CONTACT YOUR PIERCER IF YOU HAVE ANY OT THESE.

SIGNS OF PIERCING INFECTION OR LUMP.

Increased redness.

Mild redness is normal in the early stages, but if it spreads or gets worse, it could indicate an infection.

Small bump.

A bump can occur as a raised swelling at the piercing. This bump can be red and often occurs with irritation or improper care.

Swelling.

Some swelling after a piercing is normal. However, excessive or prolonged swelling, especially if accompanied by pain, may be a sign of infection.

Pus or discharge.

  • Normal: A clear or light white discharge is normal in the early stages of healing.
  • Not normal: Green, yellow, or foul-smelling discharge indicates an infection.

Heat around the piercing.

If the skin around the piercing feels unusually warm or hot, this could be a sign of an infection.

Pain.

A little pain is normal in the first few days after getting a piercing. However, persistent or worsening pain that doesn’t improve often indicates a problem.

Excessive bleeding.

A little bleeding during or immediately after the piercing is normal. However, heavy or prolonged bleeding can be a sign of complications.

Excessive crust formation.

It is normal for some crusting to form around the piercing. However, if there is a lot of crusting that is occurring all the time, it could be a sign of irritation or a problem.

Discoloration of the skin.

If the skin around the piercing turns dark, purple, or blue, this could indicate an infection or other complication.

Fever.

Fever is a systemic response to infection. If you develop a fever within a few days of getting a piercing, it could be a sign of infection and you should seek immediate medical attention.

A piercing bump is common and can have multiple causes. To solve it, it is important to first find the cause. A bump often occurs due to insufficient or incorrect care, or due to irritation. Even if you think you are taking good care of your piercing, it is possible that mistakes are made unconsciously.

CONTACT YOUR PIERCER IF YOU HAVE ANY OT THESE.

CAUSES OF PIERCING BUMP OR INFLAMMATION.

Using incorrect products.

  • Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or nasal sprays: These agents dry out the skin,
  • Homemade saline solutions: Often mixed incorrectly and not sterile.
  • General antibacterial soaps: Are not designed for wound care.

Tip: Use only sterile products specifically developed for piercings for optimal healing.

Not cleaning enough.

  • Forgetting to clean the piercing daily, causing bacteria to build up.
  • Only clean “when it seems necessary” rather than sticking to a set routine.
  • Skip the piercing during your grooming routine, especially after exercising or sweating.

Tip: Clean your piercing at least twice a day with a sterile piercing spray. Don't forget to clean the skin around your piercing!

Cleaning too often.

  • Cleaning more than 2-3 times a day can dry and irritate the skin, which can hinder healing.
  • Excessive use of piercing spray without patting the skin dry can create a moist environment, causing bumps.


Tip: Clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile piercing spray and then dry the skin thoroughly with a clean cotton swab.

Incorrect cleaning.

Incorrect care products or an irregular routine can delay healing and cause a bump.

Examples:

  • Spray with piercing spray, but do not remove any excess residue .
  • Cleaning your piercing while showering , which increases the risk of contamination from bacteria in the shower water and contact with hands.
  • Apply makeup or hair products first and then clean the piercing, which can leave residue on the piercing.
  • Rubbing too hard with a cotton swab, which causes additional irritation.
  • Using too little spray will result in the piercing not being completely cleaned.
  • Do not clean around the piercing: Only clean the barbell and not the skin around it, where bacteria accumulate.
  • Moving while cleaning: Moving the piercing back and forth while cleaning will keep opening the wound.

Tip: Clean the skin around the piercing thoroughly and always gently pat any excess residue dry.

Hygiene in the environment.

  • Sleeping on a dirty pillowcase that is not changed regularly.
  • Using shared towels or unwashed clothing that touches the piercing.
  • Working or exercising in an environment with a lot of dirt or dust without properly cleaning the piercing afterwards.

Tip: Keep your surroundings clean, change your pillowcase regularly, use only clean towels and clean your piercing after exercising or working in a dirty environment. Click here for more details on general hygiene.

Bad habits.

  • Touch the jewelry to “take a look” or move it around while it heals.
  • Twisting, fiddling, or moving the piercing back and forth, even without realizing it.
  • Touching the piercing frequently with your fingers without your hands being clean.

Tip: Leave your piercing alone as much as possible, find something else to play with and if you accidentally touch it, clean it immediately with piercing spray.

Trauma to the piercing.

An accident with your piercing can disrupt healing and cause a bump.

Examples:

  • Accidentally bumping into something while getting dressed.
  • Getting caught on clothing or jewelry.
  • Pulling or twisting the piercing, even unconsciously.
  • Wearing clothing or accessories that constantly rub against the piercing.

