What is a keloid?

A keloid is described as an excessively raised scar due to an overproduction of collagen during the healing process of the skin. This occurs when the body produces too much collagen as a response to injury or trauma, resulting in a scar that extends beyond the original wound site. Keloids are characterized by their firm, smooth appearance and can vary in size; they may also change color and texture over time. Unlike normal scars that tend to flatten out over time, keloids continue to grow and can sometimes become painful or itchy.

While normal scar formation is related to the healing process, it does not involve the same excessive collagen production that defines keloids. A type of skin lesion is a broader category that could include various conditions, but it does not specifically describe the unique characteristics of keloids. An acute allergic reaction pertains to an immune response and does not relate to scar formation at all. Thus, the accurate understanding of a keloid is specifically tied to its excessive nature and the mechanism of collagen overproduction.