Keloids do not produce pus. They are a type of raised scar resulting from an overgrowth of fibrous tissue after skin injury. If discharge, including pus, is present on or around a keloid, it indicates an underlying issue, such as an infection, not a characteristic of the keloid itself.
What Are Keloids?
Keloids are firm, raised scars that can appear shiny and often extend beyond the original wound boundaries. Unlike typical scars, keloids do not recede over time and can continue to grow. Their formation occurs when the body produces an excessive amount of collagen during the healing process, leading to a benign skin growth.
This abnormal healing results in a dense accumulation of collagen fibers and fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen. Keloids are composed of solid, organized connective tissue, distinct from fluid-filled lesions or abscesses. Their structure is an overproduction of normal scar tissue, not a collection of fluid.
Pus Does Not Belong
Pus is a thick, often yellowish or greenish fluid that consists primarily of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. Its presence is a clear indicator of a bacterial infection and the body’s immune response fighting off pathogens. This fluid forms when the immune system dispatches white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, to an infected area to engulf and digest invading microorganisms and cellular waste.
Keloids are made of solid, dense scar tissue and do not contain or produce pus. As an overgrowth of collagen, not an infectious process, they cannot generate this type of discharge. Therefore, if pus is observed on or near a keloid, it signals an infection within the surrounding skin or the keloid itself.
Signs of Keloid Infection
If a keloid or the skin around it becomes infected, several signs emerge. Increased pain or tenderness around the keloid is a common indicator. The area may also exhibit increased redness (erythema) and feel warmer to the touch.
Swelling (edema) can develop, making the keloid or adjacent skin appear puffy. A key sign of infection is the presence of discharge, which may include white, yellow, or green pus, or a foul-smelling fluid. If any of these symptoms appear, especially pus, seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.