Keloid scars can cause discomfort, can limit movement and can cause other physical and visual symptoms. With proven effective and timely treatment, these symptoms can be reduced and prevented in many cases.

What is a keloid scar?

A keloid scar is an excessive overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound. In other words: a scar that has become extremely thick, continues growing and causes discomfort. Keloid scars are red to purple in colour and most commonly occur on the shoulders, chest, back and ears. Keloid scars do not improve on their own and require immediate treatment.

Keloid scar

Symptoms of keloid scars

Keloid scars can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Itching and irritation
  • Tightness and pulling of the skin
  • Pain, especially when pressure is applied to the scar tissue
  • Severe stiffness, which may restrict movement

In addition to physical discomfort, keloid scars can be very noticeable. Which is a concern, especially in visible areas​.

Hypertrophic vs. keloid scar: the difference

Both keloid and hypertrophic scars are thick and raised, but there is a key difference:

  • Hypertrophic scars remain within the original wound area and eventually stop growing

  • Keloid scars continue growing beyond the wound boundaries and do not stop unless treated

Hypertrophic scar

How does a keloid scar form?

Keloid scars form due to excessive moisture loss through the skin. When the scar dries out too much, the body produces excess collagen, which results in an overgrowing, raised scar.

The body creates excess scar tissue that can become an abnormal scar, which can cause pain and other symptoms. If your scar is thickening or extending beyond the wound edges, early intervention is crucial to prevent further growth.

Abnormal scars typically develop around six weeks after wound closure and may continue changing for up to 18 months. During this time, the scar remains active, making it an optimal period for treatment to improve its final appearance.

Causes of keloid scars

Keloids can develop due to several factors, including:

  • Genetics: If you have a family history of keloid scars, you are more likely to develop them

  • Skin tone: People with darker skin tones are at higher risk

  • Wound healing issues: Infections or prolonged healing can trigger keloid formation

  • Location: Scars on high-tension areas like the chest, shoulders, and back are more prone to develop into keloids

Keloid scar treatment

Keloid scars require medical intervention as they do not fade on their own. Effective treatments include:

Silicone sheets

Silicone therapy is the most intensive, non-invasive form of scar treatment. Silicone sheets offer the most effective form of silicone therapy. Our Scarban and BAPSCARCARE silicone sheets are available in thick, thin, rectangular and pre-shaped designs. BAPSCARCARE sheets are nearly invisible, while Scarban sheets provide added UV protection.

Silicone gel

Silicone gel is a proven scar treatment and ideal for small scars in visible areas such as the face. BAPSCARCARE silicone gel can be used under make-up and is also available with SPF. Silicone gel alone is not enough for keloid scar treatment. A combination of silicones and pressure therapy is often recommended by specialists.

Scar cream

Scar cream alone is not sufficient to treat a keloid scar. But a good scar cream can aid in keloid scar treatment.

ALHYDRAN is a clinically proven scar cream that provides intense hydration while locking in moisture. It provides sustained hydration to promote optimal scar healing. The cream also absorbs quickly into the skin, which makes it ideal to use in combination with silicone sheets.

How to prevent keloid scars

If you are at risk of keloids, early intervention is crucial. To prevent keloid formation:

  • Monitor wound healing: slow-healing and/or infected wounds are more prone to develop into a keloid scar

  • Start silicone therapy immediately after wound closure using silicone sheets (Scarban, BAPSCARCARE)

  • Use a hydrating scar cream like ALHYDRAN to keep the scar soft and prevent dehydration​

  • Avoid unnecessary skin trauma (e.g., piercings, tattoos) in high-risk areas
  • Protect the scar from sun exposure: UV rays can darken and worsen keloids