FAQ: Troubleshooting

Irritation vs Infection

• Piercers cannot diagnose infection 
• If you suspect an infection seek medical attention immediately 
• do not remove jewelry as an infection could become trapped inside the closing piercing and become an abscess 
• ask your provider to swab / test the area of concern to see if it is truly infected

Common Causes of Irritation 

• One time trauma 
• a bad hit to the pierced area will cause a delay in healing and is a common cause of piercing irritation bumps 
• if a trauma is significant enough to cause a tear or migration of the piercing it may need removed and allowed to heal. Repiercing may be possible depending on how the area heals and how scar tissue forms 
• Repetitive trauma 
• sleeping on your piercing every night 
• constantly snagging your jewelry (hair, clothing, blankets, etc.) 
• Due for a downsize 
• excessive length after swelling has subsided leaves extra room for snagging, debris build up, and excessive movement through the piercing tract 
• downsizing is crucial for many piercings (especially cartilage, eyebrows, and all oral piercings)
• Lifestyle Hazards
• sports trauma 
• motorcycle / bike helmets 
• Improper Aftercare 
• Moisture build up 
• Stress / Sickness
• your immune system can affect your piercings (new and old) so if you're stressed mentally and/or physically your piercings may flair up
• Poor quality jewelry 
• sensitivity to a metal 
• poorly polished jewelry even if it is better material 
• externally threaded jewelry 
• coated or plated jewelry 
• Poorly performed piercing 
• incorrect angle 
• improper anatomy that should not have been pierced 

Keloids 

• The internet loves to call all piercing related irritations keloids 
• Keloids are actually very uncommon and are typically genetic so you would likely know if you were prone to them before being pierced
• Keloids do not come and go like irritation bumps and will need surgically removed. If you have a bump that is changing size or goes away with troubleshooting it is not a keloid 

 

 Treating Irritation 

• Patience is key! Irritations may pop up easily and quickly but will take much longer to go away
• Identify the source of irritation and do your best to remove it
• For sleep trauma try a travel or donut pillow 
• For moisture keep wet hair away from your jewelry and blow dry the area on cool after showers
• Schedule for a downsize or jewelry change 
• Schedule a "Problem Visit" to assess other factors that may be affecting your healing
• There are many unreliable and outdated resources online so do not follow any at-home remedies without thorough research. If you are unsure about a method contact your trusted piercer first.