Bumps Near Your Piercing: Common Causes and What to Do

A small bump next to a piercing is one of the most common things we are asked about, especially on cartilage like the helix, tragus and nose. It can be worrying, but in most cases it is the piercing reacting to irritation. Remove the cause and it usually settles.

What usually causes a bump

• Pressure from sleeping on the piercing, or from earbuds, phones, helmets or glasses.
• Friction from hair, a scarf or shayla, a hijab pin, clothing or a towel catching the jewelry.
• Movement from twisting the jewelry, touching it often, or a post that is too long and hasn't been downsized.
• Products such as makeup, hairspray, perfume or harsh cleaners getting into the piercing.
• Over-cleaning with too many products, too often.

What to do

1. Find the cause. Think about what touches or presses on the area every day, and stop it where you can.
2. Keep your routine simple. Sterile saline, a gentle pat dry, and nothing else.
3. Leave the jewelry alone. Don't twist it or take it out. Removing jewelry from an irritated piercing can trap the problem inside.
4. Get it checked. If your piercing still has its first longer post, it may be due for a downsize. Message us and a piercer will look at it.

What not to do

• Don't squeeze or pick the bump.
• Don't use tea tree oil, aspirin pastes, alcohol or other home remedies on it.
• Don't swap to a different piece of jewelry yourself while it's healing.

How long it takes

Once the cause is gone, many irritation bumps start to settle within a few weeks, though some take longer. Be patient and consistent.

When it's more than a bump

Increasing pain, heat, severe redness or swelling, thick or bad-smelling discharge, or a fever can be signs of infection. If you notice any of these, or your symptoms are getting worse, seek medical advice.