Extensive keloids may become binding, limiting mobility. They may cause cosmetic changes and affect the appearance. Exposure to the sun during the first year of keloid formation will cause the keloid to preferentially tan. This dark coloration will become permanent. There is no known way to prevent the development of keloids in people who are prone to them.
Keloids often require no treatment.
Keloids usually are not medically dangerous but may affect the cosmetic appearance. In some cases, they may spontaneously reduce in size over time. Treatment for removal or reduction may not be permanent, and surgical removal may result in a larger keloid scar. Keloids are overgrowths of scar tissue that follow injuries. Keloids may appear after such minor trauma as ear piercing.