Piercing bumps are a common complication, often resulting from irritation, infection, trauma, or allergic reactions. Identifying the type of bump—pustule, granuloma, hypertrophic scar, or keloid—is crucial for effective treatment[1][3].
- Keep your piercing clean: Clean your piercing with a sterile saline solution, which is preferred over homemade sea salt solutions due to better safety and efficacy. Gently rinse the area and pat dry with a paper towel[1][3][4].
- Try a chamomile compress: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. To make a compress, steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for 3–5 minutes, apply it to the bump for 5–10 minutes, and rinse afterward. Avoid chamomile if you have a ragweed allergy[1][3].
- Avoid unnecessary trauma: Do not twist or remove crust forcibly. Touch your piercing only with clean hands, and avoid sleeping on the piercing or exposing it to potential irritants[1][3].
- Consider changing jewelry: Jewelry made from hypoallergenic materials like titanium or surgical steel may help if the bump is related to a metal allergy[1][4].
- Consult a professional: If your bump does not improve or grows larger (like a keloid), see your piercer or a doctor. Keloids may need medical intervention[1][4].
- Tea tree oil: Some piercers recommend diluted tea tree oil for its antibacterial effects, but evidence is limited. Use with caution and discontinue if irritation occurs[4].
Piercing bumps can sometimes take weeks or months to resolve, especially hypertrophic scars. Persistent, painful, or worsening bumps should be assessed by a professional to rule out infection or more serious scarring[1][4].
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