Overview
Ear piercings, acne, burns, and surgery can trigger them.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Thick, raised scar
- Thick, raised scar that keeps growing
Less common
- Itching
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayA scar that becomes red, hot, and painful, or drains pus.
See a doctor soonA growing or painful scar.
Causes
Overgrowth of scar tissue.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
- It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.
Who is more likely to get it
- Darker skin
- Family history
Diagnosis
A clinician can tell by looking.
Treatment
Treatment can flatten them.
Self-care
- Use silicone gel or sheets
- Avoid new piercings if you've had keloids
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Steroid shots | Shrinking |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Steroid shots, freezing, laser, or surgery plus other treatment.
Prevention
To prevent them:
- Avoid piercings if prone
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Harmless.
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.