Keloid on a nipple piercing: what to know

Keloids are firm, smooth or shiny areas of scar tissue that can enlarge gradually. They may itch, feel tender or hurt when clothing rubs against them. A bump beside a piercing can also be irritation, trapped material, infection or another type of skin lump, so appearance alone cannot confirm a keloid. The nipple and areola are sensitive, and ongoing friction from jewellery, bras or sleep pressure can keep the area inflamed.

Arrange a dermatology review, especially if the lump is growing or reaches beyond the piercing channel. Avoid squeezing, cutting, piercing through it or repeatedly changing jewellery without advice. Keep the area clean with gentle washing, pat it dry and reduce rubbing from tight clothing. A clinician may discuss Steroid Injection Into The Skin, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal), laser options or Keloid Removal Surgery. Treatment often needs a planned course and follow-up because scar tissue can return.

Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, bleeding that does not settle or a nipple discharge unrelated to normal healing. These features can indicate infection or another problem requiring examination rather than self-treatment.

Ask whether the tissue is a keloid or another skin lump, whether the jewellery should stay in place, which treatment suits the nipple area, how many visits may be needed and how recurrence will be monitored.