Think you've got a keloid on a piercing? Chances are you dont, they are very very rare and in many cases can only be surgically removed. This is an example of a keloid http://wiki.bmezine.com/images/2/2c/...

Whereas this picture is of hypertrophic scarring which is quite common on piercings for many reasons but can be easily treated. http://wiki.bmezine.com/images/b/b4/...

Anyways Sophie posted this in the forum so I thought it'd be a good idea to put it up as a blog as people seem to be repeating the same question again and again.

"Whats a Keloid?
A keloid is a type of scar which results in an overgrowth of tissue at the site of a healed skin injury. Keloids are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, and can vary from pink to flesh-colored or red to dark brown. A keloid scar is benign( not harmful) , non-contagious, and usually accompanied by severe itchiness, sharp pains, and changes in texture. In severe cases, it can affect movement of skin. Keloids should not be confused with Hypertrophic scars, which are raised scars that do not grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound and may reduce over time.

So whats a Hypertrophic Scar?
A hypertrophic scar is a type of scar which takes the form of a redish raised lump on the skin, but does not grow beyound the boundires of the original wound. (in this case, piercing.) they will often improve after a few years if not treated, but with treatment, such as tea tree oils, they can drastically improve in a matter of days.


How are they caused?
Usually they are caused by improper jewelry, either from being too small and tight, causing it to rub and become uncomftable, or by it being to large and heavy, putting weight on the piercing. They can also be caused by constant playing with the piercing, any slight tugs or unneccesary twisting can also cause damage.


How do I treat a Hypertrophic Scar?
simple! get yourself some tea tree oil, use a few drops in a hot salt water solution, this will help the oil mix with the water, and then, once at a safe temperature apply the solution around the piercing using some cotton wool, or cotton buds. Continue to do this twice a day for two weeks, and you should see some improvement."

Hello everyone!

I've decided to add some stretching information to the blog. Here's a couple of FAQs I've found really useful.

Onetribe- http://www.onetribe.nu/faqs/11

BodyArtForms- http://forums.bodyartforms.com/forum...

Check them out if you're thinking of stretching or if you're in the process and have some questions.

I figured that after opening a shop in cork and seeing what type of work was going around, it would be a good idea to see what other people have to say about different shops/piercers. I have seen dodgy and brilliant jobs done on many of my friends/customers, so now it's time to find out what everyone else has to say.

Remember that we are all part of the bodmod community, so why not share what you have experienced to guide others along. If you have a few seconds and want to spew your thoughts, make sure you list the shop,piercer and work. BE HONEST!!!! Many out there are always looking for something new, so talk about attitudes/quality of work/environment/etc.

Cheers all and good luck modding!