Keloids are dense, fibrotic papules, plaques, or nodules found at areas of previously traumatized skin (eg, burns, lacerations, incision scars) or arising spontaneously on normal skin.

Keloids may be single or multiple. They may be painful, tender, pruritic, and can grow to become very large (up to 30 cm). They can cause chronic discomfort, be disfiguring, and restrict normal tissue motion.

Keloids can affect individuals of any race and ethnicity. There is likely a genetic basis for the tendency to develop keloids, and research is ongoing. Most susceptible individuals start developing keloids in their 20s. Keloid formation is associated with hypertension and obesity.