Keloids can develop from any kind of piercing, including ear piercings. When this happens, the affected area can look a bit different than typical piercing healing. Usually, a keloid will appear as a raised, reddish-brown lump above the piercing hole.
The lump may become larger over time, extending beyond the edges of the piercing hole. The affected area may also become itchy or painful. Keloids can vary in size and shape, but are usually bumpy, shiny, and harder than the normal skin around it.
Additionally, they may look slightly irregular or thick. In some cases, the keloid may have visible scar tissue or feel rough and bumpy in texture.
How do I get rid of a keloid on my ear piercing?
If you have a keloid forming on your ear piercing, the best approach to getting rid of it is to see a dermatologist for specialized treatment. Your dermatologist may suggest a variety of treatments such as corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy (freezing the tissue), laser therapy, and even surgery.
Corticosteroid injections are the most common option, as they help to reduce inflammation and reduce the size of the keloid. Cryotherapy also works well to reduce the size of the keloid, as does laser therapy.
Surgery may be necessary if the keloid is too large or causing significant discomfort. In addition to seeing a dermatologist, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk of keloid formation.
Keep your piercings very clean—at least twice a day—and avoid touching them too often. Wear earrings made of hypoallergenic materials to reduce skin irritation. Finally, avoid any type of trauma to the pierced area in order to minimize the risk of keloid formation.
Do ear piercing keloids go away?
Although ear keloids can go away, they may take a long time to do so. The size and character of each keloid will determine the time frame in which it may vanish. Typically a keloid, which is an overgrowth of scar tissue, will appear right after a piercing and can remain for several years.
The good news is that there are some treatments available that can speed up the process or even completely remove the keloid. If a keloid is small, it may be possible to get it removed through non-surgical methods such as corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets, cryotherapy, and laser treatment.
These procedures can sometimes reduce the appearance of the keloid, although it may require more than one treatment to get it to go away completely. If a keloid is larger, then it may need to removed by surgical excision, in which a doctor will cut it away from the tissue.
After surgery, some doctors may recommend additional treatments such as radiation therapy and steroid injections to reduce the chances of regrowth.
Should I keep my piercing in if I have a keloid?
It depends. Keloids are a type of scar which can develop due to skin trauma, such as a piercing, and they tend to form around areas where the skin is constantly irritated. Keeping a piercing in if you have a keloid could make it worse, as the constant pressure from the jewelry, as well as the cleaning or rotation of the piercing could cause further irritation to the area.
Therefore, if you have developed a keloid around a piercing, you should discuss with your medical professional whether it is best to keep the piercing in or have it removed. They can determine the best course of action, as the situation is unique to you and can provide you with the best advice on how to manage the keloid.
Even if you decide to keep the piercing, you should be aware of any changes to the area, such as increased redness, itching, or pain, and seek medical advice if these occur.
Are piercing keloids serious?
Yes, piercing keloids are a serious condition. Piercing keloids are overgrowths of scar tissue that can develop around piercings or other sites of skin injury. They occur when the body sends an abnormal amount of collagen fibers to a wound as it heals.
Although this scarring is not necessarily harmful to your health, it can be physically uncomfortable and can cause pain, itching, or burning; it is often unsightly and can cause emotional distress. However, left untreated, piercing keloids can become larger and if they occur in areas such as the ear, they can cause hearing problems.
Occasionally, piercing keloids can also become infected, leading to complications and a condition known as cellulitis. For these reasons, it is important to take piercing keloids seriously, and to seek medical advice to find the best way to address them.
Remember, prevention is the best medicine. Treat wounds such as piercings with care and prompt medical attention to ensure that keloids do not form.
Can keloids go away naturally?
Keloids are growths of scar tissue caused by an overgrowth of collagen fibers, making them firm and rubbery in appearance. The exact cause of keloids is not known, but they are associated with healing after surgery, injury, or a skin condition such as acne or chickenpox.
