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.
Secondly, how do you know if your cartilage piercing is infected?
How to identify an infected piercing
- yellow, pus-like discharge.
- swelling.
- redness.
- ongoing pain or tenderness.
- itching and burning.
Subsequently, how long does a piercing swelling last?
Swelling and inflammation: Days 4–10
The swelling tends to increase for several days after the piercing, and it may last for a week or slightly longer .
How do you treat a swollen 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.
Can you put ice on a swollen cartilage piercing?
How can I make a cartilage piercing swelling go down? Use a hot compress – get a small towel or washcloth, soak it in hot water, squeeze out any excess water and gently press it to the piercing. You can also ice it or take ibuprofen to help reduce swelling.
Is it normal for a cartilage piercing to be red?
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.
Should I take my piercing out if it’s infected?
When to remove a piercing
If a new piercing is infected, it is best not to remove the earring. Removing the piercing can allow the wound to close, trapping the infection within the skin. For this reason, it is advisable not to remove an earring from an infected ear unless advised by a doctor or professional piercer.
What does an infected piercing look like?
Your piercing might be infected if: the area around it is swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour) there’s blood or pus coming out of it – pus can be white, green or yellow. you feel hot or shivery or generally unwell.
Why is my earlobe swollen and red?
A swollen earlobe can be red, uncomfortable, and painful. The typical causes of earlobe swelling are infection, allergies, and trauma. While most earlobe injuries can be treated with over-the-counter medications and home remedies, you might want to see your doctor if your symptoms are really severe.
How long does it take for an infected piercing to heal?
Minor pierced ear infections can be treated at home. With proper care, most will clear up in 1 to 2 weeks.
How do you fix an infected piercing?
Gently pat dry the affected area with clean gauze or a tissue. Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. Turn the piercing jewelry a few times to prevent it from sticking to the skin.
Is my piercing infected or just healing?
According to Thompson, the telltale signs of an infection are simple: “The area around the piercing is warm to the touch, you notice extreme redness or red streaks protruding from it, and it has discolored pus, normally with a green or brown tint,” Thompson says.
How long does ear piercing swelling last?
First 1-3 Days: There might be some mild bruising and mild swelling. The piercing site may also be tender to touch. There might be a few spots of blood at the piercing site. During Healing: You may note some itching at the site.
Is it normal for new piercings to be swollen?
Will my new piercing swell? Swelling is a normal part of the healing process for every piercing. If the jewelry is too short and the ends of the jewelry are pushing into your skin, the jewelry will trap drainage inside the tissue around the piercing, and the wound will not be able to drain effectively.
