Introduction
A piercing bump can be a frustrating and unsightly issue that often appears during the healing process. Understanding what causes these bumps and how to treat them can make a huge difference in your piercing journey. This blog post I will cover everything you need to know about treating piercing bumps and offer healing methods backed by experts.
What is a Piercing Bump?
A piercing bump is a raised area of tissue that often forms around a healing or trauma affected piercing site. These bumps can vary in size and may present as red, inflamed, and sometimes painful areas. They are typically caused by trauma, irritation, or moisture. Differentiating between a piercing bump and a keloid—a more severe type of scar tissue—is crucial for choosing the right treatment, PIERCING BUMPS ARE NOT KELOIDS.
Common Causes of Piercing Bumps
Understanding what leads to a piercing bump can help you avoid the issue in the first place. The most common causes include:
Trauma or Injury: Accidental bumps, knocks, or even sleeping on your piercing can lead to bumps forming.
Irritation from Jewellery: Poor-quality jewellery, inappropriate sizes, or allergic reactions to metals can irritate the piercing. This is why you should only wear jewellery from the APP Verified body jewellery program.
Improper Aftercare: Using harsh cleaning solutions or over-cleaning can strip the skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritation. Following proper aftercare is very important, find our recommended aftercare here.
Infection: Bacteria entering the wound site can cause swelling and bumps. NOT ALL BUMPS ARE INFECTIONS, they are actually really really uncommon.
Over-tightening Jewelry: Jewelry that’s too tight can disrupt the natural healing process, such as butterfly backed ear rings.
Effective Ways to Heal a Piercing Bump
Before using any of these please consult your piercer first as the varying methods below will work better in different situations.
Saline Solution Soaks Using a saline solution soak is one of the most effective ways to treat piercing bumps. Saline is gentle on the skin and helps cleanse the area without causing additional irritation. Here’s how to use it:
NeilMed Saline Solution: only use a premade saline solution like NeilMed and DO NOT MIX YOUR OWN! Self made solutions are not appropriate, never consistent and often mixed wrong.
Application: Soak a sterile cotton pad in the solution and gently press it against the piercing for 3 to 5 minutes, twice a day. Wipe away any debris but don't pick or pull scabs off.
Avoid over-soaking, as this can dry out the skin and cause further irritation.
Chamomile Compresses Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, making it an excellent alternative for soothing irritated skin.
How to Use: Brew a chamomile tea bag in hot water, let it cool to a comfortable temperature, and place it over the bump for 5-10 minutes.
Frequency: Use this method once or twice daily until the bump subsides.
Ensure you are not allergic to chamomile before using this method.
Hot Compress with a Clean Cloth A hot compress can increase circulation to the affected area, promoting faster healing. Use a clean cloth soaked in hot water (but not scalding) and apply it to the bump for 5 minutes.
Visit Your Piercer or a DermatologistIf the bump persists despite home treatments, consult your piercer or a dermatologist. They can provide professional advice, change your jewelry, or prescribe treatments like steroid injections or prescription creams.
Tips to Prevent Piercing Bumps
Choose High-Quality JewelryOpt for implant-grade titanium or 14k gold to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and irritation.
Avoid Sleeping on Your PiercingSleep on your back or use a travel pillow to prevent putting pressure on the piercing while it heals.
Follow Proper Aftercare GuidelinesStick to the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer, which typically include saline solution soaks and avoiding harsh chemicals.
Avoid Touching or Twisting the JewelryTouching your piercing with unwashed hands can introduce bacteria, while twisting the jewelry can disrupt healing.
Replace Unsuitable JewelryJewelry that’s too tight or too loose can hinder healing. Consult your piercer for the appropriate size and style.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s important to recognize when a piercing bump needs professional attention. If you experience severe pain, excessive redness, or notice pus coming from the bump, it may be a sign of an infection that requires medical intervention.
Conclusion
Healing a piercing bump requires patience and the right approach. By understanding the causes and using the appropriate treatment methods, you can minimize or eliminate piercing bumps effectively. Always prioritize high-quality jewelry and professional guidance for a smooth healing process.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it or leave a comment below with your piercing-related questions.
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