While some scarring after injury to the skin is normal, a painful keloid may result when an overgrowth of fibrous tissue forms a thick, dense, raised scar that extends beyond the initial wounded area.
Permanent unless treated, these scars can occur on any part of the body as a result of surgery, acne or even a piercing or tattoo, and are most common in those with darker skin types because they tend to not heal as well after trauma.
If you develop a keloid scar, your doctor may suggest a series of cortisone injections to reduce swelling and inflammation. Additionally, the steroids in cortisone help stop collagen synthesis, which prevents the scar from growing.
