26/06/2026
✨ INFORMATIVE POST ✨
BUMPS OR KELOIDS?
Many people have experienced a “irritation bump” but some experience hypertrophic scarring and even keloids, so what’s the difference?
Irritation bumps; they can come and go just like blisters and that’s exactly the example I like to use.
Imagine you’ve just bought a new pair of shoes, there slightly tight and you’re breaking them in, unfortunately you get a blister. This is what can occur when you get a new piercing, when the swelling occurs the jewellery can rub causing friction, accidentally snagging the piercing, twisting or improper care can all result in irritation bumps, it’s a reaction that’s trying to protect the area, kind of like a blister! Finding the source of the irritation can help solve this.
Hypertrophic Scarring;
Very similar to an irritation bump but this generally happens when the body sends too many signals for collagen to heal the wound, they do not grow further than the wound itself, are red or pink in colour and generally flatten and fade over time.
Keloid Scarring;
Keloids are thick, raised scarring that grow further from the wound boundary, they are also a reaction to the body’s signals for collagen to heal the wound but appear much larger, there colours can range from pink to brown and they can be itchy, feel tight and be painful. Keloids unfortunately don’t go away on their own and a dermatologist would have to advise on best cause of treatment.
