Can Piercings or Tattoos Cause Keloid Scars?

Piercings and tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to decorate their bodies with these forms of body modification. While many people enjoy the aesthetic benefits of these practices, there is a potential risk of developing keloid scars as a result.

The International Keloid & Scar Treatment Center in Orlando, FL, wants you to know more about keloid scarring and the potential for it to form after tattoos or piercings.

What Are Keloid Scars?

Keloid scars are raised, thickened areas of skin that form at the site of an injury. They occur when the body’s natural healing process goes into overdrive, producing an excess of collagen fibers that create a raised scar. Keloids can be itchy, painful and unsightly, and they can continue to grow over time. They are more common in people with darker skin tones, and they can occur anywhere on the body.

How Do Keloid Scars Form?

Keloid scars form when the body’s natural healing process goes awry. When the skin is injured, the body produces collagen fibers to repair the wound. In most cases, this process results in a flat, pale scar that fades over time. However, in some cases, the body produces too much collagen, resulting in a raised, thick scar that can become larger over time. Keloids can form over any type of injury, including cuts, burns, surgery and even acne.

Can Piercings Cause Keloid Scars?

Piercings can cause keloid scars, particularly in people who are prone to developing them. Keloids can form at the site of any piercing, including earlobes, cartilage and body piercings. The risk of developing a keloid scar from a piercing is higher if the piercing is done improperly, if the jewelry is too tight or if the person is prone to keloid scarring. If you are considering getting a piercing, it’s important to choose a reputable piercer and to follow their aftercare instructions carefully to minimize the risk of developing a keloid scar.

Can Tattoos Cause Keloid Scars?

Tattoos can also cause keloid scars, although they are less common than with piercings. Keloids can form at the site of a tattoo, particularly if the tattoo is large, if the person is prone to keloid scarring or if the tattoo is done improperly. In some cases, keloid scars can even form years after the tattoo was done. If you are considering getting a tattoo, it’s important to choose a reputable tattoo artist and follow their aftercare instructions carefully to minimize the risk of developing a keloid scar.

Advanced Keloid Scar Treatments

Piercings and tattoos can both potentially cause keloid scars, particularly in people who are prone to developing them. While the risk of developing a keloid scar from a piercing or tattoo is relatively low, it’s important to take steps to minimize the risk, such as choosing a reputable artist or piercer and following aftercare instructions carefully. If you do develop a keloid scar, there are treatments available to help reduce its size and appearance.

The International Keloid & Scar Treatment Center offers some of the latest and most effective treatments for keloid scarring, including superficial radiation therapy (SRT-100+™), a safe, non-surgical method. Even if you were told previously nothing could be done for your keloid scar, this treatment could help. Contact us today to learn more.