wound boundaries and may flatten over time.

You may be dealing with a keloid if:

• The scar extends beyond the original injury
• It continues to grow months or even years later
• It feels thick, firm, or rubbery
• It itches, burns, or feels tender
• It doesn't shrink over time

Keloids are most common on:

• Earlobes (especially after piercings)
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Upper back
• Jawline

If you're unsure whether your scar is a keloid, you can use a free AI symptom checker for Keloids (Including Piercing Keloids) to help identify whether your symptoms match this condition before scheduling a doctor's appointment.

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Why Does Your Skin Form Keloids?

Keloids happen because of an overactive wound healing response.

Here's what experts understand so far:

1. Excess Collagen Production

During healing, fibroblast cells produce collagen. In keloid-prone individuals, these cells stay active longer than they should, leading to excess tissue growth.

2. Genetic Factors

Keloids tend to run in families. If a close relative has keloids, your risk is higher.

They are also more common in:

• People under 30
• Individuals with darker skin tones
• People with a personal history of keloids

3. Skin Tension

Areas of high skin tension (like the chest or shoulders) are more likely to develop keloids after injury.

4. Inflammation

Prolonged inflammation during healing may contribute to abnormal scar formation.

It's important to understand:
Keloids are not caused by poor hygiene or something you did wrong. They reflect how your body heals.

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Are Keloids Dangerous?

Keloids are benign (non-cancerous). They do not turn into cancer.

However, they can cause:

• Persistent itching
• Pain or tenderness
• Restricted movement (if near joints)
• Emotional distress or self-consciousness

Rarely, a rapidly changing or ulcerating scar should be evaluated to rule out other conditions.

If a scar is bleeding, rapidly changing color, developing open sores, or associated with severe pain, speak to a doctor promptly.

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Can Keloids Keep Growing?

Yes.

A defining feature of a keloid is that it can continue to grow beyond the original wound and may enlarge over months or years. Growth usually slows over time, but without treatment, the scar often does not shrink on its own.

Some keloids eventually stabilize. Others may remain active.

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Medical Next Steps: What Actually Works?

Treatment can improve symptoms and appearance, but keloids can be stubborn. Recurrence is possible, especially if treated with surgery alone.

Here are evidence-based options doctors commonly recommend:

1. Corticosteroid Injections

• Injected directly into the keloid
• Help reduce inflammation and collagen production
• Can flatten and soften the scar
• Usually done every 4–6 weeks

This is often the first-line treatment.

2. Silicone Gel Sheets or Silicone Gel

• Worn over the scar for several hours daily
• Can reduce thickness over time
• Most effective for newer scars

Consistency is key. Results may take months.

3. Cryotherapy (Freezing)

• Freezes the keloid tissue
• May reduce size
• Often combined with steroid injections

Best for smaller lesions.

4. Laser Therapy

• Can reduce redness
• May improve texture
• Often combined with other treatments

5. Surgical Removal

Surgery alone has a high recurrence rate.
If surgery is considered, it's usually combined with:

• Steroid injections
• Pressure therapy
• Radiation therapy (in select cases)

This combination lowers recurrence risk.

6. Pressure Earrings (For Piercing Keloids)

After removing an earlobe keloid, pressure earrings may help reduce recurrence.

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What You Should Not Do

If you suspect a keloid:

• Do not repeatedly irritate or scratch it
• Avoid unnecessary cosmetic procedures in that area
• Avoid home cutting or "natural removal" methods
• Be cautious with new piercings if you're prone to keloids

If you've had one keloid, you are at higher risk of developing another.

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When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment if:

• The scar keeps growing
• It's painful or itchy
• It limits movement
• It affects your confidence or mental health
• You're considering removal

A dermatologist can usually diagnose a keloid by exam alone. Biopsy is rarely needed unless the appearance is unusual.

If you're not sure whether your symptoms are consistent with a keloid, you can start by using a free symptom checker for Keloids (Including Piercing Keloids) to get personalized insights before deciding whether to seek medical care.

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Can Keloids Be Prevented?

If you know you're prone to keloids:

• Avoid elective piercings or tattoos
• Inform surgeons before procedures
• Use silicone gel early after wounds (if recommended)
• Follow wound care instructions carefully

Early treatment of abnormal scarring can make a difference.

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The Bottom Line

If your scar is growing instead of fading, it may be a keloid — a type of scar caused by excess collagen during healing.

Keloids are:

• Not cancerous
• Not dangerous in most cases
• Often treatable
• Sometimes persistent

They can continue to grow, but medical treatments such as steroid injections, silicone therapy, and combination approaches can significantly improve symptoms and appearance.

You don't have to guess what's happening. Start by understanding your symptoms using a free AI-powered symptom checker for Keloids (Including Piercing Keloids) to help clarify what you're experiencing. Then, speak to a doctor — especially if the scar is growing rapidly, causing pain, limiting movement, or affecting your quality of life.

While keloids are usually not life-threatening, any skin lesion that changes quickly, bleeds, becomes severely painful, or looks unusual should be evaluated promptly. When in doubt, speak to a qualified medical professional.

Your skin's healing response is unique. The right treatment plan can help you manage it safely and effectively.