Keloid on tragus piercing: what to know

A keloid is scar tissue that grows beyond the piercing injury. It may be firm, smooth, itchy, tender, shiny, or darker than the surrounding ear, and it can enlarge after the piercing appears healed. Irritation from pressure, headphones, sleeping on the ear, or jewellery movement can produce a smaller sore bump. Cartilage infection may cause warmth, worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, or fever and needs quicker attention because cartilage can be damaged. A clinician can inspect both sides of the tragus and check whether jewellery is tight or embedded.

Keep pressure off the ear, avoid headphones that touch the tragus, and use only gentle aftercare advised for the piercing. Do not squeeze the lump, pierce it again, or apply household chemicals. If it is a keloid, treatment may include steroid injections, cryotherapy, laser treatment, or surgery, selected according to its size, symptoms, and prior scar history. Read about [Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/pulsed-dye-laser-treatment/) and [Keloid Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/keloid-excision/).

Arrange medical review when the lump continues to grow, becomes painful, catches on jewellery, or interferes with headphones or sleep. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, marked warmth, pus, fever, severe pain, sudden swelling, or jewellery becoming buried. Do not wait for a cosmetic appointment if the ear is rapidly worsening.

Ask whether this is a keloid, irritation, or cartilage infection; whether jewellery should be changed or removed; which treatment protects the ear; and how recurrence will be monitored.