Both autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant patterns have been reported. Keloids are masses of scar tissue, usually associated with trauma, which extend beyond the original injury. They usually project above the surrounding skin, but seldom extend deep to the dermis. They are usually asymptomatic, but can be tender or pruritic. They rarely ulcerate.
Keloids are devoid of hair and other adnexa.
Spontaneous regression of keloids is rare, and is associated with advanced age. They are no well-documented cases of malignant degeneration of an unirradiated keloid. The differential diagnosis of keloids is primarily hypertrophic scars. Keloids can be distinguished from hypertrophic scars which do not extend beyond the limits of the original trauma and usually regress within 18 months. Another entity which occurs in the head and neck and may resemble a keloid is allergic contact dermatitis secondary to earrings.