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Stocksy
In This Article
There’s nothing quite like the rush of getting a newbodyorear piercing.
But what exactly is a keloid, and how do you know if you have one?
Stocksy
Ahead, find everything you oughta know about keloids and piercing bumps before hitting the piercer’s chair.
Meet the Experts
What Is a Keloid?
According to Sperling, thescarappears thickened and sometimes pink or flesh-colored.
Extra scar tissue grows after the injury, forming a smooth, hard-raised area.
Keloids can range in size and can sometimes cause itching or tenderness.
“Keloids can also develop after bug bites,acne, and other seemingly mild skin injuries.
In rare cases, keloids develop spontaneously without recalled trauma.”
What Causes Keloids?
Keloids grow because the body over-defends itself due to physical trauma, surgery, or injury to the skin.
They are common for people under the age of 30.
According to Sperling and MacGregor, African Americans are more likely to get keloids.
“Keloids are associated with young adulthood and are (at least partly) hereditary.
What Is a Piercing Bump?
A piercing bump represents an overproduction of granulation tissue.
“Granulation tissue is made by the body after an injury, such as a piercing.
What Causes a Piercing Bump?
“The bodys overproduction of healing tissue causes a bump to form around the piercing,” Camp says.
Keloids vs.
If you are prone to keloids, piercings and tattoos are strongly discouraged.
The upside to this kind of bump is that it’s easily treatable at home by performingproper piercing aftercare.
If it doesn’t clear up in a few days, though, you should see your doctor.
In-office treatments injections with cortisone are adjusted depending on how thick or large the keloid is.
They also tend to be soothing.
Sticking to that simple process will increase your chances of healing the infection without causing further irritation.
Silicone Gel/Sheets
Both Sperling and MacGregor agree that silicone is an important gel to use.
Gentle massage also provides a mild benefit once the scar is healed,” notes MacGregor.
The silicone sheets can be used on healed scars as well.
Laser Removal
Once a keloid occurs, vascular lasers can be used every three to four weeks.
In severe or extreme cases, debulking surgeries or even radiation might be needed.
Do not delay treatment.
If you have a wound, take care of it immediately.
Add ointment and non-sticking dressing, and completely protect your skin from the sun.
Eventually, it will slow down and stop growing but this can take years,” MacGregor states.
Some scars will remain and it is a personal choice whether you want to remove them or not.
Be sure to seek a professional opinion on bumps and raised scars.
The earlier, the better.
Hypertrophic scars, pimples, infections, epidermal inclusion cysts, and piercing bumps can be mistaken for keloids.
In fact, it is rare for a keloid rarely to open up on its own.
But, you may experience bleeding if you injure your keloid.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Signs and symptoms.
2015;2(12):e272.
doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000231
Cleveland Clinic.Sebaceous cysts.
Updated January 15, 2021.
