Introduction
When you get a piercing, it’s normal to experience some redness, itching, and swelling. However, if you notice a raised, lumpy scar that extends beyond the piercing site, you may have a keloid. Keloids from piercings can be frustrating and unsightly, but there are ways to manage and treat them. In this article, we’ll explore how to get rid of keloids from piercings and prevent them from forming in the first place.
Understanding Keloids from Piercings: What You Need to Know
Keloids are raised scars that form when the body produces too much collagen in response to an injury or wound. They can occur after any type of skin injury, including piercings, and tend to be more common in people with darker skin tones. Keloids can be itchy or painful and can continue to grow over time if not treated.
To understand keloids, it’s essential to know the following:
Definition of Keloids
A keloid is a type of raised scar that extends beyond the original wound site. They can be pink, red, or flesh-colored and are often shiny and smooth to the touch. Keloids can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the ears, chest, and shoulders.
Causes of Keloids
The exact cause of keloids is unknown, but they tend to occur more often in people with a family history of keloids, darker skin tones, and in areas of high tension or movement. Keloids can also develop when the piercing site becomes infected or irritated.
Identifying Keloids
If you’re unsure whether you have a keloid or a hypertrophic scar, consider these differences. Keloids tend to:
- Extend beyond the original wound
- Have a shiny, smooth appearance
- Be itchy or painful to the touch
- Continue to grow over time
Keloids vs. Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars, like keloids, are raised and often occur after an injury or wound. However, hypertrophic scars tend to remain within the boundary of the original wound site and may improve on their own over time.
What to Expect When Trying to Get Rid of Keloids
It’s important to manage expectations when trying to get rid of keloids. Treatment can take time and may not completely eliminate the keloid. However, with consistent treatment and care, many people see improvement in the appearance and size of their keloids.
5 Natural Remedies to Treat Keloids from Piercings
When it comes to treating keloids naturally, it’s essential to understand that remedies are often most effective when used in combination with medical treatments. Here are five natural remedies that may help improve keloids:
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a popular remedy for a wide range of skin conditions, including keloids. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce redness and itchiness associated with keloids. To use, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and apply to the keloid two to three times per day.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a well-known remedy for soothing sunburns and skin irritation, but it can also help improve keloids. Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce itching and redness. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the keloid several times per day.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells and reduce the size of keloids. Dip a cotton ball in fresh lemon juice and apply to the keloid for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Honey
Honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the size and redness of keloids. Apply a thin layer of honey to the keloid and cover with a bandage. Leave on for several hours, then rinse with warm water.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can help reduce the size of keloids. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply to the keloid and massage gently for one minute. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Effective Treatments for Keloids from Piercings
While natural remedies can be helpful, sometimes medical treatments are necessary to reduce the size and appearance of keloids. Here are five effective treatments for keloids from piercings:
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections involve injecting a steroid directly into the keloid to reduce inflammation and improve its appearance. It may take several injections over several weeks to see improvement.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy involves using a high-energy beam of light to break down the keloid’s scar tissue. This can help improve the color and texture of the keloid over time.
Silicone Sheets
Silicone sheets can help hydrate and flatten keloids over time. The sheets are placed over the keloid for several weeks at a time to encourage collagen production and reduce scar tissue.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen to trigger the body’s natural healing process. This can help improve the appearance of the keloid over time.
Excision Surgery
Excision surgery involves removing the keloid entirely. This may be necessary for larger keloids or those that are causing significant discomfort. After surgery, corticosteroid injections or radiation therapy may be necessary to prevent the keloid from returning.
The Dos and Don’ts of Dealing with Keloids from Piercings
When dealing with keloids from piercings, there are several dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
When to See a Doctor
If your keloid is causing significant discomfort, is growing rapidly, or is interfering with movement, it’s essential to see a doctor. Your doctor can recommend appropriate treatments and monitor your progress over time.
How to Clean the Area
Clean the area around the piercing regularly with saline solution or a mild soap and water. Avoid harsh cleansers or rubbing the area too vigorously, as this can cause further irritation to the keloid.
What Treatments to Avoid
Avoid home remedies like vinegar, garlic, or toothpaste, as they can cause further irritation to the keloid. Piercing guns should also be avoided, as they can increase the risk of developing a keloid.
Importance of Patience
Treating keloids takes time and patience. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and give treatments time to work. Avoid picking at or scratching the keloid, as this can cause further scarring.
Steps to Maintain Overall Skin Health
Maintaining healthy skin is essential in preventing keloids from forming. Stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol, all of which can increase the risk of skin damage and scarring.
Preventing Keloids from Piercings: Tips and Tricks
While keloids can be challenging to treat, they can be prevented with proper aftercare. Here are some tips and tricks to prevent keloids from forming after a piercing:
Proper Aftercare
Follow your piercer’s recommendations for aftercare, which may include cleaning the area regularly, using saline solution, and avoiding swimming or submerging the piercing in water. Keep the area dry and avoid touching it too often, as this can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Avoiding High-Risk Activities
Avoid activities that increase the risk of injury or tension in the area, such as playing contact sports or wearing tight clothing. Avoid tugging or pulling on earrings or other jewelry, as this can cause trauma to the piercing site.
Choosing the Right Jewelry
Choose hypoallergenic jewelry made from materials like titanium, niobium, or surgical stainless steel. Avoid wearing cheap or low-quality jewelry that can irritate the piercing site.
Opting for Professional Piercing Services
Choose a reputable piercer who follows proper sterilization techniques and uses high-quality jewelry. Avoid piercing guns, which can cause trauma to the area and increase the risk of developing a keloid.
Real Stories of Dealing with Keloids from Piercings
Personal accounts of individuals who have dealt with keloids can provide insight into treatment options and help people feel less alone in their struggle. Here are some real stories of people who have dealt with keloids from piercings:
“I developed a keloid on my earlobe after getting a piercing at a mall kiosk. I tried using tea tree oil and baking soda, but neither worked. Eventually, I went to see a dermatologist, who prescribed a corticosteroid injection. After several weeks of treatment, my keloid had significantly improved.” – Sarah, 28
“I struggled with keloids on my chest for years after getting a piercing. I was self-conscious about them and tried everything from natural remedies to laser therapy. Eventually, I opted for excision surgery, which was scary but ultimately successful. My keloids haven’t returned since the surgery.” – Michael, 33
Conclusion
Dealing with keloids from piercings can be frustrating, but there are many treatment options available. From natural remedies to medical treatments, it’s important to explore all options and work with a doctor to find the best course of action. Maintaining healthy skin and choosing a reputable piercer can also help prevent keloids from forming. Remember, keloids take time and patience to manage, but with consistent care, it’s possible to see improvement.