The answer to the question of whether keloids can go away on their own is that it depends on the individual case. Some keloids may fade away naturally over time, but this can take several years. In most cases, keloids need to be treated in order to reduce their size or remove them completely.
Treatment options for keloids include: topical corticosteroids, intralesional corticosteroids, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), and surgery. Non-surgical options are often used before surgery as they can reduce the size of the keloid, making surgery more effective.
For those that choose not to pursue medical treatment, there are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that can reduce the size of keloids or improve the appearance of existing keloids. Some of these include using a warm compress, keeping the skin well moisturized, avoiding friction or irritation of the keloid area, and using silicone-based gels or sheets to flatten the keloid.
Because it is a growth of scar tissue, a keloid cannot be “reversed” where the scar tissue goes away and the original skin is restored; however, treatments can reduce the size of the keloid, flatten it out, and make it less visible.
Can I still wear earrings with a keloid?
Yes, you can still wear earrings with a keloid. However, it’s important to take some precautions. If you are prone to keloid or hypertrophic scar development, you should avoid wearing earrings or using any jewelry or decorations that require puncturing the skin.
It is especially important to avoid earrings that are heavy or contain sharp edges that may irritate the skin and cause further injury.
When you decide to wear earrings, it is best to opt for lighter options like studs. Do not wear earrings made with cheap metals or those with sharp edges. It is also best to avoid wearing earrings for long periods to reduce the risk of an infection.
If you already have a keloid, it is best to let it heal before wearing earrings. Use a compress soaked in warm water to help soften the keloid and apply a moisturizer to help reduce its size before putting on any earrings.
Finally, be sure to clean your ears and the earrings before and after wearing them. Keep the earrings dry and clean at all times, and avoid wearing them when engaging in physical activities, such as sports, to further reduce the risk of irritation.
Should I remove jewelry from keloid?
It is generally recommended that jewelry be removed from keloids for two primary reasons. First, keloids are often resistant to topical creams and medications, so the irritation caused by jewelry can aggravate the area.
Second, jewelry can actually rub or irritate the keloid, causing it to grow or become worse. In order for the keloid to heal properly, it is important to keep it free from chronic pain, inflammation, and other forms of irritation that can make it difficult for the keloid to heal.
Additionally, many people with keloids like to wear compression garments to either reduce the size or slow the growth of keloids. Wearing jewelry over these garments can make the keloid worse by hindering the effectiveness of the compression garment.
In conclusion, it is best to remove jewelry from keloids in order to reduce irritation and potentially improve the keloid’s reaction to treatment.
What shrinks a keloid?
Keloid is a growth of extra scar tissue that develops at the site of a healed skin injury. Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to completely shrink a keloid. There are certain treatments available that may be able to shrink its size, but the results are not guaranteed.
These treatments include: topical creams, corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy, laser therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Topical creams may be able to reduce the size of a keloid, often in combination with other treatments. These creams may be applied directly to the affected area to reduce pain and itching, and help with the healing process.
Corticosteroid injections are considered to be one of the most effective treatments for keloids. They are injected directly into the affected area, and have been known to reduce their size significantly.
Cryotherapy is a procedure where extremely cold temperatures are used to freeze and destroy scar tissue. The procedure usually causes very little scarring, and can help reduce the size of a keloid.
Laser therapy is a treatment that uses a specialized type of laser to reduce or eliminate keloid scars. This procedure can be performed in a doctor’s office, and may be able to reduce the size of a keloid.
Radiation therapy is another treatment that may be used to reduce the size of a keloid. This treatment uses radiation to destroy the extra scar tissues, which can help reduce its size.
Surgery is a more aggressive treatment that can be used to remove a keloid. This procedure is usually used as a last resort, as the recurrence rate is high.
Ultimately, there is no guarantee that any of these treatments will be successful in shrinking a keloid. Each treatment has its own risks and side effects, so it is important to discuss the options with your doctor before starting a treatment.
What should I do if I have a keloid on my piercing?
If you have a keloid on your piercing, the best course of action is to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist so that the keloid can be examined and treatment can be discussed. Generally speaking, the treatment for a keloid on a piercing is to apply a mild topical corticosteroid cream.
