Cartilage piercings typically take anywhere from 4 to 12 months to heal completely. They heal from the outside in, which means that it may look healed on the outside long before the healing process is actually complete. Unfortunately, bumps are relatively common with cartilage piercings.
Also to know is, why is my helix piercing not healing?
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.
In this way, why is my helix piercing still swollen after a year?
They’re caused by an excess of protein in the skin that attempts to repair itself from damage. It can take up to a year after you got your piercing for them to show up. They, too, are benign but can cause pain and itching. They can also grow very large and unsightly.
Should I twist my helix piercing?
Should it hurt when I twist my hoop cartilage piercing? If your helix has recently been pierced, then it is common to feel pain. … No, you should not twist your cartilage piercing as this can prevent healing. Just wiping the cleaning solution over the front and back of the piercing should be enough.
How do you know if your helix piercing is healed?
Signs that the piercing is fully healed include the site of the piercing being normal colored and not red, swollen, or tender; no clear or yellowish fluid draining; and no pain when the area is touched. The earliest a cartilage piercing heals for most people is 3 months.
Why does my helix piercing still hurt?
Ashley explains, “Cartilage is not very vascular tissue and because blood flow is an integral part of the healing process the healing time takes a bit longer.” However, Ashley tells me not to worry too much about the pain, “This does not mean that it hurts for the entirety of that time; usually, if the piercing is …
Should I clean the crust off my piercing?
It’s nothing to worry about and is not usually indicative of any problem. Crusties need to be cleaned carefully and thoroughly whenever you notice them. DO NOT pick the crusties off—that’s just introducing your dirty hands to a healing piercing and can increase your risk of infection.
Will my piercing ever heal?
The rate at which a piercing heals varies from person to person and can also depend on what type of piercing you get, but typically, a new earlobe piercing will heal in 6-12 weeks. Piercings further up the ear (especially those involving cartilage) can take several months.
When should I give up my cartilage piercing?
Cartilage heals from the outside in, making a tunnel all the way through your ear which takes time. ‘Don’t take your earring out until the piercing has healed and even then swap in another earring or it’s like to heal up again pretty quickly. ‘Longevity is everything.
Can I ice my helix 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.
How can I make my cartilage piercing heal faster?
USE WARM SEA SALT WATER (SALINE) SOAKS – MORNING AND EVENING
Soaking your piercing with a warm, mild sea salt water solution will not only feel good, it will also help prevent infection, reduce the risk of scarring, and speed the healing of your piercing.
How do you treat a swollen helix 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.
