Treating the Dreaded Piercing Bump

2 weeks before and after client provided photo

Why am I getting this bump on my piercing anyway?

There's a few common reasons but the good news is you can remedy the situation yourself
  • A fresh piercing needs to heal undisturbed, bumping or sleeping on it will commonly cause this bump. A ring, if it is too small, can pull downward causing pressure on the piercing also.
  • Nickel sensitivity from your jewelry, even surgical steel contains nickel.
  • Are you cleaning with the correct ratio of saline? Harsh products and those not designed for repeated use on piercings will cause irritation.
First thing is first
  1. Ensure your jewelry is Titanium (hint nickel is magnetic so if the jewelry sticks to a magnet it is not Titanium)
  2. Make sure you have enough post length for the swelling, if it is too tight, or you are in too tight of a ring, you won't heal either.
  3. While it is still healing or crusting you need to clean it daily, at least once or twice per day, with a saline solution designed for cleaning piercings such as soak it or spray it.

Summary:

  • Ensure you have titanium or pure gold jewelry, nickel content may be your problem and even surgical steel contains a small amount of nickel. 
  • Another cause of the bump is trauma to the area, so try to sleep on the back of your head for example, if it is an ear cartilage or nostril piercing, so you aren't putting pressure on it side sleeping.
  • Depending on the location of your piercing, use spray it or soak it  2-4 times per day to ensure your piercing is clean. We recommend having both on hand so you can spray it when you don't have as much time (such as busy mornings) and soak it at night when you have the time to allow for more contact time with the saline.
  • After a spray or soak, dry the area with a clean paper towel and apply a drop or two of drop it oil blend to the piercing bump itself without touching the dropper to the skin, or use a clean finger or cotton swab to apply. Avoid dipping the cotton swab into the bottle itself unless it was a sterile swab. You can apply drop it 2-4 times per day. The ingredients in this blend are specifically selected for reducing inflammation and scarring.