A cartilage piercing creates an open wound. As it heals, it may look swollen, lumpy, or like a bump. In the days immediately following a cartilage piercing, the body’s immune system triggers inflammation and swelling to heal the wound, sometimes leading to a cartilage bump.
Keeping this in consideration, why do my cartilage piercings never heal?
Cartilage piercings are apparently significantly slower to heal than earlobe piercings because there is no direct blood supply to deliver “healing nutrients.” For this my doctor prescribed two antibacterial treatments: mupirocin ointment (similar to Polysporin) and chlorhexidine rinse.
Consequently, why does my healed cartilage piercing hurt?
Cartilage piercings are more painful than ear lobe piercings but less painful than other kinds of body piercings. This is because cartilage tissue is thick and hard. So, you are bound to experience some pain and discomfort. To get an idea about how much it will hurt you, try pinching the ear cartilage area.
Is swelling normal after cartilage piercing?
Cartilage piercings heal more slowly than earlobe piercings and are prone to irritation. In the first few days after getting your piercing, you may notice a bump or general swelling around the jewelry. You may also experience: redness.
How can I make the swelling go down on my cartilage piercing?
Home Treatment
- Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the piercing site.
- Apply a cold pack to help reduce swelling or bruising. …
- Wash the wound for 5 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day, with large amounts of warm water.
- Elevate the piercing area, if possible, to help reduce swelling.
Why is my cartilage piercing always crusty?
Crusting after body piercing is perfectly normal—this is just the result of your body trying to heal itself. 1? Dead blood cells and plasma make their way to the surface and then dry when exposed to air. While perfectly normal, these crusties do need to be cleaned carefully and thoroughly whenever you notice them.
Why is it taking so long for my piercing to heal?
The greater the blood flow to a certain area, the faster it will heal — and the less vulnerable it will be to infection, Dr. … Cartilage on the outer ear or nose takes longer to heal. That doesn’t mean a nose piercing will hurt for months on end, says Tash, just that it still requires careful cleaning during that time.
Are helix piercings hard to heal?
Helix piercings generally take around three-to-six months to heal. However, if you don’t properly look after your new piercing as it heals, it could take longer—or you could have to get it re-pierced and start all over. … “It can take up to a year to fully heal in some individuals.”
How long can you leave cartilage piercings out?
The longer you have a piercing, the longer you can leave it without wearing an earring. So a five-month-old piercing I wouldn’t leave longer than a few hours, whereas a five-year-old one can be left for five weeks if you wanted.
Can I re pierce my cartilage in the same spot?
Some piercing establishments are of the opinion that you cannot get re–pierced in the same location. This is not true. Scar tissue (fibrosis) which has formed as a result of your piercing being removed, is quite dense. Also, it is often just the entry and exit points which have healed over.
Can a piercing close overnight?
Another ear-piercing may close quickly, either overnight or after a couple of days if the stud or jewellery is not held in the hole. … The healing time of an earlobe piercing could be around 4 to 6 weeks whereas the healing time for a cartilage piercing would take much longer to heal.
How do you soak a cartilage piercing?
Here’s how to prepare a sea salt solution for cleaning or soaking your piercing:
- Pour 1 cup of warm water into a cup or bowl. …
- Add 1/8 to 1/4 of a teaspoon of the sea salt, and allow it to dissolve. …
- Dip squares of clean gauze or dressing into the sea salt solution and allow them to saturate.
- Apply them to your piercing.
How can I make my ear piercing heal faster?
Follow these steps to take care of a minor piercing infection:
- Wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercing.
- Clean around the piercing with a saltwater rinse three times a day. …
- Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments. …
- Don’t remove the piercing.
Why does my cartilage piercing smell bad?
Your skin secrets a natural oil called sebum which can mix with the dead cells in your piercings and cause a buildup. This buildup serves as a great environment for bacteria to thrive and hence you end up with the foul smell.
