A keloid is the formation of scar which is made up of collagen. It develops as a consequence of overgrowth of granulation tissue at the site of a healed skin injury. They are rubbery, firm, shiny lesions that may be skin color, pink, red or dark brown. A keloid is benign and not contagious, but may be accompanied by pain, discomfort, severe itchiness and changes in the texture.
A tragus piercing is piercing of the tragus – that portion which protrudes immediately in front of the ear canal; it is done for the purpose of wearing a ring or a bead. The piercing is done with a small gauge hollow piercing needle.
These piercings are prone to getting small, raised scars or bumps. These keloids / bumps aren’t dangerous but on the other hand, they are itchy and ugly.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Keloid On Tragus Piercing
The following guidelines and home remedies will help you reduce the unsightly appearance of the keloid:
- Salt: Is very effective to deal with cartilage bumps; it decreases the size of the keloid and help it to disappear over time.Boil salt in water; place the soaked cotton pad on the bump for 2 to 5 minutes.
- Chamomile: Chamomile tea soothes the skin around the piercing, and helps get rid of an unsightly bump. Brew the tea, dip a cotton pad in the solution and press it against the bump for five minutes. Repeat 3 to 5 times daily.
- Tea tree essential oil: Apply a drop of the tea tree oil directly to the keloid. Repeat frequently through the day.
- Aspirin: A host of experts recommend aspirin for bumps and protuberances on the skin. Experts say aspirin opens up the blood vessels underneath the skin, thus expediting the process of healing. Crush one aspirin tablet, add some water and mix, apply this blend to the keloid.
- Lime and honey: Blend 2 to 3 drops of lime with a spoon of honey. Honey has natural healing properties, and is very commonly used to treat scars, bumps and burns. Lime is packed with vitamin C, which has been frequently dubbed a ‘skin vitamin’.
Precautions To Take After Ear Piercing
Furthermore, you should bear in mind the following precautions:
- After the tragus piercing wear jewelry that fits perfectly. A professional piercer will help you with this.
- Do not wear earrings with butterfly backs; these are more susceptible to causing bumps.
- Do not use a piercing gun for piercings; they tend to jam the jewelry through the skin, thereby distorting the ear cartilage underneath triggering keloids and bumps. When you plan to get a new piercing, steer clear of places that still use piercing guns.
- In case the piercing frequently gets caught in hair or clothes, it causes the jewelry to move around and triggers bumps. Keep your hair tied, especially whilst you sleep.
- Don’t touch or press the bump, it sets off infection.
- Do not fiddle or touch it constantly.
- Never use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, bleach or any harsh chemical to get rid of the bump.
- Homeopathy drugs such as Causticum 30, Silicea 30 and Lycopodium 30 are known to work wonders with keloids; they slowly and gradually get rid of the bump.
- It is always advisable to confer with your health care provider as well as a dermatologist.