Keloid is one of the common genetic skin conditions that many people suffer from. Any triggering event on your skin, such as skin injury, may lead to the formation of keloids. You may as well experience this condition after having a tattoo, but the scenario differs from person to person. As tattoos make the use of needles, the poking of holes may lead to the formation of keloids. 

In general, doctors advise anyone with this condition not to opt for tattoos or body piercings. So, what is the relation between keloids and tattoos? Read this article till the end to find out. 

What is a Keloid? 

Keloid scars are more prominent than other types of scars on the body. They are composed of collagen and fibroblasts, which are connective tissue cells. Keloids are scars that generally grow after surgery. Other factors that characterize this condition include abrasions, severe acne, punctures, insect bites, and more. 

It is very much possible to develop keloids after having a tattoo. During your tattoo session, the artist repeatedly pricks the skin with a needle to embed the ink permanently. When so many minor wounds are made by puncturing the skin, keloids may become a possibility. 

The appearance of keloids is like thick and elevated bumps with a smooth, shiny exterior. In some cases, they may cause pain and itching. Keloids are easy to spot as they spread beyond the injury site, turning reddish-brown and making the original injury area look broader and longer. Keloids can form anywhere on the body, most commonly in the regions like ears, shoulders, neck, chest, and back. Their sizes range from smaller than an inch to 12 inches and even more.

Who is at the Risk of Developing Keloids? 

There are many factors why keloids may affect your skin. The condition is common in the following instances: 

• People with black or brown skin are more prone to developing this condition. 
• Keloid scars are also the result of genetics. Thus, if you have a personal history of any family member getting keloids, you may be predisposed to them. That said, the cases may vary. 
• People under thirty are more prone to getting keloids. Once developed on the skin, you are likely to continue getting more with any serious skin injury. 

What are the Symptoms of Keloids? 

Here’s how to know that your skin has developed keloids: 

Tiny Appearance with Slow Growth

It may take three months up to a year before you notice the first signs of a keloid on your skin. Afterward, it may take weeks or months to grow. In some cases, keloids continue to grow gradually for years. 

Raised Pink or Purple Scars

A keloid is usually a scar with a flat surface. Over time, its color tends to darken. After a while, the appearance becomes darker than the skin, and its border gets darker than the center. 

Different From the Surrounding Skin

When you touch the keloids, they feel different than the surrounding skin, with a soft and doughy sensation. However, it is not always the case. Some keloids may feel hard and rubbery to touch. 

Pain, Itching, and Tenderness

When they are in their growth stage, keloids may feel painful, itchy, and tender to touch. But once a keloid is entirely grown, these symptoms disappear. 

Can a Tattoo Cause Keloids? 

It is very much possible for the tattoo to cause a keloid. Some doctors highlight that tattoos are one of the root causes of keloid scarring. The lack of improper tattoo aftercare and follow-up with the tattoo artist after the tattoo session are the contributing factors to the formation of keloids after a tattoo. The formation of keloids on the tattoo distorts its appearance. 

Does Everyone Who Has a Tattoo Get a Keloid? 

No. Not everyone having a tattoo gets a keloid. As stated, there are many contributing factors to this condition, and some people are at more risk of developing keloids than others. 

If you have a family history of keloid scarring or suffered keloid scarring from a skin injury in the past, we do not recommend getting a tattoo without having a word with your doctor. If your skin reacts negatively during the procedure, you may be left with a keloid scar instead of the expected body art. 

Can I Get a Tattoo Without Fearing Keloid? 

When the wound goes beyond the dermis, keloid scarring often follows. But if you get the procedure done by a trained and experienced tattoo artist, the design will never penetrate deeper than the surface of the skin. Thus, even if you are prone to developing this skin condition, you may avoid it. 

If you avoid regions on your body with significant muscles and frequent movements for the tattoo, you may usually prevent initiating a keloid healing from your tattoo. Experts also recommend having a small, thick tattoo in an inconspicuous spot of your body first and checking how it heals before opting for larger and more visible areas. 

Can I Get a Tattoo Over a Keloid? 

The practice of getting a tattoo over a keloid is prevalent. It is called scar tattooing and requires a seasoned tattoo artist to do the needful. It takes a lot of time, skill, and effort to safely and artfully tattoo over a keloid to hide it. 

It is recommended to wait over a year for the formation of keloid or scar to get a tattoo over it, or else you will end up injuring your skin. Always choose an experienced tattoo artist to fulfill the purpose.

Likewise, you can also opt for a tattoo near a keloid, but only by a seasoned tattoo artist. 

Is Keloid Removal Possible? 

Yes. Keloid can be removed medically or surgically. But they are not easy to heal. Your dermatologist will recommend one or more of the following methods as the treatment of this condition. 

Corticosteroid Shots 

The injection of corticosteroid once every three to four weeks for a series of treatments may help shrink or soften the formation of the scar. This treatment option has a 50-80 percent success rate. 

Cryotherapy 

Cryotherapy involves the use of intense cold from liquid nitrogen to freeze the keloid tissue area, which in turn reduces the size. This method works best on small scars. 

Laser Therapy 

The treatment with a laser helps lighten and minimize the overall appearance of keloids. This treatment works best when combined with corticosteroid injections or pressure garments. 

Surgery

If the above-listed treatments do not reduce the appearance of the keloid, dermatologists use surgery to cut out the keloid. It also shows the best results when combined with other forms of treatment. 

Radiation 

High-energy X-rays can help shrink keloids to a great extent. The treatment is usually used right after keloid removal surgery when the wound is still healing. 

Will I Ruin My Tattoo During the Keloid Removal Process? 

Your tattoo will not get ruined during the keloid removal process unless the keloid has previously grown on a tattoo and you are opting to remove the same. In this situation, the treatment may negatively affect the ink, thus distorting the appearance of the tattoo. That said, it also depends on how close the keloid is to the tattoo and the removal method you choose. For instance, laser therapy may remove the ink entirely. 

Takeaway 

Whether you are prone to keloid scarring or have a family history, we recommend avoiding getting tattooed or putting yourself at risk of developing a keloid on the design. Discuss the condition with your tattoo artist and ask for their advice. You can also ask them to do a test tattoo on your skin and track how it heals. All the best.