Keloid

A keloid is a type of raised scar that grows beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Unlike typical scars that flatten and fade, keloids continue to grow and may be itchy, tender, or painful.

Keloids are significantly more common in people with darker skin tones, affecting an estimated 10–15% of Black Americans compared to 1–2% of white Americans. The biological mechanisms are not fully understood, but genetic factors play a major role.

Treatment options include corticosteroid injections, silicone gel/sheets, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgical excision (though surgery alone has a high recurrence rate and often needs combining with other treatments).