Bump Vs Keloids
Piercing Bump Vs Keloids. Piercing bumps and keloids are two skin changes that can occur on the piercing site. But they’re not the same thing — a piercing bump is harmless and will likely disappear after time, while keloids are more serious, according to dermatologists.
Keloids develop as a result of excessive scar tissue production during the healing process. They appear as raised, firm scars that are flesh-colored, reddish, or darker than your skin tone.[1]
What are piercing bumps?
Having a small bump next to your piercing isn’t a huge problem, but it can be uncomfortable and a pain to try to remove. Fortunately, it is often just a case of getting rid of the irritation that caused the bump to form in the first place.
Some piercings, like helix and nose piercings, are more likely to develop these lumps than others, so it is important to get them taken care of as soon as they appear. If left untreated, they can get larger or cause other issues, like infection.[2]
However, they can be easily cured with simple remedies and time. You can clean the area with a sea salt solution, tea tree oil or colloidal silver.
You should also avoid touching your piercing, especially when you’re washing. This will keep the piercing clean and keep it from becoming infected.
What are keloids?
Keloids are a type of scar that forms when an overgrowth of granulation tissue (type 3 collagen) replaces the type 1 collagen in an area of skin. The scars tend to be thicker, more pronounced, and darker in color than the rest of the skin.[3]
They grow slowly over several months and may become painful or itchy. They usually occur around areas of piercings or other injuries to the skin, such as cuts, burns, tattoos, and vaccines, Katy Burris, M.D., a dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center, tells SELF.
There’s no clear cause for keloid formation, but it appears to have a genetic component. People with first-degree relatives who have keloids are more likely to develop them, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
There are a few nonsurgical treatment options that are used to reduce the size of keloid scars, including laser therapy. Injections of anti-inflammatory steroids can also help reduce inflammation and decrease the likelihood of a keloid developing in the first place. Silicone sheets, which resemble bandages without the gauze pad, can also be used to prevent keloids after surgery.[4]
How to tell the difference
There are a lot of different causes for lumps and bumps on piercings. These can include bad piercing techniques, improper aftercare, and inferior hygiene practices.
The first step is to identify what is causing the problem. For instance, if you are constantly touching your piercing, the bump is likely due to irritation and it’s best to speak with a piercer to see if there is a more serious issue.[5]
If the bump is not a keloid, it should fade after a few weeks. However, if the bump is a keloid, it may take longer to go away.
A keloid is a thick scar that forms when skin cells produce too much collagen during the healing process. It starts as a raised, brownish, reddish, or pinkish scar that darkens with time.
Keloids can appear anywhere on the body, but they typically develop after a wound, such as a piercing. It can take 3 to 12 months or more for a keloid to form, and it can grow for years.[6]
Treatment for piercing bumps
Piercing bumps are a common occurrence and are typically harmless. They can develop from allergies, poor aftercare, irritation or trauma. They are often itchy and may bleed.
However, they can also be a sign of something more serious such as keloid scarring. Keloids form when excess collagen builds up and forms a scar that is larger than the original injury.[7]
A keloid can develop on any part of the body and is more common in people with dark skin. It can take up to three months to a year for a keloid to form.
As a result, they are not always easy to get rid of. If you’re unsure, it is best to seek medical care.
There are several treatments available to reduce or remove keloid bumps. These treatments can range from natural remedies to surgery. For example, a steroid injection is a popular treatment that can be used to shrink the size of a keloid.[8]
Treatment for keloids
Keloids are raised scars that occur after a skin injury. They can be red, pink or skin-coloured and can be thicker than the original wound.
The treatment for a keloid depends on its size and the location where it occurs. Large keloids may need to be cut and removed by surgery.
Small keloids may be reduced with corticosteroid injections, which can reduce their thickness and soften them. They might also be treated with laser therapy to improve their appearance.[9]
Other treatment options include freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy). This is more effective on small keloids than large ones.
Some people might benefit from a keloid-preventing medication called triamcinolone acetonide (TA) after their keloid is surgically removed. This medication decreases blood flow in the area where the keloid was removed, which can prevent it from growing back.
Other ways to prevent a keloid include wearing pressure earrings after getting a piercing, avoiding friction or injury and protecting the area from sun exposure. If you notice a keloid forming, take immediate action to reduce the risk of it growing.[10]
Other explanations
When you get a piercing, your body jumps right into the healing process. It starts making collagen, a fibrous substance that helps repair skin tissue, so that your piercing is strong and sturdy.
But sometimes, too much collagen can form a scar called hypertrophic scar. This is a common problem, and it usually doesn’t cause any medical complications.
