A keloid on the ear is a specific type of raised scar that appears after the skin has been injured. It forms due to an overgrowth of fibrous scar tissue, where the body’s healing process goes into overdrive. The resulting growth is a dense, firm, and often shiny bump that extends beyond the boundaries of the original injury. These formations are benign, meaning they are not cancerous or harmful to one’s physical health, though they can sometimes be itchy or tender. While keloids can develop on any part of the body, the earlobes and cartilage are particularly common sites.
Causes and Risk Factors for Ear Keloids
A keloid forms from excessive collagen production during the skin’s healing process. After an injury, cells called fibroblasts produce collagen to repair the damage, but in some individuals, this process does not shut off correctly, creating a thick, raised scar. This response is often tied to a genetic predisposition, making it more likely to develop keloids if immediate family members have them.
Certain populations also have a higher risk, including individuals with darker skin tones, such as those of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent. Age is another factor, with keloids being more common in people under 30. Any trauma to the ear can trigger a keloid, but piercings are the most frequent cause.
A keloid should be distinguished from a hypertrophic scar. While both are raised, a hypertrophic scar stays within the confines of the original wound and may flatten over time. A keloid, in contrast, grows beyond the initial injury site and can continue to expand long after the wound has healed.
Professional Treatment and Removal
Addressing a keloid on the ear involves various medical treatments aimed at reducing its size and appearance. A common first-line approach is corticosteroid injections administered directly into the scar tissue by a dermatologist. These injections reduce inflammation and break down excess collagen, which can flatten the keloid over several sessions.
Surgical removal, or excision, is another option where a surgeon cuts the keloid away. However, surgery alone has a very high probability of the keloid returning, sometimes even larger. For this reason, surgeons frequently combine excision with other therapies, such as post-surgical radiation, to prevent the scar from returning.
Other effective methods include cryotherapy and laser treatments. Cryotherapy involves freezing the scar tissue with liquid nitrogen to reduce its size and hardness. Laser treatments can be beneficial for reducing the redness associated with the scar and improving its texture by targeting blood vessels within the keloid.
To manage and prevent recurrence after a procedure, doctors often recommend non-invasive options like silicone gel sheets or gels. These can be applied to the area to hydrate the scar and regulate collagen production. For keloids on the earlobe, pressure earrings are also frequently prescribed post-treatment.
Pressure earrings work by applying continuous, uniform pressure to the site. This restricts blood flow and helps prevent the keloid from growing back.
Prevention and Managing Recurrence
For individuals prone to keloids, prevention centers on avoiding deliberate skin trauma. This includes refraining from new ear piercings, tattoos, or other elective procedures that injure the skin. If an existing piercing shows signs of thickening, it is important to remove the earring and consult a doctor about using a pressure earring to stop a keloid from forming.
Managing the high rate of recurrence after treatment requires diligence. Following a dermatologist’s post-treatment care plan is important. This plan often involves the consistent use of pressure earrings for several hours a day over many months, regular application of silicone sheets, or follow-up corticosteroid injections.
If surgery is necessary for other medical reasons, inform the surgeon about your history with keloids so they can take precautionary measures. This might include special wound closure techniques or starting preventative treatments like injections or silicone therapy immediately after the procedure to interrupt the abnormal healing response.