When you make the decision to get a piercing, the last thing you want is for something as unsightly as a moisture bump to interfere with the healing process. Piercing bumps, especially moisture bumps, are a common occurrence but can be managed with the right treatment. In this post, we will explore what moisture bumps are, why they form, and effective treatments to help you restore your piercing.
What Are Moisture Bumps?
Moisture bumps, are a form of irritation bumps, often develop around new piercings. These small, raised lumps are usually filled with fluid and can appear shiny. While they can be alarming and unsightly, they are typically NOT a sign of infection but rather a response to excessive moisture trapped around the piercing.
Common Causes of Moisture Bumps
Several factors contribute to the formation of moisture bumps:
Trapped Moisture: Water from showers, swimming, or even sweat can accumulate around your piercing, creating a humid environment. This excess moisture disrupts the healing process and encourages the development of these bumps.
Over-Cleaning: While cleaning your piercing is important, excessive use of saline solutions or harsh cleaners can irritate the area. Over-cleaning strips the skin of essential oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and ultimately, moisture bumps.
Touching the Piercing: Constantly adjusting or touching your piercing can introduce bacteria and aggravate the area, contributing to irritation bumps.
Jewellery Material: Subpar or non-APP verified jewellery can cause reactions, and while moisture bumps are different from an allergic responses, poor jewellery material can exacerbate irritation.
Symptoms of Moisture Bumps
Moisture bumps are easy to recognize. Common symptoms include:
Often small, raised bumps that may be clear, pink, or red
A shiny or fluid-filled appearance
Mild discomfort or tenderness around the piercing
If the bump is accompanied by significant pain, yellow or green discharge, or warmth, you may be dealing with an infection, and it's best to consult a professional piercer.
How to Treat Moisture Bumps
1. Reduce Moisture Exposure
One of the best ways to treat and prevent moisture bumps is to reduce the amount of moisture that gets trapped around the piercing. Here’s how:
Dry After Cleaning: After cleaning your piercing with saline, gently pat the area dry using a clean, disposable paper towel. Avoid leaving the area damp for too long.
Avoid Submerging in Water: Keep the area dry by avoiding pools, saunas, or long showers. If water exposure is unavoidable, make sure to dry the piercing immediately.
2. Switch Jewellery
Poor or low-quality jewellery can irritate a fresh piercing, leading to bumps. To prevent this, switch to high-quality APP-verified jewellery, which is biocompatible and less likely to cause irritation.
3. Gentle Care Routine
Instead of over-cleaning, stick to a simple saline solution (available in pre-made sprays such as NeilMed) twice daily. Be cautious not to use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh chemicals, as they can exacerbate irritation and dryness. See our other Blog post on this here.
4. Don't Touch!
While it can be tempting to adjust or play with your jewellery, avoid touching your piercing unless you're cleaning it. This minimizes the risk of bacteria or dirt entering the area.
5. Monitor for Improvement
If treated properly, moisture bumps should start to improve within a few weeks. If you don't see any changes or the bump worsens, consult with your piercer to rule out other issues like keloids or infections.
When to See a Piercing Professional
If your moisture bump doesn't resolve or you’re unsure whether it's a moisture bump or something else, always check in with a professional piercer (book a consultation here). They can assess the issue, recommend specific treatments, and, if necessary, swap your jewellery for something better suited to your piercing.
Final Thoughts
Moisture bumps are a common annoyance, but with proper care and attention, they can be managed and treated effectively. By reducing moisture exposure, using quality jewelry, and following a gentle cleaning routine, you’ll be able to keep your piercing looking its best. Always reach out to a professional piercer if you're in doubt about how to treat your piercing.
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