A keloid, or a keloid scar, is an overgrowth of scar tissue that can occur after an injury or surgery. It can occur in any type of skin, but is more common in darker skin tones. Starting out, a keloid will look like a raised, reddened area of skin, usually appearing within a few weeks of the injury or surgery.
The area of the keloid might be itchy and may be tender to the touch. Over time, the keloid can become thicker and more raised, eventually taking on a rubbery feel. The size of the keloid can vary, and they can grow quite large.
Depending on the size and location of the keloid, they may interfere with the range of motion of nearby joints, cause discomfort when skin rubs against other areas of skin, or even cause embarrassment due to their size or coloring.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you think you have a keloid, as early treatment may prevent it from growing larger and causing more discomfort.
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How do you know if a keloid is forming?
If you notice your skin begin to become raised, bumpy, and itchy, it is possible that a keloid is forming. Keloids are benign skin lesions that occur when the body’s wound-healing process goes wrong.
In general, these lesions are caused by tissue overgrowth from abnormal collagen production after an injury or trauma.
Keloid scars can be identified by its lumpy, thickened appearance. Other signs include redness, hardening of the skin, and itching. They appear different from other scar types, such as hypertrophic or atrophic scars, because they do not typically stay within the boundaries of the original wound.
Also, unlike other scars, keloids commonly grow bigger over time.
Keloids usually develop a few weeks after an injury. Be mindful of any changes that happen with your healing wound, and look out for the signs above. If you think you may have a keloid, it is best to seek medical advice, as they can often be uncomfortable and limiting in daily activities.
Treatment is available based on the size, shape, and age of the keloid.
What triggers keloid growth?
Keloid growth is triggered by an overproduction of collagen in response to any kind of skin trauma, such as acne, burns, cuts, scrapes, and anything else that punctures or damages the skin. In most cases, keloids will form if the skin is stretched too far, leading to a quickened healing process that results in excess collagen production.
The appearance of a keloid can range from looking like a small bump with a bit of itching or slight discomfort to a large, raised, disfiguring mass. The exact trigger point for keloids is not known, although genetics do play a role since some people may be more prone to developing them than others.
Additionally, people with darker skin tones are also more likely to develop them due to the higher concentrations of melanin in their skin. It is important to take preventative measures when tending to any skin trauma in order to reduce the chances of a keloid forming.
Do keloids on piercings go away?
No, unfortunately keloids from piercings do not usually go away. Keloids are raised scars that can form when the skin is injured. Piercings are a form of injury and when the skin is pierced, it can sometimes cause raised scars.
A keloid is a type of scar that forms when skin cells called fibroblasts clone themselves over and over, producing excess collagen fibers and tissue. Keloids most commonly form at the site of a piercing, but they can also form at the site of any type of skin injury, such as a cut, burn, or surgical incision.
Typically, keloids won’t go away unless they are treated, which often requires surgery. However, not all keloids will respond to treatment, and some people may be more prone to forming keloids than others.
If you are considering getting a piercing, it is important to talk to your doctor to make sure you are aware of the potential risks, including the risk of keloid formation.
Do keloids go away naturally?
No, keloids do not go away naturally. Keloids are a type of scar tissue that forms when the skin has healed following a wound, injury, or surgical incision. They are the body’s attempt to repair the damaged skin by stimulating collagen production.
Unlike other scars, keloids extend beyond the original site of the injury and can occasionally even spread to an adjoining area of skin. They do not typically subside on their own, which is why many people turn to therapeutic treatments for help.
In some cases, pressure therapy or steroid injections can diminish the appearance of keloids. Laser treatments and dermabrasion may also be used to treat more stubborn cases. However, it should be noted that there is no guaranteed method for completely eradicating keloids, and there is a risk of the scar recurring once treatment has stopped.
Will a piercing keloid go away?
Generally speaking, piercing keloids will not naturally go away on their own and may require medical treatment in order to reduce the mass and size of them. A piercing keloid is a type of scarring which is formed by an excess of tissue growth and collagen following an injury which usually include piercings or other body modifications.
Many individuals have a genetic predisposition towards keloid formation, which is why some may be more prone to develop them. Including corticosteroid injections and laser treatments, as well as surgical removal.
Each treatment option should be discussed with your medical provider to determine the best plan for you. Additionally, keeping the area clean and free from infection and irritation is also important for effective treatment.
Depending on the size and severity of the keloid, it may take multiple treatments over time to achieve the desired result.
Should I keep my piercing in if I have a keloid?
If you have a keloid, then it is best to keep your piercing out. A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue which can occur around a piercing site and can make the area raised, red, and itchy. Keeping the piercing in can aggravate or make the keloid scar worse.
Additionally, it may increase risk of infection and can make any treatment more difficult. Therefore, if you have a keloid, it is best to take the piercing out and seek out a professional for advice on how to best manage the keloid.
Do keloids form immediately?