However, if the keloid does not resolve with the application of the cream, your dermatologist may recommend in-office treatments, such as intralesional steroid injections or cryotherapy. Additionally, if the keloid is particularly large and/or cosmetically displeasing, your doctor may recommend having it surgically removed.
It is best to talk to your doctor so they can provide you with the treatment options that are most suitable for you.
How long do keloids last on piercings?
Keloids can last indefinitely on piercings, depending on the extent of the reaction and the treatment used. Keloids are raised, thick scars that occur due to an overgrowth of collagen in the skin; they are more common in areas with darker skin, and can occur months to years after the piercing has been done.
While there is no surefire way to prevent them, some people have had success using topical creams or gels, or silicone sheets, to reduce the appearance of the keloid. Surgery is sometimes recommended, but this is not always a permanent solution.
Treatment of existing keloids may include corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy, or radiation therapy. It is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of action to effectively and safely reduce the appearance of the keloid.
How do you flatten a keloid naturally?
There are various natural methods that you can use to try to flatten a keloid, and while they may not be as effective as medical treatments, they may be worth trying to reduce the appearance of the keloid.
The first natural method to consider is the use of essential oils, using either a cotton swab or a compress with a few drops of an essential oil and gently massaging the keloid. Some essential oils that show promise for reducing the appearance of a keloid include lavender or frankincense oil, and added ingredients like vitamin E or coconut oil to maximize the effect of the oil.
You may want to check with your doctor or a health practitioner first to see which type of oil may be best for your keloid.
You may also want to try topical creams and ointments with vitamin C, aloe vera, or copper peptides for additional relief. Applying these substances to the keloid can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
In addition to topical creams, you can try using a cold pack to reduce inflammation and pain. Simply place a wet, cold cloth on the area for fifteen to twenty minutes and take off. Do so repetitively over the course of several days to get the best results.
If you choose to take natural remedies, it is important to be patient and consistent. Although results can differ from one individual to another, it’s wise to give natural remedies at least a few weeks if not a few months to really see if they are working.
The most important thing is to be consistent in your approach, as some of these natural methods may take a while to show signs of improvement. Of course, it is always wise to consult with your doctor first before attempting to use any natural home remedies.
Can you stop a keloid once it starts?
Yes, it is possible to stop a keloid once it starts. It is best to see a doctor as soon as possible so they can diagnose the keloid and create the most effective treatment plan for you. The most common treatment options are steroid injections, silicone bandages, surgery, cryosurgery, radiation therapy, and laser treatments.
All of these options work to reduce the size and visibility of the keloid. However, depending on the size and location of the keloid, you may need to use more than one option to completely remove it.
Additionally, using a combination of treatments tends to be more effective in getting rid of keloids. It is also important to use any aftercare methods recommended by your doctor in order to prevent the keloid from coming back.
What does the beginning of an ear keloid look like?
At the beginning stages of an ear keloid, the affected area will generally appear as a reddish-purple raised lump on the ear. This lump will typically be firm to the touch and may be accompanied by a prickly or itchy feeling in that area.
The lump will often have a smooth, spherical surface, although it can appear in other shapes as well. Depending on the severity of the keloid, it may appear small and may not grow very much over time, or it may continue to increase in size, eventually becoming much larger.
In any case, a visit to a doctor is advised since keloids can be uncomfortable and cause further irritations to the skin.
Is my piercing forming a keloid?
It is possible that your piercing is forming a keloid, but it’s not something that can be definitively determined without an in-person evaluation. A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that can occur in the area of a piercing or cut.
Symptoms of a keloid might include a raised, firm bump above the area of the piercing, darkened skin in the area, itchiness, tenderness, or pain. If you are concerned that your piercing may be forming a keloid, the best course of action would be to visit a healthcare professional for examination.
They can determine the best course of treatment for you, and may recommend corticosteroid injections, silicone gel sheets, or laser treatment.