HomeAnswersDermatologykeloidDoes microneedling cause keloids?

I have raised, red, and itchy bumps on my cheeks after microneedling. Are they keloids?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Shama Naaz

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At June 26, 2021
Reviewed AtSeptember 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

When I was a teenager, I got severe acne on my chest. I put 95% ethyl alcohol on them for months every day, thinking I would treat them. Instead, it left me with keloid scars all over my chest. Four years later, last week, I went to do microneedling on my face. It was pretty harsh, and I got red-raised-itchy bumps on my cheeks, worrying it might be keloids. Could I get keloids from microneedling? Because I think before the procedure began, the esthetician put alcohol on my face, not sure what type of alcohol. And can the microneedling itself (2 mm) cause keloids on the face?

Answered by Dr. Shama Naaz

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If you are genetically predisposed to get keloids over your body, you can get it after some trauma to your skin, for example, burns, dermabrasion, and even chemical peeling.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply. But will placing 95% ethyl alcohol on severe-bleeding acne naturally form keloids? Especially it was daily. Maybe that is less traumatic than doing microneedling. I do not know; I am just overthinking. Are raised-red-itchy bumps after dermapen normal, or are they signs of a forming keloid? Maybe that is more traumatic than doing microneedling.

Answered by Dr. Shama Naaz

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I would like to see a picture of your skin lesions. Also, before dermatologists do any procedure, they take a complete history of keloidal tendencies. If that is present, they do not do the procedure as it is a contraindication. Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply. I have attached the pictures after the harsh microneedling session. Are these keloids forming? I had my microneedling session two days ago. Are these simply red bumps with tiny whiteheads, or are they keloids forming? Please help.

Answered by Dr. Shama Naaz

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I checked the photos (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). These are not keloids. These are due to friction and allergic reaction to some products that they might have used on your skin. When was your microneedling session? And what are you using on your face right now?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply. I had my microneedling two days ago. She told me to use Fucidin for two days. So today, I began to use my cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. I feel Fucidin is an antibiotic to use on the skin.

Answered by Dr. Shama Naaz

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Please avoid using toner. Use a bland moisturizer with no fragrance, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. Use sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher daily. Use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Cetafresh, or Clinsure. I hope this helps you. Thanks.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shama Naaz
Dr. Shama Naaz

Dermatology

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