Nose Piercing Bumps - What Are They, and How to Get Rid of Them?

You finally gathered the courage to go get your nose pierced, but now you have a weird bump where your piercing is. Needless to say, you feel like you did when your first pimple made its way out just in time for prom pictures.

Don’t panic! The team at Pierced has you covered. This guide will explore what the bump is, the ways to get rid of it and will help you understand why some nose piercings develop bumps in the first place.

Time Heals All Wounds, Even Nose Piercings!

Nose piercings can take up to six months to heal. We know, it’s a long time. But well worth the wait. And you’ll be left with a piercing you can enjoy for years!

However, during this time you may have to face a few issues.

You may encounter:

• Swelling
• Pus
• Crustiness
• Bleeding
• A large bump

Nose Piercing Bumps Usually Fall Under One of Three Categories

1) Pustules

Similar to a pimple or a blister, pustules are red. These are full of pus and may or may not be painful. Symptoms of a pustule may include:

• Itching
• Pain
• Burning sensation
• Irritations

If your pustule is causing you pain, go see a doctor or your piercer for treatment options.

Pustules can have multiple causes, including:

• Tugging or pulling at your piercing
• Infections
• Trauma – such as from playing a contact sport and accidentally hitting your piercing or catching it on something

If you see a red bump at your piercing site, you may want to get it checked out before it gets worse.

2) Granulomas

A granuloma nose piercing bump will not occur until several weeks or months after your piercing, which is one way to tell it apart from other piercing bumps. These may occur in the piercing hole or right next to it.

Granulomas are a response to trauma. They are caused by your tissue overgrowing in an attempt to fill in the new hole in your nose.

This is an automatic inflammatory response. You do not necessarily have an infection with a granuloma, but one can occur because of the granuloma.

There are a few basic steps you can take to help your granuloma heal without it becoming infected.

• Continue to properly and thoroughly clean your nose piercing with aftercare.
• Try not to pick at it, or it can bleed and Crustiness over.
• Visit a dermatologist for treatment options.

3) Keloids

The last possibility that a nose piercing bump could be is a keloid. A keloid is basically an aggressive scar that forms over the piercing site. Some people get them, while others do not.

While there is no way to avoid keloids if you are predisposed to them, you can use this as a consideration before you get another piercing. If you form a keloid on your nose, you are likely to form them with other piercings. Your piercing artist can tell you if your nose bump is a keloid.

If your body responds to trauma by developing keloids, you can have them removed at a doctor or a dermatologist. Though it will cost you a little extra, it will enable you to continue to enjoy your piercing.

The Many Causes of Nose Piercing Bumps

Nose piercing bumps can be caused by many different reasons. Just as the bump itself can be a different type, the reasons can vary, as well.

Piercing Techniques Used

One area where you get what you pay for is in piercings. Going to a cheaper shop runs the risk of a less experienced piercer who may try to use ear piercing guns on piercing areas that are better with needles, for instance.

Make sure that you are going to a reputable parlour and that your piercing artist is experienced in the type of piercing you want. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsightly bump…or worse.

Incorrect Aftercare

Not only is it important to follow your piercing aftercare instructions to the letter, but it is also important to use the right type of aftercare products. Make sure you understand the recommendations your piercing artist makes, and do not be afraid to give them a call with any questions.

This is another area that shows the importance of using an experienced piercer. Someone who is not as knowledgeable may accidentally give you bad advice in this area.

Our Favourite Piercing Aftercare Products

Touching Your Piercing with Dirty Hands

Always wash your hands before you touch your face, even if you do not remember getting dirty from the last time you washed your hands. Taking this extra step will help you keep your piercing area from getting infected.

Allergic Reactions and Trauma

Sometimes, accidents happen. Other times, our bodies react to the jewelry or to the piercing itself. In cases of allergic reactions, switching your jewelry to titanium may be necessary. Be sure to avoid situations that may cause trauma to your nose piercing until it is fully healed.

Our Favourite Nose Piercing Jewelry

How to Remove Your Nose Piercing Bump

If you have an infection, go see your doctor. Otherwise, you can attempt to treat it at home using:

• Chamomile tea presses
• Diluted tea tree oil
• Saline and/or sea salt solutions

Whatever you do, do not take out the jewelry yourself! Clean properly around it, instead, or the piercing will close up. While pustules can be treated at home, a keloid or a granuloma often require medical intervention.

Do Not Ignore the Bump

We have taught you how to recognize bumps, what they might be, and when to seek treatment. If your nose piercing bump refuses to go away, please go see your doctor to eliminate the possibility of infection.

Have Questions? Need Help?

The team at Pierced is ready and waiting to help you with everything piercings, from nose bumps and proper aftercare, to finding the perfect piercing jewelry, and getting your next piercing. Reach out to us today or stop by one of our conveniently located shops to get a piercing you’ll love for years to come.