Keloids in Dark Skin: Causes, Treatments, and What Actually Works

When your skin heals after an injury, it sometimes overdoes it—growing too much scar tissue that keeps spreading beyond the original wound. This is a keloid, a type of raised scar that grows beyond the edges of the original injury and doesn’t stop on its own. It’s not just a cosmetic issue—it can itch, hurt, and get bigger over time. People with dark skin, skin with higher melanin content, often African, Asian, or Hispanic ancestry are 15 times more likely to develop keloids than those with lighter skin. This isn’t about hygiene or care—it’s biology. Your body’s healing response is simply more aggressive.

Keloids don’t just show up after big cuts. They can form after acne, piercings, even minor scratches or vaccinations. That’s why so many people with dark skin notice them behind the ears, on the chest, or along the jawline. They’re not contagious. They’re not cancer. But they’re stubborn. Over-the-counter creams rarely help. Silicone sheets and pressure dressings work for some, but not everyone. The real challenge? Treatments that work for light skin often fail—or make things worse—for dark skin. Laser therapy, for example, can trigger more pigmentation changes or even new keloids if not done right. Steroid injections are the most common first-line treatment, but they need multiple sessions and don’t always stop regrowth. Surgery alone? Risky. Without follow-up treatment like radiation or cortisone shots, keloids often come back bigger than before.

What actually helps? A mix of approaches tailored to your skin. Some people see results with cryotherapy—freezing the keloid to shrink it. Others benefit from combination therapy: injections plus silicone gel, or laser after steroid shots. The key is starting early, before the keloid gets too large. And don’t skip prevention. If you know you’re prone to keloids, avoid unnecessary piercings or tattoos. Treat acne gently. Cover healing wounds with silicone strips. Your skin’s healing process is unique—respect it.

Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from people who’ve been there—how to manage keloids without spending thousands, what treatments doctors actually recommend today, and which products are worth your time. No fluff. No hype. Just what works.