How to Get Rid of a Piercing Bump in Your Cartilage

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Learn healing & prevention tips from an expert piercer
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Seeing an irritated bump form on your new helix, daith, or other ear cartilage piercing is always a bummer. But don’t worry—these bumps are called granulomas, or "healing bumps," and they’re pretty common. They’ll usually clear up on their own, but if you want to speed up the process, we'll teach you 10 healing treatments you can do at home. We'll also answer your most pressing cartilage piercing bump questions (like how long they take to heal ). Plus, discover healing and prevention advice from piercing specialist Stephanie Anders.

Best Ways to Heal a Cartilage Piercing Bump

  1. Hold a warm compress up against it once a day for a few minutes.
  2. Swap your earring for a less irritating metal or one that fits better.
  3. Make a sea salt soak to clean and soothe the piercing bump.
  4. Soothe the irritation and promote healing with a chamomile tea bag.
  5. Avoid causing any friction that will irritate the cartilage bump.
  6. Avoid twisting or playing with the jewelry in your piercing.
Section 1 of 9:

How to Treat a Cartilage Piercing Bump

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  1. Some jewelry contains nickel, which can cause an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis that looks just like piercing bumps. [1] Swap out your current earrings for a pair made from a different material to see if that helps. Another problem, says Anders, could be that your earrings are inserted at an improper angle or are too small for your piercing hole. Either scenario can cause one of these "irritation bumps" to form. [2] They can also be easily fixed by getting a better-sized earring that sits properly in the piercing.
    • If you do have an allergy to the metal in your jewelry, you may also experience itchiness and a rash around the piercing.
  2. 2
    Make a sea salt soak to clean your piercing bump. Sea salt dissolved in water (also known as saline solution ) is a great home remedy for piercing bumps. First, it helps loosen up dried, crusty fluid and oils around the bump that might be irritating it. Second, it soothes the bump and promotes healing . Here's how to make and apply a sea salt soak: [3]
    • Stir and dissolve ¼ tsp (1.42 g) of sea salt in 8  fl oz (240 mL) of warm water in a cup or bowl.
    • Dip a Q-tip in the solution and apply the soak onto your piercing bump.
    • Leave it for a few minutes, then gently wipe away any loose skin or debris.
    • You can also purchase a saline spray and simply spray the solution onto your bump. Another alternative is to use a dropper to rinse your piercing with the sea salt soak. [4]
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  3. 3
    Change out your body soap, shampoo, or face wash. Another way your cartilage piercing can get irritated and form a bump, says Anders, is by being exposed to an irritating soap. [5] Consider keeping your body soap, shampoo, and face wash away from your piercing for a few days. If the bump clears up, you know it was one of those products that caused it. Then you can switch it out or continue trying to avoid getting soap in that area.
  4. Granulomas can form when fluid gets trapped beneath your skin. Take a clean cotton pad, gauze, or cloth and soak it in warm water. Press it against the bump and hold it there for a few minutes to help soothe and release the trapped fluid. [6]
  5. 5
    Soothe the irritation with a hot, damp chamomile tea bag. Put the chamomile tea bags in your pantry to good use by holding them up to your piercing bump. The chamomile may soothe the irritation and promote blood flow, which will speed up the healing process. Here's how to use this treatment: [7]
    • Soak the tea bag in hot water until you can smell the herbs inside it, then take it back out and let it cool slightly until you can touch it without burning yourself.
    • When the tea bag is cool enough for you to handle, gently press it against your cartilage piercing bump for a few minutes.
  6. 6
    Avoid causing any friction on your piercing bump. That means not wearing headphones, hats, or hair accessories that rub against it. You should also avoid sleeping on the side where you got your cartilage pierced, so you don't accidentally wiggle it in the night or get oils from your pillow in it. [8]
  7. 7
    Avoid twisting the jewelry when cleaning your cartilage piercing . You may have heard that twisting your piercings while you're cleaning them helps clean them more effectively. But that's actually not true! In fact, says Anders, "The more you keep your hands away from your jewelry, typically the better [the piercing] is going to heal." [9]
  8. 8
    Rub ointment on your piercing bump or keloid to ease irritation. If the bump is itching and painful, a topical treatment such as an ointment might offer some relief. Products like the Piercing Bump Solution contain jojoba oil , which is shown to have anti-inflammatory and even anti-microbial effects on the skin. [10]
  9. 9
    Take NSAIDs to reduce inflammation in your piercing bump. If your piercing bump is causing you a lot of pain and irritation, taking an over-the-counter NSAID might help. NSAID stands for "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug," and it's a pill designed to reduce inflammation and pain wherever it's located in your body. Some popular NSAIDs you might find on a pharmacy or grocery store shelf are aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium. [11]
  10. 10
    Ask your doctor for a cortisone shot. Cortisone is a medication designed to mimic a natural hormone in your body called cortisol. It reduces pain and inflammation at the site where it's injected. A shot of it administered by your doctor can bring immediate relief to your irritated ear. [12]
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Section 2 of 9:

How long does it take for a piercing bump to heal?