If you have a piercing bump, it’s probably caused by some type of irritation. This can be a simple thing like applying too much cosmetic or personal care products to the area, or it could be a more serious issue.[11]
These types of irritation bumps can be uncomfortable and itchy, and you may want to talk with your piercer about ways to prevent them in the future. You can also try using tea tree oil on your piercing to help keep it clean and sanitized.
A keloid is another type of bump that forms during the healing process. Keloids are larger and may develop in places other than your piercing, like the ears or other body areas. They’re more likely to occur if you have a genetic predisposition, or if you have darker skin tones.
When to speak with a doctor
If you have a piercing bump, it’s important to understand it’s not a sign of a failing piercing or something wrong with your piercer. It’s just your body trying to heal itself.[12]
However, if you have a keloid or even a hypertrophic scar, it’s time to call your doctor’s office and schedule an appointment. These conditions can make a big impact on your appearance, especially if they’re not addressed quickly enough.
Fortunately, your doctor isn’t out to scare you off if they don’t have to be, as long as you can explain what’s going on and why. You’ll also want to let your doctor know about any medications or supplements you are taking, as well as any health related websites, books, or apps you have found helpful.
The best way to go about it is to get a head start on your doctor’s exam, so that you can cover all your bases and have a smoother experience at your next appointment. The most important rule of thumb is to speak slowly and clearly, and to repeat what you say as often as possible in order to make sure you have understood it completely.
Summary
The difference between a piercing bump and a keloid may seem insignificant, but it can make an enormous difference to your healing. While a piercing bump is typically just a small lump that forms near a newly pierced site, a keloid can become an enlarged scar that grows in size over time.[13]
According to Medical News Today, a keloid emerges following an injury that causes excess collagen to build up during the body’s normal healing process. Common types of skin injuries that can lead to a keloid include burns, acne, and bug bites.
Keloids are a bit more serious than piercing bumps and often need to be treated by a doctor. During the initial stages, they can look like red or pink bumps that grow larger over time.
Attempting to remove a keloid without professional help could cause bleeding and infection. In addition, if it’s large enough or growing too fast, the piercing may need to be removed in order to protect the body from the growth of the keloid.
Piercing Bump Vs Keloids
There are a few different types of skin changes that can happen at the site of a piercing. Some are harmless and will go away on their own, while others may be more problematic.[14]
One of these is the piercing bump. This is a hard lump that usually appears after 3-6 months after the healing process has ended.
What is a piercing bump?
A piercing bump is a small lump that usually develops on cartilage piercings (like your nose or upper ear). These are typically caused by your body’s immune system responding to the piercing by creating extra blood vessels around the wound. They’re most common in the first two weeks and they’ll eventually fade away with some TLC.
However, if your piercing has become larger or thicker, it might be a sign that you’ve developed a keloid (an abnormal growth), says Harris. You’ll need to see a doctor, as they can remove it safely and effectively.[15]
If you’ve got a keloid, it could be caused by your body forming extra scar tissue after your piercing. The bump isn’t necessarily painful, but it may look and feel uncomfortable to touch. You can prevent a keloid by ensuring you’re following the proper aftercare, such as using our Sterilear two-step piercing system and cleaning your piercing twice a day with antiseptic soap, hydrogen peroxide and a clean towel.
You should also avoid sleeping on your piercing, as this can disrupt the healing process. Instead, use a travel pillow or plastic hair clip on the pierced side of your head.
Another reason why you might have a bump on your piercing is because you’re allergic to the metal in your jewelry. Some pieces, such as stud earrings and butterfly-backed nostril screws, have nickel in them, so they can cause an itchy reaction when you’re wearing them.
Changing your jewelry to one that doesn’t have any nickel in it can help clear up a piercing bump, explains King. You can also switch to a metal that’s hypoallergenic, such as surgical steel or titanium, to help your body calm down.
Finally, if you’re getting a piercing for the first time, try to choose a professional body piercer. They’ll know how to properly pierce your skin and will be able to size your jewelry to prevent you from damaging the piercing.[16]
Hopefully, you’ve learned everything you need to know about piercing bumps and keloid growths from reading this article. If you’re still unclear about what you’re dealing with, don’t hesitate to ask your piercer for help.
How do I know if I have a piercing bump?
There are many different types of bumps that can appear on the surface of your piercing. Some of these bumps are caused by infections, while others are called keloid scars. Thankfully these bumps usually go away on their own.
A keloid is a type of scar tissue that forms when collagen builds up around damaged skin. It can look shiny, hairless, raised and hard. Keloids are more common in people with darker skin, and if left untreated can develop into a hypertrophic scar.
Keloids can also occur on other parts of the body, such as the belly or men’s face. They are often a result of poor skin care or an accident.
