How do I get rid of a keloid caused by a nose piercing? (Photo)

Question

I got my nose pierced about 5 months ago and it never seemed to heal. At first my nose was numb and tingly at the tip and then I got this bump even though I cleaned it with saline 2x a day every day. Now,I soak it in salt water 1/2x a day and use diluted tea tree oil to minimize the bump. When I take out the piercing, the bump is sensitive and puss comes out even after I clean it. Would taking the ring permanently out make the bump bigger? How do I get rid of it?

Aditya Sood, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Great question! Based on the picture you provided, you do not appear to have a keloid, but rather hypertrophic and inflamed tissues. You may have an allergy to the metal in the nose ring, and you definitely have a recurrent infection at the site. I would recommend refraining from using the nose ring at all until the infection clears and continue to keep it clean until all the redness and purulent drainage disappears. You could always have it pierced again in the future. Best of luck!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our Hidef protocols for scar revision can address different types of scars, depending on your scar biometrics and characteristics. Protocols vary in duration based on the severity of your scars. 
Bad scars can manifest in many different ways, including pigmentation, thickening, and depression of atrophic scars. Thick scars are best treated in my practice with IIT, cortisone injections, pressure management, and laser. We recommend daily use of Plato’s Scar Serum to the scars to mediate scar hypertrophy. 
Hyperpigmented scars respond well to Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams. If the area is large, consider Luminase and Exfolase creams for the body. Hyperpigmentation PIH can also be treated with Q switch laser, PICO, chemical peels, and rapid scar exfoliation. PIE erythema scars are best treated with pulsed dye laser. 
Keloid scars are our specialization. We manage small and large keloid scars with excision, IIT, PRP, laser therapy, and scar modulation. Use Plato’s Scar Serum daily. 
Textural scars respond well to nanofractional RF and fractional laser to help improve surface texture. When combined with scar modulation, the results can improve dramatically. The most important variable is for you to choose a plastic surgeon with expertise in laser therapy using Hidef protocols. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have an infection which involves cartilage. You need to see a physician for a proper evaluation.

How do I get rid of a keloid caused by a nose piercing? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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How do I get rid of a keloid caused by a nose piercing? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.