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.
Likewise, why is my ear swollen around my piercing?
A new piercing is an open wound, and swelling is part of the body’s natural reaction to any damage. Most people who get their ears pierced will notice pain and swelling for up to a week, sometimes more. People with gauges or plugs in their ears may notice swelling each time they stretch the ear.
How do I know if my ear cartilage piercing is infected? Cartilage piercings
- swelling
- redness
- pain
- tenderness
- burning
- itching
- yellow discharge
Correspondingly, why do I have a lump where my ear was pierced?
What’s normal for a new piercing If you’ve had an ear or nose cartilage piercing, small lumps can sometimes form around the piercing. The lumps, called granulomas, are trapped fluid. You can treat them by soaking a pad in warm water then holding the pad against them once a day.
How do you know if your body is rejecting a piercing? Symptoms of piercing rejection
- more of the jewelry becoming visible on the outside of the piercing
- the piercing remaining sore, red, irritated, or dry after the first few days
- the jewelry becoming visible under the skin
- the piercing hole appearing to be getting larger
- the jewelry looking like it is hanging differently
How do I get my cartilage piercing to stop hurting?
Give a saline bath to your ear once a day. Pour a bottle of store-bought saline water into a bowl. Dip the pierced area in it for 2-5 minutes a day. Avoid touching your ear piercing.
Why is my cartilage piercing swollen and throbbing?
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. Over time, cartilage piercings may develop other bumps due to infections or scarring.
How do you heal an infected gauged ear? Treating the infection at home
- Wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercing.
- Clean around the piercing with a saltwater rinse three times a day.
- Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments.
- Don’t remove the piercing.
- Clean the piercing on both sides of your earlobe.
Why is my outer ear swollen and red?
Outer ear infections typically lead to redness and swelling in the ear. They are among the most common causes of earache. In many cases, they are caused by bacteria. But fungi, viruses, or allergies are sometimes to blame too.
Why is my cartilage 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 conclusion, taking care of your cartilage piercing is crucial to prevent infections and other complications. If you experience any severe symptoms or are unsure about the healing process, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Remember to follow proper aftercare instructions provided by your piercer and keep the area clean and free from irritation.