Bug Bites Can Cause Keloids?! Here’s What You Need to Know

Summer’s upon us, and with it, a problem we’d all like to forget. 

Bugs. Not just bugs, but buzzing, crawling, biting, pesky little insects that can get in our hair, clothes, and personal space despite our best efforts. 

If you’ve ever had a bug bite, you already know. The swelling and itching can go from a minor inconvenience to a big bother real quick. Especially if you’re allergic! But even if you’re not allergic, did you know that nature’s creepy crawlers can cause something seriously nasty on your skin?

We’re talking about keloids.

Wait, What Are Keloids?

Scars that occur when your skin is injured, keloids can go well beyond your typical bug bite. In fact, keloids are a type of raised scar that may grow far outside the normal bug bite area. While normal scars typically fade, keloids may actually worsen and grow with time, showing up in every color from shiny red to purple and dark brown.

From our partner

Do you still have gout symptoms even though you're taking medication? You’re not alone. The Kadence study is a clinical research study for adults with uncontrolled gout. Learn More

Whether it’s a cut, burn, or bug bite, keloids love to show their ugly faces. And for people with darker skin, they’re a lot more prevalent. In fact, some research indicates that Black folks are up to 15 times more likely to develop these things than light-skinned folks. 

So be vigilant. If you do develop a keloid, resist the temptation to itch. While it feels good in the short term, it actually aggravates the skin and can increase inflammation in the area, thereby making the keloid worse. 

Fortunately, even if those shiny, smooth scars get really bad, you’ve got plenty of treatment options.

RELATED: What’s Bugging You? Top 10 Bug Bites (and How to Treat Them)

How to Treat Keloids

Freaked out by that unsightly scar? Looking for ways to make it go away, but not sure how? Simply wanna know what to do if you do develop a keloid?

From our partner

People 16+ years old struggling with lupus: Find out if the PHOENYCS FLY Study may be for you. Study-related care provided at no cost.

Here are some common treatments:

• Laser Therapy – With a precise beam of light, you can reduce both the size and color of your keloid(s). It’s relatively painless and is great for smaller, newer scars. The only downside is you’ll probably need multiple sessions, which can get costly.
• Injections – With this option, you get steroids shot right into the affected area. This can quickly cut down on inflammation and slow down development, which also reduces your symptoms. However, be mindful of possible side effects, such as the thinning or discoloration of your skin.
• Silicone gels – These are basically oily sheets that are applied to soften the keloid and keep it flat. You can do this from home, but you do have to be persistent. It may take several months to notice the results.
• Pressure Therapy – Think of this like dressing for wounds. You’re essentially pressing on the keloid to ‘snuff’ it out. However, you’ll often have to wear these garments for 12-24 hours at a time, so if that kinda thing gets you uncomfortable, you might wanna explore other options. The good news is, that this treatment usually works well on bigger keloids.
• Excision – Last but not least is surgery, and it’s usually a final option if all else fails. As you can imagine, surgery removes the keloid entirely, which is great. The only problem is, it may return, and it may return bigger than it was! That’s why surgery is usually used with other treatments as well.

So there you have it. Those are just some of the treatments you can use to treat keloids, whether they stem from a bug bite, an incision, a cut, or a burn. Remember, not all keloids are treated equally. Depending upon the size, severity, and location on the body, one approach may be way more effective than the other.

It’s also important to take precautions to prevent these buggers from developing. Always respond to any skin wound – even if you think it’s minor – promptly. Keep the area clean and moist, and don’t hesitate to use special dressings.

If you’re going outdoors in nature where insects are sure to be present, just be mindful. Check yourself for bugs, wear protective clothing, or simply avoid areas where bug bites/stings/etc. are likely.

As always, consult a dermatologist if anything happens, and don’t panic. While the appearance of keloids can be distressing, you’ve got plenty of ways to take care of ’em. Don’t stress, be vigilant, and enjoy your summer!