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Keloid scars, which are typically thick and irregular, rarely go away on their own. They can be challenging to treat, which is why dermatologists emphasize the importance of preventing keloids from forming in the first place, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association AAD.
You may have a keloid scar if you may notice the following:. They frequently develop on the following parts of the body:. The AAD identifies the following as risk factors that may increase your odds of developing keloids:.
Prognosis of Keloids While keloids are benign noncancerous growths, they are nevertheless difficult to treat and frequently grow back even after they are surgically removed. Treatment options for keloid scars include: Cryotherapy This treatment, which works best on small keloids, involves freezing the keloid from the inside out.
This method is often used before or after corticosteroid injections to help make the injections more effective, says the AAD. Pressure Therapy This involves using a device or a special piece of clothing to put pressure on the area and reduce blood flow to the site to inhibit the regrowth of the keloid.
While effective, this treatment, which is often used after surgery, can be difficult for many people to stick to. These devices can be uncomfortable, and people need to wear them for 6 to 12 months. Radiation Therapy Low-dose radiation treatment after surgery may help prevent the scar from growing back. Laser Therapy This treatment uses high-energy light beams to reduce the size and lighten the color of a keloid. Laser therapy is commonly combined with other treatments such as corticosteroid injections or pressure therapy.
Silicone Gels and Patches These silicone-based treatments help flatten and reduce the size and color of the scars. Ligature Your doctor may opt to use a surgical thread to tie around the keloid, which cuts off the blood supply so that the keloid will naturally fall off after a period of time.
Medication Options Corticosteroid Injections These injections are administered into the keloid to help reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, which may help relieve swelling, itchiness, or tenderness. Fluorouracil This chemotherapy medication, which is usually used to treat cancer, may be used in conjunction with corticosteroids.
Centella asiatica has commonly been touted as preventing keloids. In a study published in April in the journal Minerva Chirurgica , researchers analyzed the postoperative scars of patients after they received knee or abdominal surgery. Some tips from AAD to keep in mind:.
Keloids are most common in people under age 30, according to the U. National Library of Medicine. As mentioned above, they are also more common in people of African American, Asian, or Hispanic descent. According to a May article in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology , incidence rates among Black and Hispanic individuals vary from 4.
They include: Hypertrophic Scars Experts differ as to whether these scars are really different from keloids, but there do seem to be some differences. These scars appear in the first weeks after a wound heals and then develop over the next six to eight months, after which they stop.
Keloids, on the other hand, begin to grow anytime in the first year after the injury and can continue to spread for months or even years. Ultimately, the choice is up to you — as long as you get a medical professional opinion first, of course. Got a question about your body piercing? Leave us a comment below! Related Stories. The "Vertical Piercing" Is L.
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A person may notice bleeding, bruising, and some swelling at the site of the piercing in the first few weeks after getting it. These symptoms are all normal. Other symptoms that are not typically a cause for concern may include:. A keloid is a raised scar that occurs as a result of trauma or injury to the skin. Sometimes, this type of scar may appear after a piercing.
A keloid forms due to an overgrowth of fibrous tissue. In response to injury, cells in the skin — called fibroblasts — produce excessive collagen, which leads to the development of a keloid. Keloids can take 3—12 months to develop after the original injury.
They start as raised scars that can be pink, red, purple, or brown and typically become darker over time. Earlobe keloid scars are likely to be round or oval. They can continue to grow over time — either quickly or slowly — and can become very large.
The texture of keloids can differ. They can feel soft and doughy or hard and rubbery. Other symptoms that a person with a keloid scar may experience include:.
Initially, keloids and piercing bumps can look similar. However, over time, differences will emerge. However, people can take steps to keep the area clean, prevent infection, and allow the piercing to heal.
These include:. Although the American Academy of Dermatology AAD suggest applying rubbing alcohol to the piercing, the general guidance is to avoid doing this as it can slow healing. Various treatment options are available for keloids. The appropriate treatment option can depend on several factors, including the type and size of the keloid.
Treatment options include:. Learn more about home care techniques for keloids here. Bumps at the site of a piercing can sometimes be a sign of another condition or health issue.
Some other possible causes include:. Infections in new piercings are quite common , and they can occur if the needle was not sterile or a person is unable to keep the piercing completely clean.
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