How do you get rid of a piercing bump?

A piercing bump or inflammation often occurs due to improper care, irritation, or the wrong jewelry. By carefully and consistently following the right steps, you can prevent or solve these problems.

Causes of a piercing bump or inflammation

A piercing bump is often caused by:

  1. Irritation – For example, from sleeping on it, tight clothing, bumps, or a rod that is too long.
  2. Poor hygiene – Insufficient cleaning or touching with dirty hands.
  3. Improper care – Using the wrong products such as alcohol, homemade saline solutions, or creams.
  4. Incorrect jewelry – Jewelry that is too long or poorly fitting causes movement and irritation.
  5. Unconscious behavior – Such as touching, twisting, or using accessories (such as earphones or headphones) that cause pressure or bacteria.

The 10 golden rules for a healthy piercing

  1. Clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile piercing spray.

    • Do not use household remedies such as alcohol, sea salt, tea tree oil or creams. Only sterile piercing spray is safe and effective.
    • Also spray on the skin around the piercing to remove bacteria.

  2. Leave your piercing alone.

    • Never touch your piercing with your fingers, not even to "take a look". Even clean hands can spread bacteria.
    • Do not twist or move your piercing back and forth. This will open the wound again and again, slowing down the healing process.

  3. Make sure you get enough rest.

    • Treat your piercing like an open wound. An open wound will only heal with rest.
    • Any touch, bump, or pressure slows healing.

  4. Sleeping on a piercing? Never do it.

    • Use a special piercing pillow or travel pillow to avoid sleeping on it. Pressure while sleeping causes bumps and inflammation.

  5. Have your bar shortened in time.

    • The longer rod you wear at first allows room for swelling. After about 6-8 weeks you will need to have this shortened to prevent movement and irritation.
    • A rod that is too long will move around, dig into your wound canal and can push bacteria back and forth.

  6. Avoid pressure and friction.

    • Do not wear tight clothing, hats, earphones, headphones or accessories that press on your piercing.
    • For navel piercings: no leggings or pants that will rub against them.
    • For nipple piercings: Wear a clean, not too tight bra every day.

  7. Do not use makeup, creams, or perfumes near your piercing.

    • For facial piercings: Apply makeup or cream first, then clean your piercing with piercing spray.
    • For nose piercings: avoid touching, even if it is not your piercing but just your nose. Any touching can cause irritation.

  8. Clean after showering, not during showering.

    • Use a sterile spray after showering to remove any soap or shampoo residue. Never use your hands to clean your piercing in the shower, as they are not completely sterile.

  9. Make sure your environment is clean.

    • Keep your bedding, towels and clothing clean. Change your pillowcase regularly as this can be a source of bacteria.

  10. Be patient.

  • Healing a piercing takes time. Ear piercings can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, and other piercings (like the navel) can take even longer. Consistency is key.

Specific care per piercing

Ear piercings:

  • Don't sleep on it. Use a piercing pillow.
  • Avoid hair products near your piercing. Style your hair first, then clean your piercing.

Facial piercings:

  • Avoid applying makeup and skin care products around your piercing.
  • Always clean the area around your piercing after using products.

Nose piercing:

  • Never touch your nose, not even the sides.
  • Avoid wearing makeup on your nose and clean your piercing extra if you accidentally touch your nose.

Nipple piercing:

  • Wear a clean bra every day and avoid tight clothing.
  • Always clean with piercing spray after showering.

Navel piercing:

  • Avoid pants or leggings that put pressure on your piercing.
  • Make sure you always sit upright and do not put tension on your stomach.

What should you never do?

❌ Never twist, push, or fiddle with your piercing.
❌ Do not use alcohol, tea tree oil, salt water, or other aggressive products.
❌ Do not sleep on your piercing.
❌ Do not wear tight clothing or accessories that put pressure.
❌ Don't think that "just touching" is harmless. Bacteria spread like wildfire.

What to do if you already have a bump?

  1. Check your routine: Strictly follow the above care rules.
  2. See if you are causing irritation: Are you sleeping on it? Is your jewelry sitting on it for too long? Are you using the right spray?
  3. Reduce pressure and movement: Have your jewelry shortened if it has not already been done.
  4. Make an appointment: If the lump does not decrease after 2 weeks or if you have any doubts, come in for a check-up.

Summary:

Your piercing will only heal with rest , hygiene , and patience . Follow the above steps strictly, always use a sterile piercing spray, and keep your hands off your piercing. This is the only way to prevent and solve bumps and inflammation.

Are you unsure about something? Come to the shop for personal advice.

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