How to Get Rid of a Keloid From Piercing

During the healing period of a piercing and after the piercing is healed, you may encounter a keloid on and around your new piercing. Keloids are scar tissue that result from a hereditary condition, causing the skin to raise and turn pink or red, residing inside or around the hole of your piercing, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. There are several treatments to remove keloids from a body piercing and any treatments for a keloid should be administered by a licensed, professional dermatologist.

You may get a keloid after a piercing. (Image: Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images)

Step 1

Visit your professional body piercer to determine if your piercing has a keloid. Professional piercers are educated in anatomy and are aware of the difference between a permanent keloid and hypertrophic scarring, which is temporary skin flaw, according to the Association of Professional Piercers. If you have a keloid, your piercer will direct you to a dermatologist.

Step 2

Wash your hands. Remove the jewelry from your piercing.

Step 3

Prepare piercing information for a dermatologist appointment. Write down the date you received your piercing, when the keloid began to form and when the keloid increased in size. Note on the paper any itching or side effects that occurred after the piercing.

Step 4

Make an appointment with a dermatologist. Show the dermatologist your keloid and your sheet of paper with information about your keloid. Ask the dermatologist about treatment options. Understand that some keloids grow back after removal. Ask the dermatologist about risks of the treatments and the cost.

Tip

Do not receive any additional piercings while undergoing treatments for keloids or in the future.

Warning

Do not attempt to remove or lance the keloid at home. Avoid any elective cosmetic procedures is you have a history of developing keloids.