Keloids are scars that become larger after the initial wound heals. This image displays dark red to brown, large keloids. Keloids often form in areas of acne on the cheeks and trunk. Keloids can appear bright red and inflamed. This image displays a keloid at the site of ear piercing. When the ear is pierced, lumpy keloids may occur on both sides of the earlobe.
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Keloid:
Information for adults

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Picture of Keloid: Keloids are scars that become larger after the initial wound heals. Divider line
Keloids are scars that become larger after the initial wound heals.
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Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
Keloids are extremely difficult to treat, but your doctor may try the following:
  • Some keloids respond to topically applied silicone sheeting.
  • There has been some success in treating small earlobe keloids with pressure or "clip-on" earrings.
  • Inflamed keloids often respond to steroid injections near the site. There is a risk of thinning of the skin (atrophy) with steroid injections. 
Alternative therapies include:
  • Freezing (cryosurgery) plus steroid injections.
  • Surgery plus radiation therapy to the affected area. Surgical removal (excision) of keloids may lead to the keloid coming back (recurring) larger than it was before the excision.
  • Laser therapy with a pulsed-dye laser to actively expanding lesions.
  • Other injectable agents, such as interferon alpha and gamma.
Last Modified: 10 Oct 2007

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