Why is my cartilage piercing suddenly sore?

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. Over time, cartilage piercings may develop other bumps due to infections or scarring.

Why does my cartilage piercing keep getting infected after a year?

A piercing can also get infected if there’s too much handling of the piercing or the post of the earring is rough. An infection can also occur if unsterile instruments were used, if the person piercing your ears didn’t use gloves, or if the posts themselves weren’t sterile.

Why does my cartilage piercing hurt when I touch it?

An infected cartilage piercing will hurt and can ooze a thick or smelly discharge that’s gray, yellow, or green. The pierced area may feel hot to the touch. It may also turn bright red or pink. Bad infections may even cause a fever, chills, and nausea.

Can a healed cartilage piercing get infected?

Cartilage piercings typically take longer to heal and are more prone to infection than earlobe piercings. Even when a person follows the aftercare instructions, infections may still occur. An infected ear piercing can also develop years after a person got the original piercing.

How do you treat an infected ear piercing in a child?

Treatment of pierced ear infections Clean the piercing with warm water and soap twice a day. Do not use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These solutions will dry the skin, which can prevent the piercing from healing quickly and properly.

How do you know if your cartilage piercing is infected?

To identify an infected ear piercing, its fairly easy to notice the symptoms that include yellow, pus-like discharge; swelling; redness; ongoing pain or tenderness; and itching and burning.

Is it normal for cartilage piercing to throb?

During and after the puncture, you can expect to feel sharp pain and pressure. After an hour or two, the sharp pain will transition into a more general throbbing. This intense throbbing pain will last for at least a few days before easing up. You can expect to have some difficulty sleeping the first few nights.

How do I stop my ear piercing from hurting?

Rest the ice pack on your forehead, neck, or any point where the cool pressure provides relief. You can also place the ice pack near the piercing site to help relieve pain. But be careful to not snag the jewelry on the cloth. This could make the pain worse.