Piercing Bump vs Keloid: Understanding the Differences and How to Treat Them

Piercings are becoming increasingly popular as a form of self-expression, fashion. However, the healing process of a piercing can sometimes be complicated. One of the most common problems that people encounter during the healing process is the formation of a bump or a keloid around the piercing. Having a piercing bump or a keloid is inevitable when it comes to piercing. To avoid them, let’s look into the causes and how to get rid of them

What are Piercing Bump and Keloid?

What is a Piercing Bump?

A piercing bump is a small, raised, and sometimes painful bump that forms around a piercing site. These bumps can be caused by a variety of factors, such as trauma to the piercing surrounding, bacterial infections, allergic reactions, etc. Piercing bumps can occur on any part of the body that has been pierced, like earlobes, nose, tongue, lip, or belly button.

What is a Keloid?

A keloid is a hard and rubbery, overgrowth permanent scar that’s caused by abnormal wound healing. Keloids are caused by excess of collagen at a piercing site or a wound. Keloids can develop on any part of the body that has been injured, such as the site of a piercing. People with darker skin are more likely to get keloids as well as people with a personal or family history of keloid formation. Some keloids can give their owner itching, burning, or even pain.

Difference between piercing bump vs keloid

Causes of Piercing Bump and Keloid

So why are you having keloids and piercing bumps, are you wondering what have you done wrong to your unhealed wound or piercing? Keloid vs piercing bump are common issues that many people encounter after getting a piercing. Here are some of the possible causes of each:

Piercing bumps:

Infection: If bacteria enter the piercing surrounding, it can cause an infection, which leads to a bump.

Allergic reaction: Some people are allergic to the metal that the jewelry contain or the piercing aftercare methods that are used to clean the piercing, which can cause a bump.

Trauma: If the piercing is knocked, bumped, or irritated frequently, it can cause irritation bump piercing, and inflammation, leading to a bump.

Improper aftercare: If the piercing is not properly cleaned and cared for after it’s done, it can lead to a bump.

Keloids:

Genetics: Some people are more prone to developing keloids due to their genetics.

Injury or trauma: Any injury or trauma to the skin, including getting a piercing, can cause a keloid to form.

Irritation: If the piercing is constantly irritated or rubbed, it can lead to the formation of a keloid.

Improper aftercare: Similar to piercing bumps, if the piercing is not properly taken care of after getting it done, a keloid can be formed.

It’s crucial to note that not everyone will develop a bump or keloid after getting a piercing, and even with proper aftercare, there is still a risk. If there is a piercing bump or a keloid that appears on your skin, it’s best to ask a dermatologist or a piercer for proper piercing aftercare.

What to Do If You Detect a Bump or a Keloid on Your Body?

A bump on a piercing can be caused by various reasons, such as infection, irritation, or trauma. This is our recommended piercing bump treatment.

Clean the area: Piercing aftercare is extremely vital to everyone that has a piercing. Clean the area around the piercing with a saline solution, a Q-tip, or a cotton ball. A saline solution can be made at home by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with one cup of warm water. Soak a clean cotton ball or Q-tip in the saline solution and apply it to the bump for around 5-10 minutes.

Avoid direct interaction with the piercing: Avoid touching the bump or the piercing with dirty hands, as this can introduce more bacteria and cause infection to the bumping piercing.

Use a warm compress: Apply a warm compress to the bump for 5-10 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the area.

Do not remove the jewelry: Removing the jewelry from the piercing can cause the hole to close up and trap infection and bacteria inside, so leave the jewelry in place unless advised otherwise by a professional.

Seek professional help: If the bump doesn’t improve or gets worse, seek help from a professional piercer or a doctor. They can give you professional advice, healing methods, or medication, which may include antibiotics.

Cleaning the little blod after placing the piercing.

Remember that it can take time for a piercing bump to go away, so be patient and continue to care for the area until it has fully healed.

Keloids are a type of raised scar that forms when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process of a wound or an injury. They can be itchy, painful, and unsightly, and sometimes restrict movement if they are located over a joint. So how to make a piercing keloid go away?

Treatment for keloids can be challenging, and there is no single remedy that works for everyone. However, some solutions can help you with a keloid:

Corticosteroid injections: Injecting corticosteroids directly into the keloid can help to reduce inflammation and flatten the scar.

Cryotherapy: Freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen can cause the scar tissue to die and fall off.

Surgical removal: Removing the keloid surgically can be effective, but this is a pretty risky method since there is a risk of the scar growing back even larger than before.

Removing the keloid at beauty studio salon

Laser therapy: Using a laser to treat the keloid can help to reduce its size and improve its appearance.

Silicone sheets or gels: Applying silicone sheets or gels to the keloid can help to soften and flatten the scar over time.

But you don’t have to be worried about your keloids since most of the cases, they are harmless.

