What is the difference between a keloid and a bump

These clusters of excess scar tissue raise up above the skin and tend to grow larger and cover more surface area over time. Keloid scars can be extremely itchy, tender when you place any sort of pressure on them and can be painful at times too.

Keloids are usually genetic. Before getting a piercing, you can always ask your immediate family if they have ever gotten a keloid from a piercing, after a surgery, or from a chickenpox or acne scar.

Healing bumps are common and easy to get rid of. These bumps are filled with drainage, dead skin cells, and other wound debris that can become trapped from lack of aftercare or using things like Neosporin and Bacitracin. They may also fluctuate in size, starting very small and growing, then going back down again especially after soaking.

Healing bumps indicate that the wound is unable to drain. They do not mean the piercing was done incorrectly, or that you are allergic to the jewelry. Most likely, it's one of two things: a keloid or a hypertrophic scar.

But before you make like Dr. Pimple Popper and squeeze the fleshy bump into oblivion, know that with the help of a medical professional, patience, and a gentle aftercare routine, you can get rid of it.

Their answers, ahead. What is a keloid, exactly? Pimple-like in appearance, they are made up of overgrown scar tissue that looks like an intensely inflamed bump on the surface of the skin.

What causes a keloid to form? Marmur explains. Trauma could be caused by surgery, blisters, vaccination, acne, or body piercings. In the case of the latter, your body produces collagen to repair the new hole.

Unfortunately, it can sometimes produce too much, resulting in a raised scar, like a keloid. Marmur explains that anything from a poor aftercare routine to amateur piercing method to constant irritation near the the piercing site can trigger your body to go into collagen overdrive.

I diligently followed my piercer's aftercare routine, but I still got this bump. Sometimes, your immune system just doesn't love your piercing as much as you do. From the second that needle punctures your skin, your body works to heal the wound, and in some cases, push it out. This is called a rejected piercing. The area around the hole might get inflamed as the hole slowly closes in on itself, shoving the jewelry out, in which case, a keloid may form.

I've heard that keloids are genetic. Is that true? Although there isn't a lot of evidence to support this claim, Dr. Marmur confirms that if your parents are prone to keloids, then it's a possibility you're more likely to get them, too. How can I tell the difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar? People often get the two confused because both bumps are solid masses of excess scar tissue that form during a piercing's healing process, explains Dr. Both are thick and firm in texture, typically red or purplish in color, and can appear within the first few weeks or a whole year after a new piercing.

Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. If you notice a bump forming on or around a new piercing, you have good reason to be concerned. As dainty as the earring may be, it is possible that your body views the piercing as an injury.

Piercing growths big or small are never "normal," although they do occur fairly often. We spoke to dermatologists, Dr. Shari Sperling, and Dr. Jennifer MacGregor to learn exactly what keloids are and how to treat them. Meet the Expert. Keloids are a type of raised scar that occurs when the skin has healed after a wound.

According to Sperling, the scar appears thickened and sometimes pink or flesh-colored. Extra scar tissue grows after the injury, forming a smooth, hard raised area.

Keloids can range in size, but they're generally not painful and contain no substance other than scar tissue. In rare cases, keloids develop spontaneously without recalled trauma. While the cause is not completely understood, there is evidence that several factors play a role in keloid development such as abnormal wound healing, abnormal blood vessel signaling, inflammation, deeper skin injuries, and mechanical stress," MacGregor continues.

Keloids grow because the body over-defends itself as a result of physical trauma, surgery, or injury to the skin. They are common for people under the age of It is best to avoid scarring to the skin by opting out of piercings, tattoos, elective surgeries, and some laser procedures. If you are looking to prevent keloids from developing in the first place, MacGregor suggests looking into your family history or personal history of keloids, to prevent skin trauma or injury.

If you are prone to keloids, piercings and tattoos are strongly discouraged. There's no real limit as to where keloids can form, as they can also grow on the tongue and other mucus membranes. Irritants like oil, sweat, dirt, perfume, hairspray, and other things can aggravate a piercing and cause an infection.

Unfortunately, it also won't respond very well to normal cleaning, although it's important to keep it clean so it doesn't get worse. The upside to this kind of bump is that it's easily treatable at home by performing proper piercing aftercare. If it doesn't clear up in a few days, though, you should see your doctor.

Treatments for keloids should be initiated at the first sign before it becomes a hard rock or a lump. According to Sperling, "Cortisone injections done monthly of varying strengths can be used to help flatten them.

In general, to prevent any and all issues, you're going to want to listen to your piercer's instructions.