Swelling around cartilage piercing.

Jan 5, 2017

Rachel D.

I got my cartilage pierced last week, and it hasn't been hurting much and seems to be starting to heal. However, the back of my ear is swollen around the piercing and looks slightly white. I've tried gently squeezing it but nothing comes out. any ideas of what this could be and how I could relieve it? Thanks!

Jan 5, 2017

Leuca S.

Clean with a saline solution 2-3 times a day. Sometimes things just happen and you have to take it out, though.

Jan 5, 2017

Allison W.

I wouldn't take it out unless advised, cartilage piercings tend to close up fast. Contact your piercer and see what they advise. To me it seems like a normal reaction to be swollen, as you've punctured that area. Keep using the cleaning solution though. Hope this helps!

Jan 5, 2017

Feroza A.

Check out bme.com if you haven't, it's the largest body modification website. I used to have quite a few piercings (you'd never know lol), and one was quite annoying and worrying when I eventually removed the ring. Turned out it was just healing naturally, which I think your cartilage is, but do clean it with saline as mentioned, don't fiddle with it, and look at that site if you haven't.

Jan 5, 2017

Rachel D.

@Leuca and @Feroza the salon gave me an after-pierce "lotion" which I think contains saline, would this work or should I just use pure saline?

Jan 5, 2017

Leuca S.

The cleaning lotion should be sufficient. For now you are probably fine, but if it gets worse rather than better get it checked out.

Jan 5, 2017

Feroza A.

Yes, I agree, generally whatever the piercer gives you is good, but if if gets "hot" or very sore, go to your doctor just to make sure it isn't infected.

Jan 5, 2017

Anna D.

I use after lotion on myself and it has been fine but if it doesn't clear up it might be worth getting some advice. Hope this helps:) ♡

Jan 6, 2017

Rachel D.

Update: the swelling seems to have gone down somewhat, thanks for all of your help :)

Jan 6, 2017

Anna D.

Thats good to hear! ♡