How to Heal Piercing Bumps

Piercing bumps are a common complaint from people with both new and old piercings. Bumps can form from scar tissue, pressure or an infection. To heal piercing bumps, it is important to thoroughly clean the area, and consult a professional if the bump does not improve after treatments.

1. Identify the type of piercing bump you have. A boil or abscess is caused by an infection from bacteria. The bump is usually painful and will appear red and may leak blood or puss. Boils usually occur on new piercings. They may also occur if the piercing has pulled or torn the skin and created an opening for bacteria to enter. Hypotrophic scarring most commonly occurs on cartilage piercings. It may appear the same color as the skin and is not painful. These types of piercings bumps are usually caused by pressure on the skin from the jewelry. A keloid is a type of scar tissue that may or may not be painful and appears as a red or purple bump around the piercing. Bumps can also occur from an allergic reaction to the jewelry being used.


2. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing.


3. Dip a cotton ball in warm water, then apply gentle pressure to the piercing bump. Allow the bump to drain and wipe away any excess build-up or blood with a cotton swab. Clean the area with mild soap and water.


4. Combine 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and one cup of warm or hot water. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and hold it over the bump for five minutes.


5. Clean the piercing twice per day.


6. Soak a chamomile tea bag in warm water. Apply the tea bag to the piercing for 10 minutes per day.


7. Change the jewelry in your piercing. If the bump is caused by an allergic reaction, you may need to switch to a different type of jewelry, such as titanium. If you have a new piercing that has not fully healed, consult your professional piercer before changing jewelry.


8. Visit your piercer. If the bump does improve after a few days of treatment, consult the professional who did your piercing. He or she can tell you what type of bump you have, advise you on how to treat it, or recommend you see a physician. Some infections may require antibiotics, which will need to be prescribed by a physician. A keloid may need to be removed surgically by a dermatologist.