Keloids, a type of raised scar, can form on the nipples. These scars represent an overgrowth of tissue that occurs after skin injury.
Understanding Keloids
Keloids are a distinct type of raised scar that can develop following skin trauma or inflammation. They result from an abnormal wound healing process where the body produces an excessive amount of collagen, a protein that helps repair damaged tissue. Unlike typical scars that usually flatten over time and stay within the original wound boundaries, keloids expand beyond the initial injury site.
These scars are often firm, rubbery, or shiny nodules, varying in color from pink to red, or even darker shades like brown or purplish, depending on skin tone. Keloids can cause symptoms such as itchiness, pain, or discomfort, and may also lead to changes in skin texture. They typically do not regress on their own and can continue to grow larger over time.
Keloids on Nipple Tissue
Keloids can form on nipple tissue, often triggered by injury to this sensitive area. Common causes include nipple piercings, where the wound stimulates excessive collagen production. Surgical procedures involving the nipple, such as for nipple eversion or fibroadenoma removal, also carry a risk of keloid development.
Other forms of trauma, including minor infections or irritation, can also lead to keloid formation on the nipple. Nipple keloids appear as raised, firm bumps or nodules. Like keloids elsewhere, they can vary in size and color, and may cause itching or pain.
Addressing Nipple Keloids
Managing keloids on the nipples involves various approaches, with prevention being the first line of defense, especially for individuals known to be prone to keloid formation. For those considering nipple piercings, choosing an experienced piercer and using hypoallergenic jewelry made from materials like titanium or niobium can reduce the risk of irritation and subsequent keloid development. Proper aftercare, including a daily cleaning routine and avoiding irritants, is also important for minimizing complications.
For existing nipple keloids, several treatment options are available. Non-invasive methods include the use of silicone gel sheets or topical silicone gels, which are thought to help flatten and soften the scar over time. Compression therapy can also be employed to apply pressure to the healing wound, aiming to reduce or prevent scar formation.
More advanced treatments, often administered by a healthcare professional, include intralesional corticosteroid injections, which can help reduce the keloid’s thickness and inflammation. Laser therapy and cryotherapy (freezing the scar with liquid nitrogen) are other professional options that may be considered to reduce the size and appearance of keloids. Surgical removal is an option for keloids that do not respond to other therapies, though there is a risk of recurrence, sometimes with the keloid growing back larger than before.