Keloid scars: One of the scars that may be the most difficult to treat is a keloid scar. These scars occur when there is trauma to the skin and grow beyond the edges of the wound or incision. Keloid scars are usually red or purple in color, shiny, elevated and can be itchy or painful and continue to grow. The overgrowth of scar tissue makes these scars very visible and may form up to one year after the initial trauma to the skin. It is believed that people with keloid scars may have a genetic predilection for forming them. Keloid scars are more common in darker skin types, do not go away without treatment, and are usually found on the earlobes, chest, back and shoulders.