Piercing Bumps & Irritation
Piercing Bumps & Irritation
A small bump or area of irritation around a piercing can be frustrating, but it does not necessarily mean your piercing is infected.
Piercing bumps can have a number of causes, including friction, pressure, jewellery movement, unsuitable jewellery, cleaning products or other irritation. Identifying and removing the source of irritation is an important part of supporting the healing process.
What can cause a piercing bump?
Common sources of irritation can include:
- Pressure or friction from sleeping, clothing, headphones or other objects
- Playing with or repeatedly touching the jewellery
- Twisting or rotating jewellery
- Over-cleaning the piercing
- Harsh cleaning products
- Jewellery that is unsuitable, incorrectly sized or causing excessive pressure
- Accidental knocks or repeated trauma
- Jewellery materials that cause sensitivity or irritation
Sometimes the cause isn’t immediately obvious. A professional piercer can assess the piercing, jewellery and placement to help identify possible sources of irritation.
What should I do?
Start with the basics:
Keep it clean.
Continue gentle aftercare using an appropriate saline product as directed by your piercer.
Leave the jewellery alone.
Avoid twisting, spinning, squeezing or picking at the area. Unnecessary movement can cause further irritation.
Reduce friction and pressure.
Think about anything that may repeatedly rub, press against or knock the piercing.
Avoid harsh products.
Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and other harsh products can irritate healing tissue. Over-cleaning can also contribute to irritation.
Speak to your piercer.
If a bump persists or you are unsure what is causing the irritation, have the piercing assessed by a professional piercer.
Sterisure Piercing Bump Solution
Sterisure Piercing Bump Solution is a topical botanical formula designed for targeted care around areas of piercing-related irritation.
Apply only as directed on the product packaging.
Always follow your piercer’s advice and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
When should I seek medical advice?
A piercing that is infected may become increasingly swollen, painful, hot or very red/dark. Pus or feeling generally unwell can also be signs of infection.
If you think your piercing may be infected, seek medical advice promptly.
Do not assume that every piercing bump is an infection, and do not attempt to diagnose or treat an infection yourself.
If infection is suspected, leave the jewellery in place unless a healthcare professional advises you to remove it.
Remember
A piercing can take time to heal. Be patient, avoid unnecessary irritation and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your professional piercer.
If you’re unsure about a change in your piercing, your piercer is the best person to assess the jewellery, placement and healing progress.
Important
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are concerned about your piercing or suspect an infection, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.