Remember that keloids can be difficult to get rid of and may require multiple approaches. It is also important to work with a healthcare professional who is experienced in treating keloids to ensure the best possible outcome.

WHAT DO SWORD TATTOOS MEAN?

From the samurai warriors of Japan to the Viking seafarers and the legendary Knights of the Round Table, swords have played a pivotal role in history, symbolizing conquest, protection, and bravery. Over time, swords evolved from practical weapons to symbolic artifacts, as they were replaced by bayonets and firearms.

Today, sword tattoos carry a variety of meanings beyond just masculine strength and power. Due to their rich historical and cultural significance, sword tattoos can represent a wide range of personal and symbolic meanings, influenced by diverse traditions and stories around the world.

THE KATANA OF ANCIENT JAPAN

The samurai, once revered warriors of Japan, left a lasting impact on Japanese culture. However, with the arrival of the U.S. Navy in the 19th century and the restoration of power to a former imperial family, the era of the samurai came to an end. By then, samurai were prohibited from wearing their swords, or katana, in public.

The way of the samurai encompassed much more than just the katana and combat. According to Inside Japan, the samurai code, known as bushido or “the way of the warrior,” emphasized principles such as honor, bravery, selflessness, and duty. This philosophy guided their conduct and shaped their approach to life and warfare.

Given the rich and fascinating history of Samurai culture, a katana tattoo today can symbolize immense discipline and courage. It can also serve as a tribute to the dedication and effort required to achieve personal growth and mastery. Samurai training, which began in childhood, involved rigorous physical and spiritual preparation, reflecting a lifelong commitment to self-improvement and honor.

SWORD AND ROSE

When a sword is stabbed through a rose in a tattoo, it combines the symbolism of both elements, adding layers of meaning. The rose, often representing passion, beauty, and love, now intersects with the sword, which can symbolize strength, courage, or conflict. This fusion can signify a balance between love and struggle, the protection of something precious, or the idea that love and pain are intertwined. It can also represent the idea of enduring hardship or overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of something beautiful or cherished.

You can emphasize this duality by choosing a saturated, colorful rose alongside a grey and black sword design, drawing on the style of traditional American tattoos.

SWORD AND HEART

One popular element to incorporate with a sword or dagger tattoo is a heart. A dagger piercing through a heart is a classic motif in traditional American tattoo design, characterized by bold black lines and rich, saturated colors. This imagery often represents themes of love, betrayal, or the intersection of passion and pain.

While this design is certainly striking, its meaning is rooted in Christian symbolism. According to Tattoodo, the image of a dagger piercing a heart is historically associated with Mary’s divine love and suffering. This powerful symbol reflects themes of deep emotional pain and spiritual devotion.

The symbol of three swords piercing a heart also appears in tarot decks, known as the Three of Swords card. Each card in a tarot deck carries its own symbolism and narrative, and a tarot reader is believed to interpret these elements to reveal insights into your past, present, and future. The Three of Swords often represents themes of emotional pain, heartbreak, and sorrow, providing a reflection of internal struggles and personal challenges.

SWORD AND SNAKE

Another popular element to include in a sword tattoo is a snake coiled around the blade. Snakes can carry various symbolic meanings depending on their cultural context.

In some Native American tribes, snakes symbolize healing and transformation, likely due to their ability to shed their skin. Conversely, in Christian doctrine, snakes are often associated with temptation and deceit, as it was a serpent that tempted Eve to eat the forbidden apple, leading to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

PLACEMENT OF SWORD TATTOOS

The placement of a sword tattoo is largely determined by the design. Larger designs require ample space to be fully appreciated. Since swords are typically straight, it’s important to choose a placement that preserves the tattoo’s appearance without distortion. For instance, the ankle bone might create a bumpy effect, which can disrupt the straight lines of the sword.

The forearm is an excellent choice for a sword tattoo, as it provides a flat, straight surface that won’t interfere with the tattooing process.

It’s always a good idea to discuss your design and placement with your tattoo artist. They can offer valuable advice on whether your chosen placement will complement the design.

Swords are imbued with powerful symbolism, often representing strength, power, and courage. If you want a permanent reminder of these qualities, a sword could be a meaningful inspiration for your next tattoo.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, sword tattoos are rich with symbolism and meaning, reflecting a variety of cultural and personal interpretations. Historically, swords have symbolized strength, honor, and bravery, particularly in cultures like the samurai of Japan or the knights of medieval Europe. When incorporated into tattoos, they often represent themes of courage, protection, and the enduring spirit of struggle and victory.

The meaning of a sword tattoo can be further enriched by combining it with other elements like roses or snakes, each adding its own layer of significance. The choice of colors and design placement can also influence the tattoo’s overall message, making it a deeply personal and expressive form of body art. Whether as a tribute to historical valor or a symbol of personal growth and resilience, a sword tattoo can serve as a powerful reminder of the qualities you value most.