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, what do you do if your helix piercing is swollen?
When to get immediate medical attention
Although minor swelling and redness are typical, more severe symptoms could be a sign of infection. See your piercer or doctor right away if you‘re experiencing: uncomfortable pain or swelling. unusually thick or smelly discharge.
Furthermore, how do I know if my helix piercing is infected?
How to identify an infected piercing
- yellow, pus-like discharge.
- swelling.
- redness.
- ongoing pain or tenderness.
- itching and burning.
Can I ice my helix piercing?
Second, icing your piercing for the first few nights will help reduce swelling and soreness. An easy way to fit icing in is to do it when you have some down time. Ice it while reading, watching TV, or relaxing. I always ice my new piercings for the initial week or so, and it drastically reduces soreness and tenderness.
How do I reduce swelling?
Mild swelling
- Rest and protect a sore area. …
- Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and any time you are sitting or lying down. …
- Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. …
- A low-sodium diet may 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.
Should I pop the bump on my cartilage piercing?
The short answer to whether you should pop the bump near your cartilage piercing or not is, “no.” You shouldn’t be popping anything, especially something close to a new piercing, regardless of why it developed. Popping a sore creates an open wound right next to your piercing, which, technically, is also an open wound.
How can I make my helix piercing heal faster?
How to Heal a Helix
- GO TO A PROFESSIONAL. …
- SAY NO TO THE GUN. …
- CHOOSE YOUR JEWELLERY WISELY, AND DON’T CHANGE IT. …
- GET ONE DONE AT A TIME. …
- KEEP IT CLEAN. …
- TREAT YOUR PIERCING TO REGULAR SALT BATHS. …
- CONSIDER EMU OIL. …
- AVOID.
Is Helix Piercing Dangerous?
The widely popular helix piercing is probably what you think of when you think of a cartilage piercing. … The cartilage of the ear, in particular, can become susceptible to unique scarring, and in extreme cases, damage caused by a cartilage piercing can lead to permanent disfigurement of the ear, such as cauliflower ear.
How long does helix take to heal?
six months
Can you sleep on a healed helix piercing?
Just like all piercings, a cartilage piercing (AKA helix piercing) will be a bit tender while it heals. … Bumping it on something (like a hairbrush), getting hair caught on it, and — yes — sleeping on it can cause your piercing to swell or become painful. And it can stay that way, for days even.