No, keloids do not form immediately. Keloids typically do not show up until several weeks after an injury or surgery. In some cases, it can take several months for a keloid to form. Additionally, keloids may occur spontaneously in areas of skin that have no history of trauma or inflammation.
Although the time it takes for a keloid to form can vary, it usually begins to appear within 6-12 weeks of injury or surgery. People who are at a higher risk of forming keloids – such as those of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent – may even form keloids from minor injuries that do not break the skin.
When this occurs, the keloid may become apparent within days of the injury.
How do you flatten a keloid naturally?
It is not recommended to try to flatten a keloid naturally as at-home remedies do not usually work to treat keloids. However, if you are looking for more natural solutions, some people have reported success with the following methods:
• Applying a mixture of baking soda and water to the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation and may help to reduce the appearance of the keloid.
• Applying aloe vera gel to the affected area may also reduce inflammation and help to soothe the skin.
• Certain essential oils may also be used to help reduce inflammation and the appearance of the keloid, such as tea tree, lavender, and rosehip oil.
• Saturated fats, such as those found in coconut oil, can help to nourish the skin and reduce inflammation.
• Vitamin E supplementation can help to reduce inflammation, reduce itching/discomfort, and improve overall skin health.
• Getting an adequate amount of zinc can help to reduce the appearance of scar-related skin discoloration.
When trying any of these natural remedies, it is important to listen to your body, as some people experience irritation with certain oils and ointments, and to discontinue use if any skin irritation occurs.
Also, it is important to consult with your doctor or a dermatologist before trying any of these options.
Can you get rid of a keloid without removing the piercing?
Yes, it is possible to remove a keloid without removing the piercing. The exact type of treatment used will vary depending on the size and severity of the keloid, but most commonly this is done with cryotherapy (freezing it to cause it to shrink), laser therapy, or steroid injections.
In some cases, a combination of these may be used to achieve the most effective result. Additionally, there are other forms of treatment such as silicone sheets that can also be applied to help reduce the size of the keloid.
The key is to find the treatment that works best for your individual situation, and to stick with it long-term to achieve the best result.
What should you not do with a keloid?
It is important to not pick, scratch, or otherwise irritate a keloid, as this can cause it to become bigger and more irritated. Additionally, do not try to treat the keloid without a doctor’s advice, as it can cause the keloid to become worse.
Furthermore, avoid exposing the keloid to direct sunlight, as it can cause the keloid to become darker. Additionally, try to minimize any contact with harsh or abrasive materials, as this can also aggravate the keloid and cause it to become worse.
Finally, if you have a keloid, do not attempt to remove it yourself, as this can cause additional irritation and make the keloid worse.
Can you reverse a keloid?
It is possible to reverse a keloid, although it is not always an easy process. Treatment for keloids typically involves a combination of methods such as skin injections, laser therapy, and surgery. Injections of corticosteroids, which are drugs that help reduce swelling and itching, can be used to help reduce the size of a keloid.
This can be combined with a laser therapy, which works to reduce the amount of collagen in the keloid so it softens and shrinks in size. Lastly, surgery is an option to remove the keloid. This may need to be combined with the injection and laser therapy for the best results.
However, even with the combined methods, there is no guarantee that the keloid can be reversed, and there is a risk of recurrence. Therefore, it is important to speak to a doctor about the best treatment for your particular keloid.
What shrinks a keloid?
Surgery is the most common approach to shrink or remove a keloid. This will typically involve anesthetic and the surgical removal of the scar. Your doctor may take a number of steps to reduce the size and appearance of the scar, including a procedure known as intralesional corticosteroid injection.
This type of injection is usually repeated over time to gradually reduce the size of the keloid.
Other approaches may include cryosurgery, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the scar tissue and cause it to die and slough off, or laser surgery, which uses targeted beams of light to heat up and shrink the keloid.
In some cases, radiation therapy (radiotherapy) may be used. It can be used to shrink the keloid, but it can also be used to make it less noticeable.
There is also a newer treatment for keloids called pulsed dye laser therapy. This involves the use of a specialized laser light to pulse and heat the keloid scar tissue. The heat of the laser can reduce the appearance of the keloid.
Finally, you can also consider pressure therapy, silicone gel sheets, or massaging the area with a topical corticosteroid to help reduce the size of the keloid.
In general, depending on individual circumstances, it may take several treatments over a long period of time to shrink a keloid. Speak to your doctor to determine which keloid treatment will be most effective in your case.
Can a keloid flatten on its own?
Keloids can flatten on their own, but the process usually takes many years. The body’s own immune response to the excess collagen that builds up around a wound will eventually start to break down the fibrous tissue and reduce the size of the keloid.
However, this process is very slow and in some cases, a keloid may remain unchanged for twenty years or more. Additionally, there are treatments available to help flatten a keloid faster, such as steroid injections and laser treatments.
These treatments can help reduce the size and soften the appearance of the keloid in just a few sessions.
