Understanding Keloids and Their Connection to Piercings: What You Need to Know

At our studio, we care deeply about your safety, healing process, and overall satisfaction with your body art experience. One topic that comes up occasionally—and deserves more attention—is keloids. If you’ve ever been concerned about a bump forming around a piercing or have a history of keloid scarring, this post is for you.

What Are Keloids?

Keloids are raised, thickened areas of scar tissue that form where the skin has healed after an injury. They occur when the body produces excess collagen during the healing process. Unlike typical scars, keloids often grow beyond the boundary of the original wound and can become larger over time.

They can appear shiny, rubbery, and sometimes itchy or uncomfortable. It’s important to note that not all bumps near a piercing are keloids—some are irritation bumps, hypertrophic scars, or a sign of localized infection. That’s why it’s essential to understand the differences.

The DNA Factor: Keloids and Genetics

One of the most important things to know is that the tendency to develop keloids is largely genetic. If you’ve had keloids before or if they run in your family, your risk is significantly higher. Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to predict whether someone will develop a keloid after a piercing unless they’ve had one before.

This means that for some people, keloids can form even with perfect piercing technique, top-tier aftercare, and sterile conditions. It’s simply something that’s not always in our control—and certainly not a reflection of how well you’ve cared for your piercing.

What to Watch For

If you're concerned about a keloid forming, here are a few signs to look for:

• A raised, firm bump that starts to grow beyond the edges of your piercing site

• Continued growth over weeks or months

• Itchiness, tenderness, or a shiny appearance

Keep in mind: not all bumps are keloids. Hypertrophic scars are very common in new piercings and can resemble keloids, but they usually stay confined to the piercing area and may resolve over time with proper care.

What to Do If You Suspect a Keloid

If you think you’re developing a keloid, the most important thing is to avoid self-treatment. Do not try to pop, pierce, or aggressively clean the area. This can worsen the irritation or scarring.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Leave the jewelry in—removing it may trap bacteria or worsen the scarring.

2. Minimize trauma—avoid sleeping on it, touching it, or changing jewelry frequently.

3. Book a consultation—we’re happy to take a look and help assess whether what you’re experiencing is typical or may need medical advice.

4. See a dermatologist—if a true keloid is forming, a dermatologist can discuss medical treatments like corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets, or laser therapy.

Keloids can be frustrating and emotional to deal with, especially when you’ve taken good care of your piercing. We want to reassure you that if you’re prone to keloids, you’re not doing anything wrong. It's a unique response from your body—and something that deserves proper care and understanding.

As always, our team is here to support you with honest advice, trusted referrals, and compassion. If you ever have concerns about your piercing, please don’t hesitate to reach out.