Managing keloid itch, pain, and tenderness

People often assume keloids are purely a cosmetic nuisance, but many keloids itch, sting, or hurt, and those symptoms are a legitimate reason to seek treatment beyond appearance.

The itch and tenderness come from the active, inflamed nature of keloid tissue and the nerve endings caught within it. Fortunately, the same treatments that flatten keloids tend to relieve the symptoms: steroid injections reduce inflammation and frequently ease itch and pain quickly, often before much visible flattening occurs. Silicone and pressure can also calm an irritable keloid. For persistent itch, a dermatologist may add targeted measures.

The takeaway for patients is that they do not have to tolerate a painful or itchy keloid while debating whether to treat it cosmetically, symptom relief is a valid goal on its own. Anyone whose keloid is uncomfortable, catching on clothing, or interfering with sleep should see a dermatologist, because effective relief is usually available and does not require waiting until the keloid is large.

Related reading: Pressure therapy: the slow, effective keloid treatment and Acne keloidalis nuchae: keloid-like bumps on the neck.