Tip: Wear loose clothing, be careful when dressing and avoid accessories that cause pressure or friction on the piercing.

Pressure and tension.

Constant pressure on the piercing can reopen the wound, causing irritation and bumps.

Examples:

  • Regularly wearing headphones or earphones that press against the piercing.
  • Tight leggings or high-waisted pants that rub against a navel piercing.
  • Hair or hair accessories that constantly rub against an ear piercing.
  • Sleeping on the piercing, which causes it to become constantly irritated.
  • Wearing a helmet that puts direct pressure on the piercing.

Tip: Make sure your clothing, accessories and sleeping positions do not put pressure on the piercing. For example, use a piercing pillow or wear loose clothing to prevent irritation.

Wrong Jewelry or Allergic Reaction.

An allergy to the jewelry material can cause swelling, irritation and bumps.

Examples:

  • Do not shorten the rod after the first 6-8 weeks, as this will cause movement and irritation.
  • Wearing jewelry that does not fit properly or is not appropriate for the healing phase.
  • Allergies to materials such as nickel.
  • Cheap jewelry without medical quality.
  • React to coatings or lacquer applied to the jewelry.

Tip: Always choose high-quality jewelry made from materials such as titanium or surgical steel and have your bar shortened in time to prevent irritation.

Not listening to the piercer's advice.

  • Switching to a ring too early.
  • Wearing a larger or smaller piece of jewelry without advice.
  • Creating your own routine without professional advice.
  • Experimenting with "do-it-yourself" methods you find on the Internet instead of following professional advice.
  • Not making a follow-up appointment to check if everything is going well with your piercing.
  • Stopping cleaning too early because you think the piercing is already healed.
  • Trying to shorten or replace the rod yourself without sterile tools

Tip: Trust your piercer's expertise, follow their advice strictly, and contact them if you have any doubts or problems.

Treat your piercing like an open wound. Open wounds need rest, hygiene, and time to heal. Every time you touch, move, or irritate your piercing, you delay the healing process.

AFTERCARE GUIDE.

HOW TO TREAT IT.

Identify the Cause.

A piercing bump is common and can have various causes. To solve the problem, it is essential to first find the right cause. Often a bump is caused by insufficient or incorrect care, irritation, or incorrect use of jewelry. Even if you think you are taking good care of your piercing, small mistakes can be made unconsciously that disrupt the healing.

Addressing the Root Cause.

Infection: If you have signs of infection, such as pus, increasing redness, warmth, or pain, seek immediate medical attention. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to control the infection.

Irritation: Irritation is often caused by external factors such as friction from clothing, sleeping on the piercing, or the wrong care products. If the bump is caused by irritation, focus on removing the source of irritation. Avoid tight clothing, accessories, or pressure on the piercing, and only use sterile piercing spray.

Trauma: A bump from trauma usually occurs from bumping, hooking or pulling on the piercing. Take extra care with your piercing during daily activities and avoid situations where the piercing could be damaged again.

Jewelry Issues: Ill-fitting or cheap jewelry can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Talk to your piercer about switching to a high-quality piece of jewelry, such as titanium or surgical steel, and make sure the jewelry fits your piercing and the healing phase properly.

How Do You Solve It?

1. Infection:

  • Clean the piercing twice a day with a sterile piercing spray.
  • Do not touch the piercing and avoid pressure or friction.
  • Do you suspect an infection? See a doctor right away if you notice signs such as pus, heat, or fever.

2. Irritation:

  • Avoid friction from clothing, accessories, or sleeping on the piercing.
  • Do not use aggressive cleaning products and do not touch the piercing.
  • Have your bar shortened in time to minimize movement.

3. Trauma:

  • Be careful when dressing and make sure your piercing doesn't get caught.
  • Wear loose clothing and accessories that do not press against the piercing.
  • Give the piercing plenty of rest and avoid unnecessary movement.

4. Jewelry Problems:

  • Check whether the material of your jewelry is suitable, such as titanium or surgical steel.
  • Have your piercer check that the jewelry fits your piercing properly.
  • Avoid cheap jewelry or jewelry that is not suitable for the healing phase.

Tip: Stay consistent with your aftercare routine and ask your piercer for advice if you're unsure about the right approach.

Steps to Treat a Piercing Bump.

1. Keep your routine strict:

  • Clean your piercing at least twice a day with a sterile piercing spray.
  • Also clean the skin around the piercing to remove bacteria.

Click here for the correct steps to clean your piercing.

