A raised growth around a belly button piercing often leads individuals to search for solutions for what they believe is a keloid. These formations result from the body’s natural healing process overproducing collagen fibers at the site of trauma. While “keloid” is commonly used to describe any raised piercing bump, understanding the specific type of scarring dictates the appropriate course of action for successful reduction or removal.
Distinguishing Keloids from Hypertrophic Scars
The distinction between a true keloid and a hypertrophic scar is essential for proper treatment. A hypertrophic scar is an overgrowth of tissue confined to the original boundaries of the wound, such as the piercing channel. These scars are reddish, slightly raised, and often appear quickly after the piercing, typically within weeks. They form due to excessive tension, irritation, or infection during the initial healing phase.
A true keloid represents an abnormal healing response, characterized by tissue that extends far beyond the original injury site. Keloids are firm, rubbery, and can continue to grow slowly over months or years, sometimes appearing shiny or smooth. They are often genetically predisposed, meaning individuals with specific skin types, particularly darker tones, are more susceptible. Hypertrophic scars may improve with conservative home care, while keloids almost always require medical intervention.
Home-Based Strategies for Reduction
For the more common hypertrophic scar, several non-invasive strategies can encourage the tissue to flatten. Medical-grade silicone is an effective over-the-counter option, available as a sheet or a self-drying gel. Silicone works by hydrating the scar tissue and regulating collagen production, helping to soften and flatten the raised area over several weeks or months. It must be applied consistently for many hours each day to achieve significant results.
Compression techniques also reduce the size of a hypertrophic scar by limiting blood flow and encouraging tissue remodeling. This involves using small pressure discs or surgical tape applied directly over the bump to exert continuous, gentle force. Daily saline soaks, made with sterile water and non-iodized sea salt, reduce inflammation and irritation, which trigger excessive scar growth. While some people use home remedies like tea tree oil or crushed aspirin paste, these lack clinical evidence and may irritate the sensitive piercing site, potentially worsening the scar.
Professional Medical Treatment Options
If a scar is confirmed to be a true keloid, or if a hypertrophic scar fails to respond to months of home treatment, professional medical options are necessary. The most common and effective first-line treatment is intralesional corticosteroid injections, typically triamcinolone acetonide. The steroid is injected directly into the scar tissue every four to six weeks, reducing inflammation and breaking down excess collagen fibers, thereby shrinking and flattening the keloid.
Another option, often used for smaller formations or in combination with injections, is cryotherapy, which involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen. This process damages the cells within the scar, causing it to blister and eventually shrink. For larger or stubborn keloids, surgical excision is possible, but this procedure carries a high risk of recurrence since the surgery creates a new wound. To minimize recurrence, surgery is almost always followed immediately by adjuvant therapy, such as steroid injections or low-dose radiation therapy. Laser treatments, such as pulsed dye or fractional lasers, are also utilized to reduce scar redness and smooth the surface.
Preventing Future Keloid Formation
Preventing a keloid from forming or recurring requires minimizing trauma and irritation to the piercing site. Individuals who have successfully treated a keloid should avoid future piercings or procedures that break the skin, as the propensity for keloid formation remains. If a new piercing is desired, choosing high-quality, implant-grade jewelry, such as titanium or niobium, reduces the risk of allergic reactions and irritation.
Proper aftercare is essential against scar formation, requiring the consistent use of sterile saline solution to clean the area and avoiding harsh chemicals like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. It is important to protect the area from physical trauma, including preventing the jewelry from snagging on clothing or being touched unnecessarily. Following any professional removal procedure, a dermatologist may recommend the immediate use of silicone sheets or pressure dressings to suppress collagen production and greatly reduce the chances of recurrence.