Acne Keloids - Persistent Bumps of Scar Tissue
Not all scars from acne are the kind that leave craters in your skin. In the case of acne keloids, scar tissue builds up excessively, forming a bump on the surface of the skin that may protrude even larger than the pimple that was there previously. These keloid bumps (also called hypertrophic scars) can look like an acne cyst, but there may not be any acne pustule present at all, only an overgrowth of scar tissue.
It’s important to know that these overgrowths can occur. Picking at or pinching a keloid scar, as though it was a pimple, can inflame the keloid and cause the scar tissue to grow larger and last longer. Since there may not be any underlying bacteria at all, this is a fruitless excercise.
Cleansing the area may help inhibit the growth of a keloid, but the body’s excess production of scar tissue is not based on bacteria, and thus, typical acne treatments will seldom eliminate it. Surgical treatments are often needed in the case of large and persistent keloids. The most common treatments include surgical removal and steroid injections. Unfortunately, there is a high chance of recurrence, with 50% of keloids reforming at a later time.
Over time, most keloids tend to shrink and become less noticeable. This can sometimes be sped by simply applying pressure to the area, such as pressing down on the bump for 5-10 minutes every day. Theoretically, prolonged pressure may soften and break up the keloid scar.
Keloids are most common among those with darker skin, but they can happen to anyone. If you experience a persistent growth of scar tissue over the area of a former pimple, it may be a keloid. Keep the area clean and apply pressure, and if that doesn’t help, don’t pick at it - consider seeing a dermatologist.
