The last thing you expect after getting a piercing is to end up with a bump on the piercing.
When you first see that bump, it's natural to worry because it's not at all the look you wanted after getting your new piercing.
If you want to know all the information about your piercing bumps, what causes them, and how to get rid of these unsightly and unwelcome guests, read our next article.
What is that bump on the piercing?
Piercings can take up to six months to fully heal.
During this time, you are likely to see a number of things that can make you feel uncomfortable:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Some bleeding
- Pus
- And even scabs
Occasionally, you may also find that a bump has appeared on your piercing.
That swollen bump is usually:
- A pustule
- A granuloma
- A keloid
We will explain what each of these bumps is.
Granulomas
Even when the piercing is performed by a qualified professional, who follows all procedures and hygiene standards, unforeseen problems can arise.
One of the most common is a granuloma, a scar-like bump (but it is not one), which can appear near any type of piercing.
Let's look together at what it is, if there are ways to treat it, and if it should be treated by a professional.
What is a granuloma?
It is a benign neoplasm (in the sense that it is not cancerous tissue) that can form in the presence of any type of wound, and therefore not only from a piercing.
Since a piercing is, as we have repeated several times on these pages, nothing more than a wound, the problem of granuloma can undoubtedly arise.
A granuloma is formed by cells that have formed for healing purposes, but which for various reasons have become hypertrophic and, therefore, have increased in both number and size.
This results in the bright red mass that we can unfortunately see around our piercing.
Granuloma is not an infection
Although it is a problem that can arise from an infection, a granuloma is not necessarily an indication and sign of one.
For this reason, it is certainly necessary to seek the help of a doctor or dermatologist who, once they have carefully examined the case, will determine whether or not it is a granuloma.
How to treat a granuloma?
A granuloma requires washing with physiological saline or, better yet, with a hypertonic saline solution.
These products are usually harmless, although they should be used under medical advice and supervision.
This is very important, as it prevents the problem from worsening instead of resolving.