When do keloids appear

American Academy of Dermatology: Keloids. This article was contributed by: familydoctor. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

You may hear conflicting reports from different sources. The U. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Food Poisoning. Acute Bronchitis. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Bursitis of the Hip. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. High Blood Pressure. Home Diseases and Conditions Keloids. Table of Contents. What are keloids? Symptoms of keloids Keloids can have the following characteristics: Appear and grow slowly.

It can take 3 months up to a year before you see the first signs of a keloid. Then it takes weeks or months for it to grow. Sometimes, they continue to grow slowly for years. Begin as a raised pink, red, or purple scar. A keloid is usually a raised scar with a flat surface. The color tends to darken with time. Feel different than the surrounding skin. Some keloids feel soft and doughy. Others are hard and rubbery. Cause pain, itching, or tenderness.

When they are growing, some keloids may be itchy, tender, or painful to the touch. These symptoms usually stop once the keloid stops growing.

What causes keloids? Many different types of skin injuries can lead to a keloid. These include: cuts puncture wounds surgical scars severe acne chicken pox insect bites injection sites piercings tattoos Some people are more likely to develop a keloid when they scar.

You are more likely to develop a keloid if: You are Black, Latino, or Asian. You are younger than 30 years of age. A keloid develops when scar tissue builds up after a skin puncture or wound.

It can appear as a firm, raised scar. The keloid lump is often larger than the wound that caused it to form. It is not uncommon for keloids to appear on the ear after getting an ear piercing. In this article, we discuss the causes of keloids and explain the at-home and medical treatment options.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology AAD , unlike other types of raised scars, keloids are typically larger than the original wound. The AAD also state that keloids can form on any part of the body but often develop on the ears after a person gets a piercing. The keloid may occur anywhere from the earlobe to the cartilage.

Keloids form in different shapes and sizes, largely depending on the position of the scar. On an earlobe, the keloid will probably be round and solid. A keloid may start to develop shortly after the wound, but it may be months before it becomes apparent.

Whether or not a keloid forms at all depends on the individual. Some people find that they form keloids after minor wounds, such as acne spots, while others will never have them. Keloids typically appear slowly and take 3—12 months to start showing. The AAD state that it is not clear why keloids form.

According to one article , ear piercing is easily the most common reason for keloids to develop on the ear in those who are predisposed to forming them. The authors suggest that this may be because of the way the wound heals. Other researchers have proposed that a local inflammatory reaction to the metallic backs of earrings may be responsible for the frequent occurrence of keloids on the earlobe. Keloids can be difficult to treat.

However, a person can try the following :. In some cases, the surgical removal of a keloid may be possible. However, this procedure may cause an even larger keloid scar to develop, as the operation will create a new wound. According to the AAD , a dermatologist may use a combination of the following treatment options:.

A person will typically have these injections once every 3—4 weeks. After the first injection, a person may notice that the keloid feels softer. A dermatologist can remove the keloid. After keloid surgery, dermatologists can inject a corticosteroid or use cryotherapy to help reduce the chances of the keloid returning.

After surgery, ask your doctor about postoperative care and follow the instructions carefully. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Keloid on the ear Open pop-up dialog box Close. Keloid on the ear An ear keloid sometimes develops after a piercing.

Keloid on the elbow Open pop-up dialog box Close. Keloid on the elbow A keloid is usually larger than the original wound. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Keloid and hypertrophic scar. Mayo Clinic; Betarbet U, et al. Keloids: A review of etiology, prevention, and treatment. Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology. Kelly AP, et al. McGraw-Hill Education; Accessed May 27, High WA, et al.

Special considerations in skin of color. In: Dermatology Secrets. Elsevier; Accessed June 1,