Keloids in Dark Skin: Causes, Treatments, and What Actually Works
When skin heals after an injury, sometimes it goes too far—creating a raised, thick scar that keeps growing beyond the original wound. This is a keloid, an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends past the edges of the original injury. Also known as keloid scar, it’s not just cosmetic—it can be itchy, painful, and stubborn to treat. People with darker skin tones, including those of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent, are 15 times more likely to develop keloids than those with lighter skin. That’s not a myth. It’s backed by dermatology studies tracking scar formation across ethnic groups.
Keloids don’t just show up after big cuts. They can form after acne, piercings, vaccinations, even minor scratches. The same skin that heals beautifully in one person might overproduce collagen in another, especially if genetics are involved. If your parent or sibling has keloids, your risk goes up. And unlike hypertrophic scars, thick scars that stay within the wound’s boundaries and often improve over time, keloids keep spreading, sometimes for years. They’re not cancerous, but they can grow large enough to limit movement—like on the chest or shoulder—or cause emotional distress because of their appearance.
Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially for dark skin. Many standard scar creams or laser therapies can make keloids worse by triggering more pigment changes or inflammation. The most effective approaches combine methods: corticosteroid injections to shrink the tissue, pressure dressings to flatten it, and sometimes silicone gel sheets worn for months. Cryotherapy (freezing) and surgery alone? Risky. Surgery without follow-up treatment often leads to even bigger keloids. Newer options like radiation after removal or pulsed dye lasers show promise, but access and cost vary. Prevention is smarter than cure. If you’re prone to keloids, avoid unnecessary piercings or tattoos. Treat acne early. Don’t pick at scabs. And if you do get a wound, keep it covered and moist—dry, irritated skin is more likely to trigger overgrowth.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve lived with these scars. You’ll see how specific treatments worked—or didn’t—for different skin types. You’ll learn how to talk to your doctor about options that won’t worsen pigmentation. You’ll find out why some home remedies fail and what clinical data actually supports. This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about understanding your skin, knowing your risks, and making choices that protect your health and confidence.
Skin of Color Dermatology: Managing Hyperpigmentation and Keloids
Hyperpigmentation and keloids are common, distressing skin conditions in people with darker skin tones. Learn what causes them, how to treat them safely, and why sunscreen is non-negotiable.
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