5 Self-Care Practices to Prevent Keloid Formation After Piercing

Piercings are a popular form of self-expression, but it’s essential to take steps to prevent keloids from forming, especially if you’re prone to scarring. Keloids are the overgrowth of scar tissue that can form at the site of a piercing. Although keloids are not harmful, they can be unsightly and cause discomfort. Here are five self-care practices to prevent keloid formation after piercing:

1. Clean the Piercing Site Regularly

One of the crucial steps to prevent keloids from forming is to clean the piercing site regularly. Use a saline solution to clean the wound and remove any bacteria or debris. Be gentle while cleaning the piercing to avoid irritating the surrounding skin.

2. Avoid Touching the Piercing

Avoid touching the piercing with dirty or unwashed hands. This can introduce bacteria to the wound and delay the healing process. If you need to touch the piercing, make sure your hands are clean and disinfected.

3. Avoid Changing Jewelry Too Soon

Changing your jewelry too soon can irritate the skin and delay the healing process, thus increasing the risk of keloid formation. Wait for at least four to six weeks before changing your jewelry.

4. Avoid Using Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide

Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are harsh and can irritate the skin. Avoid using them to clean the piercing site. These substances can also dry out the wound, which can further damage the skin.

5. Consult a Dermatologist

If you’re prone to keloids, consider consulting a dermatologist before getting a piercing. Your dermatologist can recommend the best practices to prevent keloids from forming. They can also recommend products to use that can help with the healing process.

In conclusion, taking care of your piercing site is essential to prevent keloid formation. Clean the piercing site regularly, avoid touching the piercing, don’t change your jewelry too soon, avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and consider consulting a dermatologist if you’re prone to keloids. By applying these self-care practices, you can reduce the risk of developing keloids and enjoy your piercing.