They are more likely to form on darkly pigmented clients as well, so it’s important that you use correct body piercing jewelry and a good aftercare routine. If you suspect a keloid is developing, it’s best to remove your jewelry and speak to a dermatologist.[17]
Some piercers are able to treat keloid scars with a sea salt solution. This treatment is best applied daily, twice a day, and can take about a week to fully heal the keloid.
Other solutions include tea tree oil, colloidal silver and aspirin. These are also proven to be very effective in treating piercing bumps, but be sure to consult with your piercer before using any products.
If you have a keloid, you should avoid applying cold compresses or other items that could cause it to bleed more easily. It’s also a bad idea to pop it or pick at it, as it can bleed or cause infection.
You can also try massaging the area with therapeutic-grade tea tree oil. This can help dry out the keloid and make it more susceptible to fading.
It’s also important to make sure that you’re getting enough Vitamin D. This can also help to keep your skin healthy and fight off keloids, as well as other skin conditions.
Finally, if you’re a healthy, active person with healthy skin, you’re less likely to have bumps and other problems. A good diet, exercise, and stress relief can all help to keep your skin healthy and your piercings looking great![18]
How do I know if I have a keloid?
Keloids are raised scars that can grow beyond the original injury site. They usually don’t hurt and aren’t cancerous, but they can be a cosmetic concern.
They’re most common on people younger than 30 and tend to run in families. Certain ethnicities — such as those of Latino or Asian descent — are more prone to developing them than others.
The cause of keloid formation is unknown, but it’s thought to be related to an overproduction of collagen in the skin. These proteins help wounds heal, but overproduction can cause keloids to form.
Once a keloid forms, it can be difficult to get rid of or reduce in size. But there are treatment options available, depending on the type and location of your keloid.[19]
For smaller keloids, your doctor might try reducing them with injected medicine. These injections break up the bonds between collagen fibers, which helps them to shrink. In some cases, your doctor might use liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) to freeze the keloid. This can cause the keloid to shrink or disintegrate, but it might also lead to pain and loss of skin color (hypopigmentation).
You should ask your dermatologist for more details on how you can treat a keloid, including what treatment option would work best for you. They might also recommend radiation therapy, interferon injections or surgery.
Laser treatment can also help flatten larger keloids and ease itchiness. Larger keloids can be treated with pulsed-dye laser sessions, which are delivered over several sessions with 4 to 8 weeks between treatments.
Corticosteroid injections can also help reduce itchiness and swelling by breaking up the bonds between collagen fibers, which can thin the keloid. These injections need to be repeated every four to six weeks, or even more often, for several months before you see results.
Your doctor might also use low-level X-ray radiation to shrink your keloid, especially if the scar tissue is larger than 2 cm in diameter. This can cause the keloid to fade or disappear, but it might also increase your risk of skin complications and cancer.
Your doctor might recommend getting a skin biopsy to find out more about what’s causing your keloid. If you have a family history of keloids or you’re at higher risk for them, your doctor might recommend talking to your surgeon before having skin surgery to make sure they can avoid using techniques that could make it more likely for the keloid to form.[20]
How do I get rid of a piercing bump?
A piercing bump is usually a normal part of the healing process. It can be annoying, but it will go away on its own. You can also use a variety of products to help it go away quicker.
Keeping your piercing clean can help prevent a piercing bump from developing, but you may still end up with one. The best way to avoid a piercing bump is to follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions.[21]
Clean your piercing and jewelry twice daily with a saline solution or sea salt soak. Saline helps wash away harmful bacteria that can lead to infection and keloids, while sea salt soaks can help remove dead cells from your piercing.
It is important to remember that a piercing bump will usually go away on its own after a few months of healing. If your piercing bump doesn’t disappear within a few months, you should contact your piercer for an appointment to make sure it’s not an infection.
You should also avoid touching the piercing area with your hands and wearing tight clothing while it heals. Tight clothing can trap sweat and bacteria against your piercing and make it harder to heal.
If you are concerned that your piercing bump is infected, start rinsing your piercing and jewelry with saline solution or sea salt soak daily to keep bacteria at bay. If it isn’t infected, you should stop using the saline solution or sea salt soak once your piercing has healed.
Another popular remedy for a piercing bump is tea tree oil. However, there is no conclusive evidence that this can help get rid of a piercing bump or make it smaller.[22]
While you can apply a few drops of tea tree oil to your piercing bump, it is best to try other methods before deciding on a treatment.
Instead of using tea tree oil, you can place a few drops of chamomile tea into a bowl of warm water and dip your piercing into it. This will sooth your piercing and increase blood flow to the area, which can speed up the healing process.