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  1. You don’t have to see a doctor or seek any kind of medical treatment if your cartilage piercing develops a bump. Just continue to clean and take care of your piercing as instructed by your piercer. The bump will eventually subside on its own! [13]
    • Most people will see all signs of their piercing bumps go away. For some, it could take a few months, and for others, it could take up to 2 years. But it’ll likely go away eventually.
Section 3 of 9:

Can I pop a cartilage piercing bump?

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  1. It could bleed a lot and cause an infection . Granulomas can have a high number of blood vessels around them, so if you try to pop or pick at them, they could bleed easily and for a long time. [14] Additionally, you could introduce bacteria that could cause an infection or end up creating a scar. [15] Your best bet is to either let your piercing bumps heal on their own or see your doctor.
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Section 4 of 9:

When to See a Doctor for Cartilage Piercing Bumps

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  1. If your piercing bump is accompanied by extreme pain or if you notice blood or pus coming out of the hole, it may be infected. Infections can lead to more serious complications, so see your doctor right away to address it. [16]
    • Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or an antibiotic cream to help treat an infection .
  2. If you have a lot of bumps that cover a wide area of your cartilage, see your doctor about it. They’ll examine you to make sure there isn’t an underlying condition affecting you. They may prescribe antibiotics, antimalarials, or other drugs used to prevent serious immune system reactions. [17]
    • Studies have shown that medications used to treat malaria can be an effective treatment for some people with granulomas. [18]
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Section 5 of 9:

How to Prevent Cartilage Piercing Bumps

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  1. Loose and ill-fitting jewelry can move around inside your piercing, which Anders says can disturb the cartilage and cause piercing bumps. To prevent this from happening, opt for jewelry that fits snugly in place. You should also make sure it's angled properly. According to Anders, "perpendicular to the tissue" is the angle professional piercers aim for. [19]
    • If you’re unsure how to choose proper jewelry, ask a professional piercer. They'll be happy to help you choose the perfect jewelry for your new cartilage piercing.
    • Additionally, try to avoid wearing earrings with butterfly backs, which are more likely to cause bumps.
  2. Bumps and snags can cause your jewelry to move around, which can lead to granulomas. Try to stay aware of your piercing and do your best to protect it at all times. As tempting as it may be, don't fiddle with it or touch it to reduce your chances of developing a bump.
    • Tie long hair back as much as possible (particularly when sleeping) to prevent it from snagging in your piercing jewelry.
  3. 3
    Follow your piercer's cleaning and care instructions. Above all, listen to your piercer! They know how best to care for your cartilage piercing and what to do to prevent bumps. For example, only use the soaps or cleaning solutions they recommend to keep your piercing sterilized.
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Section 6 of 9:

What is a piercing bump?

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  1. A piercing bump is an irritated bump filled with trapped fluid. These bumps are called granulomas, and according to Anders, they're "pretty common." They tend to go away on their own in a few days as long as you eliminate whatever irritation caused them to form. [20]
Section 7 of 9:

Other Types of Bumps

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  1. 1
    Contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis is a rash that forms when your skin comes into contact with something it's allergic to. If you notice a red, splotchy, itchy rash on the cartilage of your ear with tiny bumps, you might have this condition. The culprit might be a specific type of metal in your earrings (like nickel) or a new soap or shampoo. [21]
  2. 2
    Keloids Another bump you might see more rarely, says Anders, is a keloid . A keloid is scar tissue that can form after a piercing. [22] It doesn't usually get red, irritated, or painful. Unlike granulomas, keloids don’t go away completely on their own; you usually have to get them medically treated or surgically removed. [23]
  3. 3
    Infections Granulomas sometimes become infected, usually because of picking at them or a failure to clean the piercing properly. When this happens, you may experience a large, inflamed bump that hurts to touch. You may also notice blood or pus leaking out of it. [24] This is the best time to get help from a doctor!
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Section 8 of 9:

Causes of Cartilage Piercing Bump

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  1. 1
    Irritation One of the most common causes of a cartilage piercing bump is continuous irritation. Something might be rubbing up against the piercing (like fabric or hair) and causing friction. You might also be allergic to the metal in your earring, or it might fit too tightly. The good news is that once you remove the source of the irritation, the piercing bump usually goes away!
  2. 2
    Piercing guns Some piercers use piercing guns to make holes in ear cartilage. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) is against using these guns because they can cause the client a lot of pain and suffering. When used for cartilage piercing, a piercing gun needle can strike the ear with so much force that it shatters the tissue in the ear. It also tends to create spaces between the cartilage and the fascia where fluid can collect. Infections from piercing guns are also common. If possible, avoid getting your cartilage pierced with a piercing gun and opt for a sterilized needle instead. [25]
  3. 3
    Lack of aftercare Caring for your new cartilage piercing is extremely important. If you don't keep the piercing clean, you'll increase the risk of developing irritated bumps and even infections. Always follow your piercer's instructions to aid the healing process, which typically takes 4-12 months for a cartilage piercing. [26]
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Section 9 of 9:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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  1. 1
    Why does my cartilage bump keep coming back? If your cartilage bump keeps coming back, then you may be doing something to irritate it. Avoid twisting or rubbing anything against your piercing, don't sleep on it, and wear earrings that fit snugly, not tightly. Double check that you're not allergic to any of the soaps or shampoos you're using, as well.
  2. 2
    How do I know if my cartilage bump is infected? You'll know your cartilage bump is infected if it's red and inflamed, hot and painful to the touch, and is leaking blood or pus. [27]
  3. 3
    What should I do if the cartilage bump becomes infected? If your cartilage bump becomes infected, see a doctor right away. They can prescribe you antibiotics, pain relievers, and care practices to speed up the healing process.
  4. 4
    Do I need to take my cartilage piercing out if it's infected? No! Leave it in until you see a doctor. If they think it's necessary to remove the earring, they'll take it out for you in a safe, sterile environment. [28]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why does my cartilage piercing have a bump?
    Stephanie Anders
    Owner, Royal Heritage Tattoo and Piercing
    Stephanie Anders is the Owner and Head Piercer at Royal Heritage Tattoo and Piercing, a tattoo and piercing studio located in Los Angeles, California. Stephanie has over 10 years of piercing experience and her client list includes such stars as Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Richie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sharon Osbourne.
    Stephanie Anders
    Owner, Royal Heritage Tattoo and Piercing
    Expert Answer
    It could be irritation from bumping your piercing or you may be wearing improper jewelry.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 63
  • Question
    Do irritation bumps go away?
    Stephanie Anders
    Owner, Royal Heritage Tattoo and Piercing
    Stephanie Anders is the Owner and Head Piercer at Royal Heritage Tattoo and Piercing, a tattoo and piercing studio located in Los Angeles, California. Stephanie has over 10 years of piercing experience and her client list includes such stars as Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Richie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sharon Osbourne.
    Stephanie Anders
    Owner, Royal Heritage Tattoo and Piercing
    Expert Answer
    The bumps may disappear during the day if you leave your piercing alone and don't irritate it any further.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/irritant-contact-dermatitis
      2. ↑ Stephanie Anders. Piercing Specialist. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
      3. ↑ https://uhs.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/piercingcare.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.safepiercing.org.au/aftercare/
      5. ↑ Stephanie Anders. Piercing Specialist. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
      6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23222-perichondritis
      7. ↑ https://www.safepiercing.org.au/aftercare/
      8. ↑ https://www.safepiercing.org.au/aftercare/
      9. ↑ Stephanie Anders. Piercing Specialist. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
      1. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8197201
      2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cortisone-shots/about/pac-20384794
      4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/granuloma-annulare-treatment
      5. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001464.htm
      6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21503-infected-ear-piercing
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17874-granuloma-annulare
      8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1781501/
      9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/granuloma-annulare-treatment
      10. ↑ Stephanie Anders. Owner, Royal Heritage Tattoo and Piercing. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
      11. ↑ Stephanie Anders. Piercing Specialist. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
      12. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352742
      13. ↑ Stephanie Anders. Piercing Specialist. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
      14. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/keloids-a-to-z
      15. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21503-infected-ear-piercing
      16. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/piercing-guns/
      17. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24047-keloid-on-ear
      18. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21503-infected-ear-piercing
      19. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infected-piercings
      20. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Avoiding-Infection-After-Ear-Piercing.aspx

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to heal a bump on a cartilage piercing, hold a cotton ball soaked in hot salt water over the bump for about 2 minutes twice a day until the bump heals. You can also add chamomile tea to the salt water to soothe the skin around the piercing. If that doesn’t work and your piercing is fully healed, you can make a compress by pressing down on the bump with breathable medical tape. Regardless of the method you choose, it may take up to 2-3 months for the bump to heal, so be patient! Keep reading for home remedies that may help treat your bump, like tea tree oil or aspirin!

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        Mar 12, 2018

        "Wish I had known some of this info years ago. I have had cartilage piercings for years, and never knew what to do ..." more
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