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Keloid removal with string?

By RyeeGuy on 19 Mar 2009

I was reading someone saying that they tied a string around their earlobe keloid to cut off the circulation and the keloid dried up. I was wondering, does it really work?

View 6 doctor answers to Tying String Around Ear Keloid for Removal?

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Jordanz3 19 May 2013
Hey guys! Just wanted to inform everyone that after 7 days, I'm keloid FREE. Had one on back of ear about a grape size and tied the string of a tampon around it haha. Similar to any thread but I liked it because it was thin and strong. Kept re tightening it every day or so. Cleaned with soap and water. No peroxide. That slows it down. It got black after a day and I kept tightening it. Until it was halfway off and I twisted and pulled it off my ear. I handled the pain quite well no pain killers or anything. Only advice i have is be patient guys. Good things come to those who wait
freed 19 May 2013
Amen!! SOOOOO GOOOOD to be keloid FREE... ....
Helpmeeee101 17 May 2013
Alright so I've had a keloid on the back of my ear from a cartilage piercing.. Luckily mine isn't very large, about the size of a raisin but nonetheless hideous! I hate it so much i applied tea tree oil on it everyday hoping that it would shrink but nothing worked.. I finally looked up other methods and found this.. I used a bigger rubberband then I should've since mine is small and wrapped it around so many times that it was slowly sliding off the small bump. Had that rubberband on for 2 days until it didnt hurt anymore. Within those 2 days the keloid was already black in most areas and had hardened and scabbed up.. But today I found those rubber bands that people use for braces and tied it around twice. Immediately Omg let me tell you it is the most pain I have ever experience!!! I kind of have a low tolerance for pain but oh boy.. The pain is no joke. But seriously reading all the encouraging comments! I found this page right as I was looking for scissors to cut off the rubber band too because I could stand the pain anymore. Hopefully it comes off soon ill keep updated. Ugh I feel it throbbing now hopefully I can fall asleep :/
jazzy93 17 May 2013
Good luck! I bought small rubbet bands for hair and could only go around twice. Mine is from a cartilge piercing also but i have one on the outside too :/ day 4 and still hurts
jasmine_23 14 May 2013
I tried the rubber band method I am on day two but now i have what seems like a blister on half of it. Should i pop it, leave it alone, or try wrapping the rubber band tighter? I have a ear ache now due to the pain also.
HappytobeFree 15 May 2013
Don't pop it. Keep it clean. Tighten the band if you can stand it. In this case, pain is a good thing. It means the band is working. Hang in there.
Natanya1984 15 May 2013
Dont pop it, its a good sign that its blistering. I know it scary but you're doing great. Pain means its working. Good luck!
jasmine_23 15 May 2013
Thanks. :) it popped last night while i was sleeping so now im going to tighten it again. Ita about the size of a small marble how long do u think it will take to fall off?
jasmine_23 15 May 2013
is it normal to have pain all the way down to your neck?
keesha320 15 May 2013
I had pain down the side of my face...I took some antibiotics and stronger pain pills...
edsmith0075 14 May 2013
Doctors report a 50% success rate that the keloid will return when using this method. For all the people here that have done it, have yours came back and if so what do you think may have caused their return. For those with success, what do you think was the key or difference that prevented regrowth.
Sierra Tallahassee 12 May 2013
I've had my keloids for awhile now. They formed from piercing on my ears that I had gotten during middle school. I tried the rubberband method during my senior year of high school, they came off. I had excruciating pain during the process; however, I was ready for them to go so I stuck it out. Now I'm currently starting my 3rd year of college, AND THEIR BACK!!!! I'm currently trying the string method. I'm in so much pain that I can't sleep; however, the keloids make me feel very self-concious. Are there any Meds that anyone would recommend me to use after the process is over?
Reggiereg 12 May 2013
Okay so like day 2 the black dying part burst and blood came out and some of the skin came off pretty sure thats not safe
keesha320 12 May 2013
I used antibotic ointment and alcohol 3 times a day....keep it clean keep it clean....
Reggiereg 12 May 2013
Im on day 1... 6:23am cant sleep it hurts my right keloid is swelling and is half way darkened and my left keloid is blustering and oozing and is also half way black. But its so annoying!!
ChronicSativa 11 May 2013
I just want to thank everyone who posts to this forum. It's SO SO SO SO helpful. Not to get mushy, but I swear I feel like giving up on this every day, but I'll read the comments and I get a relief like someone's done it before. All of you guys and gals are awesome in my book. Btw, I stopped counting days because it's clear my process isn't gonna be as short as everyone else's, but.. We're getting numb and should be completely purple in as little as 2 days :) thanks again, y'all.
Reggiereg 12 May 2013
I guess well be moving at the same rate.
Beatlelette22 11 May 2013
I really want to do this but I'm scared because I'm already experiencing some pain at the base of my keloid! Did anyone else have pain prior to using this method?
ChronicSativa 13 May 2013
I did. My keloid is large.. About the size of a full grown cherry.. Especially in cold months, I'd have periodical sharp, shooting pains in it. It's awful. And people ("professionals") will swear you up and down they don't cause any pain.
Beatlelette22 13 May 2013
That's the exact feeling I get! Do you suggest I should try this out?
ChronicSativa 14 May 2013
I am only because I'm tired of paying out hundreds of dollars to ppl who don't care about my condition and only want my money. Mine hasn't fallen off yet, but is sort of dangling (lol) and I'm making progress and the process is painful, but I'd rather deal with it and not have to deal with the other pains anymore. Also, there's a bunch of YouTube vids (like 3 or 4 helpful ones) on the different methods. Good luck!
freed 14 May 2013
Hi, glad to to see that you are still using this method! Believe me when that keloid falls off it willbe worth ALL the pain~~ hope to hear from you soon.....
SukiSuki 10 May 2013
The keloid on the back of my ear is gone! I just have a tiny one in the front to get rid of! :)
HappytobeFree 10 May 2013
Congrat
SukiSuki 10 May 2013
Thank you! I was so happy I screamed!

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