A keloid is a growth of fibrous tissue at the site of a
healing scar caused by overproduction of collagen. Keloids are most common on
the breastbone, upper back, and shoulder but can occur anywhere on the
body.
Some people, especially those with dark skin, are more prone to
developing keloids.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Firm, raised, hard scars.
- Color
that varies from slightly pink to very dark.
- Tenderness or
itching.
- Continued growth and clawlike projections.
Keloids do not need treatment. But for cosmetic reasons or
to relieve keloid pain or itch, they can be surgically removed, frozen with liquid nitrogen, or treated with
medicine. If removed surgically, a keloid may recur in the surgical
scar.