What should you know about keloid ear piercing?

After a piercing, the skin repairs itself around the channel. In a keloid, scar tissue keeps accumulating and forms a smooth or irregular bump that may become larger than the original hole. It can be flesh-coloured, pink, red, brown, or darker, and may itch or feel sore.

A small bump can also reflect irritation, trapped fluid, infection, or another type of scar. Do not assume every piercing lump is a keloid; a clinician can assess its timing, texture, and position. More general information is available under [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/).

Keep the area clean according to the piercing aftercare advice you were given, avoid twisting jewellery unnecessarily, and reduce pressure from headphones or sleeping on that ear. Do not cut, burn, or apply harsh products to the bump. A dermatologist may consider injections, pressure methods, laser, cryotherapy, or surgery, sometimes in combination.

Possible treatments include [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) and [Keloid Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/keloid-excision/). Ask how the selected plan will address the possibility of regrowth.

Arrange review when a piercing bump is steadily enlarging, painful, persistently itchy, or catching on clothing. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, or rapidly worsening pain, which may signal infection around the piercing and needs different management.

Ask if the jewellery should stay in place, whether the bump is a keloid or infection, which treatment is suitable for its location, and what aftercare could reduce further irritation.