Keloids are a type of raised scar. They occur where the skin has healed after an piercing. Knowing how to get rid of keloids from piercings is important. Knowing how to prevent keloids is just as important. Keloids can be alarming, so it’s a good idea to know the risks and how much work is involved in getting rid of one before you get a piercing. Typically, people with darker skin are more prone to keloids from piercings. You’re more likely to have keloids if someone in your immediate family does as well.
Keloids often develop after piercings. Keloids can be a concern due to their appearance, particularly if on the face, neck, or hands. They are more prevalent on the earlobes than on other parts of the body, but this is probably because the earlobes are a popular location for piercings. A study in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology examined the reason why keloids tend to form more frequently on the back of the earlobe after an ear piercing. They determined that earrings with metal backs more often led to keloids on the back of the earlobe. It is also suggested to get piercings before 11 years of age, or avoiding ear piercing if there is a family history of keloids.
Home remedies to get rid of keloids from piercings
Few home remedies have been shown to get rid of keloids from piercings completely. But, there are a few things that you can do at home to get rid of keloids from piercings or at least minimize their appearance.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar For Keloids
Use apple cider vinegar to get rid of keloids from piercings and help reduce redness associated with keloid scars.. Apply the vinegar directly to the scar and allow it to air dry. Rinse the area with warm water after five to ten minutes.
2. Aspirin For Keloids
The same aspirin that you take for headaches and other health problems can also be used to get rid of keloids from piercings because it helps reduce the scar’s size and appearance. Aspirin is astringent and anti-inflammatory and a skin clarifier with active ingredients that not only help heal scars but also treat acne Crush three aspirin tablets and add a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply the paste on the keloid, allow it to dry completely and then rinse it off by rubbing the area gently under water.
3. Lemon Juice for Keloids
The presence of vitamin C makes lemon juice one of the best ways to treat keloids. Lemon juice is an excellent antioxidant and helps to get rid of keloids from piercings. You can apply lemon juice to darker keloids in order to lighten them. All you need to do is squeeze one fresh lemon to obtain some juice. Massage the juice into your keloid scars and after around thirty minutes clean the skin with warm water.
4. Garlic For Keloids
Garlic improves blood circulation and helps in speed up the healing process of the keloid. Garlic inhibits the production of nitric oxide and certain enzymes required for keloid formation. Apply crushed garlic cloves on the keloid and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash the area later with lukewarm water.
Medical treatments to get rid of keloids from piercings
1. Silicone sheets or Gel
Silicone has been shown in studies to reduce the size of keloids from piercings over time. Silicone gel heals scars by increasing hydration of the stratum corneum (the uppermost layer of the skin). This allows skin to “breathe”, and creates a softer and flatter scar.
2. Laser therapy
Like any scar, keloids can be tricky to treat. Laser treatment is a relatively new treatment for keloids.Using laser treatment can help flatten the keloid and can fade the color.
3. Steroid injections
Keloids can be treated, but treatment usually needs to continue to help keep them from coming back. Steroid treatment has been used for years on keloids. Injected steroids are an effective way to reduce the size and appearance of keloids. The aim of this keloid treatment method is to reduce inflammation via the reduction of the production of collagen and other proteins that form the keloid. Between 50% and 80% of keloids shrink after being injected.
4. Cryotherapy
Getting rid of keloids from piercings remains a challenging clinical dilemma for both patients and providers. Keloids can be treated in a variety of ways depending on factors such as nodule size, depth and location and your age, and general health condition. Cryotherapy is a process that involves temporarily freezing the tissues with a handheld device. Cryotherapy can reduce the size of keloids by up to 50 percent.
Keloids are not harmful to your health but they can be emotionally and mentally damaging. Home remedies can help quite a bit with keloids. They can reduce size and pigmentation, making them less noticeable. If keloids don’t improve with the help of home remedies, talk to your doctor about more other treatments.
Want to reduce your keloid with an essential oil? Check out 7 Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Keloids.