How to treat a keloid on a belly button piercing

A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue after skin injury. At the navel, rubbing from waistbands, movement and jewellery can make a raised area more noticeable or uncomfortable. It may be firm, itchy, tender or darker than nearby skin. Irritant dermatitis, a hypertrophic scar or infection can look similar, so a clinician should identify the cause before treatment.

Use gentle cleansing, avoid tight waistbands and stop touching or twisting the jewellery. Do not apply household acids or attempt to pierce the lump. A dermatologist may offer steroid injection into the scar, cryotherapy, laser treatment or surgery, depending on its size, symptoms and previous treatment. Some people need combined or follow-up care because scar tissue may return. Explore [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) and [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/).

Arrange prompt care if the navel is hot, increasingly painful, rapidly swollen or producing pus, especially with fever. A routine dermatology visit is sensible for a lump that grows, bleeds, cracks or catches on clothing. Seek urgent help if severe swelling affects movement or you feel acutely unwell.

Ask whether this is a keloid, an infection or another scar type; whether jewellery should be removed; and which option fits the navel area. Ask about wound care, recurrence prevention and the timing of any future piercing.