Ear, Nose & Throat

How to Treat Your Nose Piercing Bump

A piercing bump is often a hypertrophic scar that forms inside the skin and spills over to the surface. Many a time, a freshly pierced nose can become the target for a piercing bump. This is a swollen area that occurs at the piercing and leaves you in an itchy, and sometimes even painful state.

Causes

A nose piercing bump can be the result of a few of the following occurrences:

  • Tissue damage caused by a knock on the nose or the piercing being removed earlier than it heals
  • An allergic reaction to the jewellery
  • Trapped fluid that creates the bump
  • An infection at the piercing due to unhygienic piercing equipment or lack of aftercare.

Did you Know?

While some piercings can heal in a month or two, those that do not go through the cartilage can take up to six months.

CURE 1: Home Remedies

1. Sea Salt Solution

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Sea salt solution is an effective way of helping a nose piercing bump heal, while also reducing the swelling.

How to use?

Mix a quarter of a teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 250ml of warm water. Dip a cotton ball or paper towel in the solution and hold it on the bump for 5-10 minutes.

How much to use?

Do this once every day till the bump subsides and the redness fades.

[ Read: Get Rid of Pimples on Nose ]

2. Warm Compress

One of the causes of a nose piercing bump is trapped fluid. A warm compress can provide relief by bringing out the trapped fluid.

How to use?

Dip a cotton ball or washcloth in hot water and hold it against the bump for a few minutes to drain the fluid from the bump. Avoid forcing the fluid out as this can cause further damage and irritation; let the warm compress work its magic.

How much to use?

Do this at least once every day till the fluid drains, the bump subsides, and the redness reduces.

3. Aloe Vera Gel

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Aloe vera gel(1) is a good source of antioxidants and is often used to cure infections and wounds on the skin.

How to use?

Apply a little aloe vera gel on the bump and wash it out after a few hours to remove the crust.

How much to use?

Apply aloe vera gel on the bump at least twice a day until it heals and the irritation subsides.

[ Read: Stop a Bloody Nose Naturally ]

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has antibacterial properties and helps kill the bacteria that cause a piercing bump. It soothes the infection and can also reduce any irritation.

How to use?

Mix a tablespoon of ACV in a cup of water. Dip a cotton ball or a clean washcloth and hold it over the bump. Since it can cause a stinging sensation on those with sensitive skin, try a patch test before you apply it to the bump itself.

How much to use?

Doing this once a week will help reduce the bump and reduce the irritation.

[ Read: Treat Bumps on Face Naturally ]

While many people get them for their visual appeal, piercings also have a place in our cultural past.

CURE 2: Essential Oils

1. Tea Tree Oil

Image:ShutterStock

Tea tree oil(2) is a natural antimicrobial and antifungal, making it highly effective in treating skin related concerns such as piercing bumps and acne.

How to use?

Dilute between 2-4 drops of tea tree oil in a sea salt solution. Tea tree oil tends to sting, so do a patch test on your forearm, especially if you have sensitive skin.

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How much to use?

Use this remedy twice a week to relieve yourself of a nose piercing bump.

You can Buy Tea Tree Oil Online

[ Read: Tea Tree Oil Benefits ]

2. Calendula Oil

Calendula oil is yet another home remedy that is highly effective at reducing inflammation and killing the bacteria that play a role in its formation.

How to use?

You can use it directly or mix it with diluted tea tree oil. Dip a clean washcloth or a cotton ball to apply it on the bump.

How much to use?

Using this remedy once a week to see significant improvements.

You can Buy Calendula Oil online

[Also Read: Best Remedies For Milia]

3. Chamomile Oil

Image:ShutterStock

Chamomile oil has been used in the treatment of wounds for years. It contains numerous benefits that can help a nose piercing bump heal completely.

How to use?

The best way to use this ingredient is in the form of a compress. You can use it directly, or mix it with coconut or diluted tea tree oil. Dip a clean washcloth in the solution and leave it on the bump for about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also use a chamomile tea bag as a compress.

How much to use?

Use this remedy twice or thrice a week to see visible improvements in the condition of your nose piercing bump.

You can Buy Chamomile Oil online

Prevention

  1. Go to a reputable piercing studio: This will decrease the chances of being pierced in an unhygienic environment or with unhygienic equipment, preventing a nose piercing bump.
  2. Take good aftercare: Clean your piercing at least twice a day with warm water and a cotton ball.
  3. Don’t touch the piercing with dirty hands: This spreads bacteria that can infect the piercing and cause the formation of a bump.
  4. Don’t take out your jewellery till the piercing has healed: This can cause tissue damage which can further lead to a bump; a new piercing must be left undisturbed till it heals.

Getting a piercing is a decision that requires planning; therefore, it is imperative that you get it done from a reputed piercer or jeweller to avoid issues caused due to unhygienic conditions.

Even after you get a piercing, you must clean it at least twice a day to avoid any bacterial infections. However, if a nose piercing bump does form, the above home remedies will come in handy in treating it.

[ Read: Natural Remedies for Hair Bumps ]


FAQs

1. Could my jewellery be the cause of a piercing bump?

Yes, your jewellery can be the cause of a piercing bump. It’s best to visit your piercer to find out and make a change if needed.

2. How long will it take for my bump to recover?

The duration depends on the cause of the bump itself and the regularity of the home remedies used to relieve the swelling.

3. Should I remove my piercing if a bump forms?

No, you should let the piercing remain as removing it can cause the hole to close, making it harder and more painful to open up again.