Guide
If the body is pushing the jewellery out, the piercing moves towards the surface, the skin thins and the jewellery becomes visible. See your piercer when you notice the signs; waiting too long leaves a scar.
ReadIf the jewellery has embedded in the tissue, don't try to remove it yourself. Go to your piercer or a doctor immediately without forcing the tissue; swelling and a bar that is too short are the most common causes.
ReadA piercing bump is caused by irritation and is temporary. A hypertrophic scar is a raised mark that stays within the wound boundary. A keloid is scar tissue that extends beyond the wound boundary, doesn't shrink on its own and requires a dermatologist.
ReadA piercing bump is usually the result of constant irritation: jewellery movement, pressure, a long bar, unsuitable material or incorrect aftercare. The solution is to find and remove the cause and return to simple aftercare.
ReadA light-coloured, yellowish dried crust and clear fluid (lymph) are a normal part of healing. Soften it with saline and wait for it to loosen on its own. Dark, smelly, greenish discharge is not normal.
ReadMild redness, clear-yellowish lymph and tenderness are usually irritation. Spreading redness, warmth, throbbing, smelly dark yellow-green discharge and fever are signs of infection; see a doctor.
ReadIn the first 48 hours, mild swelling, redness and tenderness are normal. Don't touch the piercing, drink plenty of water, sleep comfortably and follow your piercer's instructions. See a doctor if there is severe pain, spreading redness or fever.
ReadDownsizing means replacing the long initial bar with a shorter one once the initial swelling has gone down. A long bar can lead to irritation, bumps and snagging. Your piercer decides the timing; it is usually at the end of the first weeks.
ReadMild swelling in the first days, lymph and crust in the first weeks and decreasing tenderness in the following weeks are expected. At every stage, simple aftercare, not touching the jewellery and a check-up appointment are the most important steps.
ReadDon't let make-up, hairspray or cream touch the area around the piercing; use items that put on pressure, such as hats, headphones and masks, gently, and choose a hairstyle that prevents your jewellery from catching.
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