Understanding and Addressing Keloid-like Bumps After Industrial Ear Piercing
I've had my industrial ear pierced for about a month and a half. Initially, I noticed a bump, but the ear was swollen. I chose to ignore it thinking it might be a normal aftercare issue. Recently, the situation has worsened, and now it looks like I have keloid-like bumps on both sides of my ear. What should I do?
Common sense dictates that you should consult your piercing artist who can provide professional advice tailored to your specific case.
Consult Your Piercing Artist
Piercing bumps are often caused by some form of irritation. Discussing your aftercare regimen, jewelry, placement, and even your sleep position with a knowledgeable piercer can help identify and resolve the issue.
A good piercer who understands the causes of piercing bumps can provide practical and effective solutions. They can offer advice on jewelry, aftercare, and positioning to prevent further irritation and promote healing.
Seek Medical Evaluation
While consulting your piercer is advisable, it is crucial to also have your bumps checked by a doctor. The bumps might be keloids, which are overgrowths of scar tissue. Keloids are more common in certain individuals, so medical evaluation is essential.
A dermatologist can assess the bumps and determine whether they are indeed keloids. If they are, a medical professional can discuss various treatment options, including surgical removal, which may involve specific techniques to prevent recurrence.
Preventive Measures and Treatment for Bumps
While waiting for professional evaluation, there are steps you can take to prevent further irritation and promote healing. Clean your piercings 1–3 times a day with a sterile saline solution. Ensure you do not sleep on the side of the pierced ear and avoid wearing headphones or touching the bumps unnecessarily.
The pressure from wearing a bar connecting both piercings to each other might contribute to the bumps. If possible, take out the jewelry for a few days, and keep the piercing sites clean. This can help reduce irritation and pressure, potentially allowing the bumps to subside over time.
Home Remedies and Silicone Strips
Tea tree oil can be used as part of your cleaning routine, as it has antiseptic properties that may help reduce inflammation and bacterial growth. Applying warm water and letting it soak on the piercing can also aid in reducing swelling and promoting healing.
There are silicone strips available that can help reduce scarring. However, it is important to know that doctors cannot guarantee the success of surgical removal of keloids. Sometimes, the keloid can regrow after removal. Seek the advice of a professional to explore the most suitable treatment options.
To confirm whether the bumps are keloids or simply irritation bumps, observe if they reduce in size over time. If the bumps do not reduce in size, a medical professional should be consulted to determine the appropriate course of action.
Long-term, the best way to address keloids or persistent irritation bumps is to seek advice from a professional. They can provide the necessary evaluation and treatment to ensure proper healing.
Remember, only a doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis of keloids. Keep your piercing clean, and be vigilant about any changes in the bumps. With careful attention to aftercare and seeking professional advice, you can manage and mitigate any issues related to your industrial ear piercing.
Conclusion
Whether the bumps are keloids or simply irritation bumps, prompt and proper care is crucial. Consult your piercer for immediate support and guidance, and consider seeking a medical evaluation for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan. Good luck in the healing process!