Keloid Infections:
Keloid Infections
As keloids grow, they can lead to secondary complications, such as bleeding and infections. A sudden onset of pain and swelling in a keloid often indicates an infection, which requires urgent attention. Infected keloids not only cause pain and discomfort but can also lead to systemic infections in the bloodstream.
An infected keloid typically presents as tender, painful, and warmer than the surrounding normal skin. A course of oral antibiotics can usually resolve this complication.
Once a keloid becomes infected, it is prone to recurrent infections. In patients with multiple large keloids, it is often one particular keloid that becomes infected repeatedly. The images below illustrate two cases of keloid infections.
To learn more about keloid infections, please click on the link to the publication co-authored by Dr. Tirgan and other researchers on this topic. The link to the publication that Dr. Tirgan co-authored with other researchers about keloid infections.

Infected chest keloid with visible purulent drainage
The patient shown below presented with pain and swelling at the site of her massive neck keloid. Due to fever and signs of systemic infection, she required hospitalization for surgical drainage of the abscess and intravenous antibiotics.

Severe infection of a massive neck keloid.
Frequently asked questions:
What are Keloid Infections?
Keloids can become infected as they grow, with bleeding, pain and swelling. These infections can show up as systemic/ bloodstreams infections as well. Signs of an infected keloid include tenderness, pain and more warmer skin than the surrounding area. A keloid infection can become recurring if not treated properly at first.