Keloids can develop from piercings, but not all growths around a piercing are keloids. People of African American descent are more prone to keloids. Preventative measures include being careful with the piercing and cleaning it as recommended. If a keloid appears, visit a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
The short answer is yes, you can get keloids from piercings. Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that surrounds the piercing and can vary in size; some can be quite large. It’s important to remember, however, that not all growths surrounding a piercing are considered keloids. Skin infections can look like raised bumps, and sebaceous cysts can also look like scar tissue, but they’re something else entirely. Some people are simply more prone to piercing keloids, and these people should generally avoid getting pierced together. Otherwise, there are a few methods that can help prevent scar tissue from forming around a new piercing.
Once keloids from piercings or other trauma to the body, such as surgery, have started to appear, it’s usually too late. Keloids typically need to be surgically removed and it is largely unknown whether they will reappear as the cause appears to be mostly genetic. People of African American descent are much more prone to developing keloids from piercings, for example, than other races. The steps for caring for a piercing or tattoo may or may not actually prevent keloids from forming, but they’re worth a try.
It’s possible that the friction caused by the piercing rubbing against your skin could contribute to scar tissue growth, as well as pulling or tearing at the piercing soon after it occurs. Being careful with a new piercing and being careful not to sleep on it, or constantly tug on it, can help prevent scar tissue from forming. Also, cleaning the piercing as recommended by your piercer, usually with alcohol or a saline rinse, can help prevent infection. Infections can also lead to scar tissue growth and can be potentially dangerous.
Another important thing to remember is that even if keloids from piercings haven’t developed in the past, that doesn’t mean they still can’t develop in the future. Some areas of the body, on some people, may be more prone to these growths than others. If a keloid appears to be growing around a new piercing, it’s a good idea to visit a dermatologist who can evaluate the situation and determine if treatment is needed. In many cases, it may be necessary to remove the piercing and receive treatment to prevent the keloid from growing larger.
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