How fast can keloids grow

Dermatologists typically tailor the treatment to the individual based upon factors such as age and type of keloid. Keloids are difficult to banish completely, and using more than one type of treatment often improves results.

Dermatologists therefore often recommend two or more types of treatments for their patients. Here are two alternative and complementary therapies that have some science behind them. People who have darker skin have a higher risk for developing keloids than people with fairer complexions.

Researchers are working to learn more about how genetics may play a role in keloid formation in the hopes that one day, we may be able to find new methods of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment for this condition. Some skin conditions can resemble keloids and require a diagnosis from a doctor to identify them. They include:. Hypertrophic Scars Experts differ as to whether these scars are really different from keloids, but there do seem to be some differences.

Nodular Scleroderma Also known as keloidal scleroderma, nodular scleroderma is rare form of systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects the connective tissues. Nodular scleroderma can cause the development of firm plaques or nodules on the skin — typically on the upper trunk, arms, face, and neck — that look like keloids.

Lobomycosis Also known as keloidal blastomycosis or Lobo disease, this chronic fungal skin infection can cause the development of keloid-like lesions. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Dermatologists are the healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat keloids. This website provides thorough and detailed information about all aspects of keloid scars, from how they form to what you need to know about the latest treatments to remove keloids and reduce their risk of regrowth.

Keloid Research Foundation. This nonprofit medical research and educational foundation aims to foster scientific research in keloid disorder and promote education and advocacy to those who are prone to developing these types of scars.

On their website, you can find patient stories, educational resources, information about the latest research, and much more. NYU Langone. Sources Keloids. Yale Medicine. Symptoms of Keloids. Northwestern Medicine. Medical Treatment for Scars and Keloids. NYU Langone Health. Mari W, Alsabri S, et al. December Juckett G, Hartman-Adams H. Management of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars. American Family Physician. August By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: December 14, D, a dermatologist with the department of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center. They tend to be thick, pink or brown, and can resemble a barbell, Dr. Burris tells SELF. Keloids grow slowly over several months and, unlike other types of raised hypertrophic scars, keloids grow beyond the bounds of where the original skin trauma occurred, Jason M.

Preissig, M. And those with African American, Asian, or Hispanic ethnicities are also more likely to develop keloids. Normally there are biological mechanisms in place to regulate the processes of repairing and regenerating tissue in healing skin. Lab research suggests that abnormalities in the production of melanocyte that stimulates hormone and collagen in the skin as well as the effects of stress on hormones , and prolonged inflammation at the injury site, could contribute to the formation of keloids.

The factors that determine whether or not you develop a keloid or a "normal" scar aren't totally understood, but we know that keloids are more likely to develop on certain parts of the body like the ears, shoulders, chest, neck, and back and under certain conditions if the injury had a prolonged healing time, for instance.

Preissig says. Burris says. And if you do decide you want to treat your keloid, the earlier you start addressing it, the better chance that the treatment will work. At first you might be tempted to try over-the-counter options including topical silicone sheets and gels.

These usually need to be applied at least once a day and used continuously for months to see any results, SELF explained previously.

These are also most effective when scars are new, and your dermatologist may advise you use this along with another treatment, such as a pressure dressing that reduces blood flow to the area to stop a keloid from forming. But more often than not dermatologists will recommend going straight to corticosteroid injections into the keloid area, Dr.

This is the most common treatment, Dr. However, over time, differences will emerge. However, people can take steps to keep the area clean, prevent infection, and allow the piercing to heal. These include:. Although the American Academy of Dermatology AAD suggest applying rubbing alcohol to the piercing, the general guidance is to avoid doing this as it can slow healing. Various treatment options are available for keloids. The appropriate treatment option can depend on several factors, including the type and size of the keloid.

Treatment options include:. Learn more about home care techniques for keloids here. Bumps at the site of a piercing can sometimes be a sign of another condition or health issue. Some other possible causes include:. Infections in new piercings are quite common , and they can occur if the needle was not sterile or a person is unable to keep the piercing completely clean.

The symptoms of an infected piercing include:. Contact dermatitis is a type of skin rash that occurs when something that touches the skin irritates it. The rash may develop as a result of an allergy, friction, or exposure to something corrosive or toxic. The symptoms of contact dermatitis include :. Nickel is responsible for most jewelry allergies.

Nickel is present in less expensive jewelry, but gold or silver jewelry may contain small amounts of it, so these could also cause a reaction. The best way to combat a jewelry allergy is to replace the metal with a hypoallergenic one, such as titanium, stainless steel, or or karat gold.

If a person suspects that they have a keloid, they should speak with a doctor or dermatologist. Without treatment, the keloid may continue to grow. A person should also seek the advice of a doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of an infection. Piercing bumps and keloids are different skin conditions that can occur following a piercing. Piercing bumps tend to appear more quickly and do not grow in size, while keloids take time to form and can continue to grow over time.

A doctor or dermatologist can advise on the best way to treat keloids. Anyone who suspects that they have a keloid or another condition that may be causing a lump should speak with a healthcare provider. Even with the best aftercare, a bump may form around a nose piercing.

In this article, we give you some tips about natural remedies that can help get….