​Keloids vs. Piercing Bumps: Understanding the Differences

Body piercings have become a popular form of self-expression, but sometimes they come with unintended side effects. Two common issues that may arise after getting a piercing are keloids and piercing bumps. Though both conditions can cause raised skin around the piercing site, they are distinct in terms of their causes, appearance, and treatment. Understanding the difference between keloids and piercing bumps is crucial for effective management and prevention.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what keloids and piercing bumps are, how to distinguish between the two, and the best ways to treat and prevent them.

What Are Keloids?

Keloids are raised, thickened areas of scar tissue that form in response to skin trauma, such as piercings, cuts, or surgical incisions. Unlike normal scars, keloids extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound and continue to grow over time, sometimes becoming significantly larger than the original injury. Keloids are usually firm, rubbery, and can vary in color from pink to dark brown, depending on skin tone.

Causes of Keloids

Keloids form due to an overproduction of collagen, a protein that the body uses to repair damaged tissue. In some people, this healing process goes into overdrive, causing the scar to continue growing even after the wound has healed. While anyone can develop keloids, they are more common in individuals with darker skin tones and those with a family history of keloid formation.

Piercings, particularly in areas like the ears, chest, or nose, are a common trigger for keloids. However, not every raised bump that appears around a piercing is a keloid, which is why distinguishing between keloids and other types of bumps is essential.

Appearance of Keloids

- Raised and firm: Keloids feel firm or rubbery to the touch.

- Extended beyond the piercing: Keloids grow outside the boundaries of the original piercing and may keep enlarging over time.

- Colour variations: They can appear red, pink, or darker than the surrounding skin.

- Shiny surface: Keloids often have a smooth, shiny appearance.

Treatment of Keloids

Once a keloid forms, it can be challenging to treat. However, several options are available for managing or reducing the appearance of keloids:

1. Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce the size and redness of keloids by suppressing the overproduction of collagen.

2. Cryotherapy: Freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen can shrink it, especially when combined with other treatments like steroid injections.

3. Surgical Removal: While surgery can remove a keloid, there is a risk of the keloid returning, often larger than before. To reduce this risk, surgery is typically combined with other treatments like radiation or steroid injections.

4. Silicone Sheets and Gels: Silicone sheets or gels applied to the keloid can help flatten and soften the scar over time.

5. Laser Therapy: Lasers can reduce the height and redness of keloids, but multiple sessions are often needed.

What Are Piercing Bumps?

Piercing bumps are small, raised bumps that form near the piercing site, usually as a result of irritation, trauma, or an infection during the healing process. Unlike keloids, piercing bumps are not a form of scar tissue but rather a temporary reaction to the piercing.

Piercing bumps are far more common than keloids and typically resolve on their own with proper aftercare. These bumps can appear soon after getting the piercing or weeks to months later, especially if the piercing is exposed to bacteria or experiences friction.

Causes of Piercing Bumps

Several factors can lead to piercing bumps, including:

- Irritation: Friction from clothing, sleeping on the piercing, or using non-hypoallergenic jewellery can irritate the piercing, leading to bumps.

- Infection: If bacteria enter the piercing site, it can cause inflammation and the formation of bumps.

- Poor Aftercare: Failing to clean the piercing properly can lead to infection or irritation, increasing the likelihood of developing bumps.

- Trauma: Bumps may form if the piercing is accidentally bumped or if the jewellery is changed too soon, before the piercing has healed.

Appearance of Piercing Bumps

- Small and localized: Piercing bumps are usually small and confined to the immediate area around the piercing.

- Soft or fluid-filled: They can feel soft or squishy, and sometimes contain fluid or pus if infected.

- Red or irritated: The bump may appear red and inflamed, particularly if it is caused by infection or irritation.

- Temporary: With proper care, piercing bumps generally disappear within a few weeks to months.

Treatment of Piercing Bumps

Piercing bumps can usually be treated with simple at-home remedies, especially if they are caught early. Here are some effective treatments:

1. Saline Soaks: Cleaning the piercing with a saline solution (saltwater) helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Do this twice daily by soaking a cotton ball or gauze in the solution and holding it against the bump for 5-10 minutes.

2. Tea Tree Oil: Diluted tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can help reduce swelling and fight infection. Apply a drop of diluted tea tree oil to the bump once or twice a day.

3. Chamomile Compress: Chamomile tea bags soaked in warm water can be used as a soothing compress to help reduce irritation and swelling.

4. Avoid Irritants: Make sure your jewelry is made of hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel or titanium, and avoid sleeping on or playing with the piercing.

5. See a Piercer or Doctor: If the bump is large, painful, or showing signs of infection (such as pus or excessive redness), it’s important to consult a professional piercer or doctor for treatment. You may need antibiotics if the bump is infected.

Prevention Tips for Keloids and Piercing Bumps

1. Choose Your Piercing Site Wisely: Some areas of the body, like the ears, chest, and shoulders, are more prone to keloid formation. If you have a history of keloids, it’s best to avoid piercings in these areas.

2. Use Hypoallergenic Jewellery: Jewellery made from materials like titanium, surgical steel, or gold can help prevent irritation that leads to piercing bumps.

3. Proper Aftercare: Cleaning your piercing daily with a saline solution and avoiding touching it with dirty hands will reduce the risk of infection and irritation.

4. Avoid Trauma: Try not to sleep on the piercing or change the jewellery too soon, as this can cause irritation and lead to bumps.

Both keloids and piercing bumps can be concerning after getting a new piercing, but understanding the difference between the two is key to treating them effectively. Keloids are a form of scar tissue that can grow beyond the piercing and require medical intervention, while piercing bumps are more common, temporary, and often resolve with proper aftercare.

If you're unsure whether you're dealing with a keloid or a piercing bump, or if your condition worsens, it's always best to seek advice from a healthcare professional or an experienced piercer.