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.
One may also ask, why is my helix piercing swollen?
A cartilage piercing creates an open wound. 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.
In respect to this, how do you tell if your forward helix is infected?
Cartilage piercings typically take longer to heal and are more prone to
- swelling.
- redness.
- pain.
- tenderness.
- burning.
- itching.
- yellow discharge.
Can I pop the bump on my cartilage piercing?
You shouldn’t pop the bump on your cartilage piercing because: Cartilage is more likely to develop a complication from piercings. This tissue is also more difficult to heal. Popping a bump increases the chances of infection.
Can I ice my helix piercing?
Avoid taking them for at least 24 hours before a piercing and for 7 days after the piercing. While they can alleviate the symptoms, they can also prevent proper healing if taken too soon after the piercing. For the first week after your piercing, you are better off using ice and salt or chamomile soaks.
Will my helix piercing ever heal?
Cartilage ear piercings may take up to a year to fully heal, but generally take 3-6 months (as opposed to the ear lobe, that takes just 4-6 weeks). They heal from the outside in, so even if it looks fine on the outside, you should not assume it is fully healed. … Always speak with a professional about your piercings.
Why does my helix piercing still hurt after a year?
It is possible. It can take up to two years, or more, for a piercing to completely heal. It may have felt like it healed on the outside, but was still working towards it on the inside. It’s normal for a piercing to feel completely healed before it really is.
How do you get a stuck helix piercing out?
Should I twist my helix piercing?
Should it hurt when I twist my hoop cartilage piercing? If your helix has recently been pierced, then it is common to feel pain. … No, you should not twist your cartilage piercing as this can prevent healing. Just wiping the cleaning solution over the front and back of the piercing should be enough.
How long does a forward helix stay swollen?
At a minimum, a cartilage piercing such as the forward helix piercing will take about three months to heal. However, healing times can sometimes take as long as six months, and this is particularly true if there have been any unexpected swelling or infections to prolong the healing process.
When should I see a doctor for an infected cartilage piercing?
Call your doctor if you experience any of these infection symptoms: Fever. Red, swollen skin around the pierced area. Pain when touching the pierced area.