Piercing bumps and keloids are types of scar tissue that can develop after a skin injury.
Piercing Bump Symptoms
Piercing bumpsare also calledhypertrophic scars.
These scars usually form in a fine, raised, symmetrical pattern over the wounded area.
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You may, however, noticeitching, pain, orscabbingover areas of hypertrophic scarring.
A keloid is an abnormal overgrowth of scar tissue that can form months after a skin injury.
They may also change in color and shape over time.
The exact size, shape, and texture of a keloid vary.
You may developitching, tenderness, or irritation where a keloid forms.
In severe cases where large keloids form, it’s possible for them to restrict your normal movement.
Causes
Scars occur when clusters of cells come together to repair damaged skin.
Causes of Piercing Bumps
A raised, sometimes discolored appearance characterizes a piercing bump or hypertrophic scar.
These scars can develop after any skin trauma but are common afterpiercings or surgical incisions.
They are a normal bodily reaction to injury, causing inflammation and repairing tissue.
Anything that can produce a scar can cause a keloid, including a piercing.
In people with keloid-prone skin, these scars can appear after injuries like:
Who Gets Keloids?
Keloids can run in families, but certain factors can increase your risk of developing these scars.
Treatment
Treatment for piercing bumps and keloids is another key difference between these two types of scars.
Treating Piercing Bumps
Piercing or hypertrophic scars typically fade over time.
Treating Keloids
Keloid scars are usually more challenging to treatand require more aggressive treatment.
Depending on the severity of the keloid, a provider may prescribe more than one medication or therapy.
In some cases, if keloids return after surgical removal, they can become even more prominent.
Prevention
There’s no way to prevent scarring completely, but good skin care habits can help.
Using sunscreen and covering keloids can prevent additional changes that make them appear larger or more prominent over time.
Summary
Piercing bumps and keloids are scars that can develop in response to a skin injury.
Keloids can develop from any scar, including a piercing wound, and become darker over time.
Talk to a healthcare provider about prevention and treatments to help reduce the appearance of scar tissue.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keloid scars: Overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keloid scars: Causes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keloid scars: Diagnosis and treatment.
