Causes Of Ear Cartilage Keloid & Ways To Get Rid Of It

Keloids are defined by excessive growth of scar tissue likely to be caused when there is trauma to the skin. Here we look at causes of ear cartilage keloid and ways to get rid of it.

The formation of keloids is common after an ear is pierced for the purpose of wearing jewelry. However, these scar tissues are quite unsightly and can be anything from bright pink to dark brown in color. Various treatment of keloids are available ranging from medical management to home treatment options. However, as every case varies, the best plan of action can be decided with an expert’s opinion.

There are various causes of ear cartilage keloids. As these are around the earlobes and the ear cartilage piercing may be the commonest factor but other factors too play a role.

Piercings are one of the most common causes of ear cartilage keloids. For many; it would be rather surprising that a minor piercing could lead to excessive scar tissue growth resulting in keloid formation but it is entirely possible. When a piercing starts to heal, the former skin tissue is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. Many a times this process is controlled and just enough scar tissue forms to replace skin tissue. However, excessive formation of scar tissue often leads to keloids after ear piercings. Keloids generally start off as barely noticeable bumps around the site of a piercing however they can continue to grow for a few months after a piercing to form large and unsightly bumps. For some, the growth may be at a faster rate while for some, it may take few months after piercing.

There are multiple other causes of ear cartilage keloids formation. These include injuries to earlobes or ear cartilage can result in excessive scar tissue growth and so can acne, surgical scars, chicken pox, tattoos and insect bites. People who are most susceptible to keloids are those with darker skin types or individuals below 30. Keloids can also be genetically inherent; meaning individuals having a family history of keloids are vulnerable to keloid formations.

The general consensus is that keloids can be tricky to get rid of; which is why a combination of treatment strategies is generally recommended. Keloids can be treated in a clinical setting or at home with varying degrees of success.

Here are some of the ways to get rid of ear cartilage keloid.

• Surgical Elimination – Surgical treatment is one of the commonest ways to get rid of ear cartilage keloid, based on a dermatologist’s recommendation. Often times keloids reappear even after surgical removal, to prevent reformation of scar tissue; doctors recommend weighted ear rings to apply pressure on all areas of the earlobe. These ear rings can cause some discomfort and need to be worn for a minimum of 16 hours every day for 6 to 12 months.
• Radiation Treatment – Radiation treatment in conjunction with surgical removal of keloids is a popular and effective way to get rid of keloids or to limit their growth.
• Cryotherapy for Keloids – Cryotherapy is the process of freezing keloids to limit their growth. Cryotherapy is combined with steroid injection to treat keloids and this too is one of the effective ways to get rid of ear cartilage keloid.
• Laser Therapy for Keloids – Laser therapy can reduce the size of keloids and help fade the color of the scar tissue. However, laser therapy for keloids is mostly administered in conjunction with some other form of treatment.
• Ligature for Keloid Treatment – Another way to get rid of keloid is to ligature. Surgical thread or a ligature is often tied around the base of a larger keloid till the keloid falls off. New ligatures need to be tied to the base of a larger keloid every 3 to 4 weeks until the point at which; the keloid falls off.
• Retinoid Creams for Keloids – Studies show that retinoid creams can be slightly effective in reducing the size, fading the color and reducing the itching caused by keloids. Doctors often prescribe retinoid creams to treat keloids.

Many people try at-home treatments for keloids, which may show varying degrees of success. Popular at home treatments for keloids are

• Silicone Gels
• Onion Extract Gel
• Garlic Extract Gel

In conclusion; there are various causes of keloid, but piercing is one of the commonest causes of ear cartilage keloid. While there are many ways to get rid of ear cartilage keloid, the success rate may differ from person to person. Hence, it is best to seek medical advice and plan the most appropriate treatment depending on the individual requirement, health condition and severity of keloid.

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• Sore Ear Cartilage or Auricular Chondritis: Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, Recovery