2. Avoid touching and pressure:

  • Do not touch the piercing with your hands unless you are cleaning it.
  • Avoid sleeping on the piercing or wearing tight clothing/accessories that put pressure on it.

3. Provide quality jewelry:

  • Use jewelry made of materials such as titanium or surgical steel to avoid irritation and allergic reactions.

4. Be patient:

  • A piercing bump will not disappear immediately. Give your body time to heal and prevent further irritation.

5. Consult your piercer:

  • If the bump does not go away or gets worse, make an appointment with your piercer for professional advice.

What Not to Do

To promote the healing of your piercing and prevent complications, there are a few things you should absolutely avoid:

  • Do not use aggressive products such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or household remedies.
  • Do not touch the piercing with unwashed hands.
  • Do not turn or fiddle with the jewelry, even out of curiosity.
  • Do not wear tight clothing or accessories that put pressure on the piercing.
  • Avoid swimming in pools, the sea or saunas until the piercing is completely healed.

NB!

  • Unconscious touching: Sometimes we unconsciously touch our piercing or the skin around it. Make sure you also avoid touching the area around the piercing, because bacteria spread and do not stay in one place.
  • Be careful with jewelry changes: Do not change jewelry too quickly and preferably have this done by your piercer. Always choose jewelry of medical quality, such as titanium or surgical steel.
  • Be careful in your daily routine:

Tip: Be aware of your habits and keep your piercing and the skin around it as clean as possible to prevent bumps and irritation.

Fast Healing.

If you never touch your piercing, clean it twice a day with a sterile piercing spray, and really give your piercing the rest it needs – so don't put pressure on it, don't twist it, and don't wear anything that rubs against the piercing – then your piercing will heal in no time .

Tip: Leave your piercing alone and follow a consistent aftercare routine. The secret to fast healing is simple: clean, rest, and patience!

Seek Professional Help.

If the bump does not improve or gets worse despite your efforts, or if you have any problems with your piercing such as signs of infection (e.g. pus, increasing redness, or fever), schedule an appointment with your piercer. An experienced piercer can assess the situation, give advice, and refer you to a doctor if necessary. Do not wait too long, so that the problem does not get worse.

FAQ.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PIERCING BUMPS.

How do I know if my bump is an infection or irritation?

An infection is often characterized by pus (green or yellow discharge), increasing redness, warmth, pain, and sometimes fever. A bump from irritation is caused by friction, pressure, or improper care and usually looks like a red, hard bump without pus. If in doubt, consult your piercer.

How Do You Prevent a Piercing Bump?

Preventing a piercing bump starts with proper care from the moment your piercing is done. The first few months are crucial for healing, because your piercing is most vulnerable during this period.

Consistency is key. Start a good care routine right away, avoid anything that can cause irritation, and always choose high-quality jewelry. The better you take care of your piercing in the first few months, the better your piercing will be likely to heal without complications.

Can a piercing bump go away on its own?

Yes, if the cause is addressed, such as minimizing pressure and following a good care routine, a bump can go away on its own. Be consistent with your aftercare and give it time.

Should I take out my piercing if I have a bump?

No, don’t just take your piercing out. This can close the wound while there is still an infection or irritation present, making the situation worse. Leave the piercing in place and make an appointment with your piercer to assess what is needed.

How long does it take for a piercing bump to go away?

This depends on the cause and how quickly you take action. A bump from irritation can disappear within a few weeks if you apply the right aftercare. An infection can last longer and may require medical treatment.

Should I replace my jewelry if I have a bump?

Only if your piercer advises this. Sometimes a poorly fitting piece of jewelry or an allergy is the cause of the lump. In that case, your piercer can help you choose a more suitable piece of jewelry.

Is it normal to get a bump during healing?

Yes, bumps are common during the healing phase. This does not always mean there is a problem, but it is important to find the cause and address it.

Can I wear makeup if I have a bump?

No, avoid makeup, creams, and other products near your piercing, especially if you have a bump. These can worsen irritation or introduce bacteria.

What should I do if the bump doesn't go away?

If the bump doesn't improve after a few weeks or gets worse, schedule an appointment with your piercer. They can determine the cause and advise you on further steps.

What should I do if my bump gets worse?

If the bump gets bigger, hurts more, or shows signs of infection like pus or fever, make an appointment with your piercer or a doctor right away. Don't wait too long to prevent further complications.

Can I continue to clean my piercing with regular soap?

No, do not use regular soap. Choose a sterile piercing spray that is specially designed for cleaning piercings. Regular soap can dry out the skin and cause irritation.

Should I use saline solution for my piercing?

It is not recommended to make your own saline solution, as it is often not sterile and can cause irritation. Instead, use a sterile piercing spray.