How long should a cartilage piercing be swollen for?

It is normal for the skin around the piercing to swell, turn red, and be painful to touch for a few days. You may also notice a little bleeding. If the swelling, redness, and bleeding last longer than 2-3 days, contact your doctor. You should keep inspecting the pierced area for at least 3 months.

When should I be concerned about my cartilage piercing?

Cartilage infections are harder to treat than ordinary ones are and you’ll have to call the doctor immediately. Even worse is that you might end up with a lifelong ear deformity from cartilage piercings that get infected in your ear.

Can a piercing get infected after 4 years?

Pierced areas, especially sensitive areas like the navel, can get infected months and even years after they were pierced, though infections most often occur very shortly after the time of piercing, as that is when the portal door is wide open.

Why is my cartilage piercing swollen after a month?

Inflammation and irritation The healing process can take many months. During this period, the body’s immune system tries to heal the wound and prevent bacterial infections. Shortly after a piercing, it is not unusual to experience some bruising, redness, or swelling. A swollen bump may form around the piercing.

Do cartilage piercings get infected easily?

Cartilage piercings, which take place on the harder part of your ear, generally take longer to heal and can be more prone to infection. There are several ways your ear piercing can get infected. Any bacteria left to fester can quickly turn into an infection.

Why does my old cartilage piercing keep getting infected?

Any bacteria left to fester can quickly turn into an infection. If you touch your piercing with dirty hands or instruments, you can introduce an infection. If the earrings are on too tightly, not allowing room for the wound to breathe and heal, an infection can develop.

How can I make my cartilage swelling go down?

Home Treatment

1. Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the piercing site.
2. Apply a cold pack to help reduce swelling or bruising.
3. Wash the wound for 5 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day, with large amounts of warm water.
4. Elevate the piercing area, if possible, to help reduce swelling.

What should you know before getting a cartilage piercing?

Another thing many consider before going for cartilage piercing is an infection. Though they are not that serious, as over 30 percent of infected piercings involves bacterial infection one can treat. But one of the reasons the cartilage is at high risk of having an infection is the lack of blood supply to the area.

How long does it take for a cartilage piercing to heal?

According to Ashley, cartilage piercings take six months to a year to fully heal. Ashley explains, “Cartilage is not very vascular tissue and because blood flow is an integral part of the healing process the healing time takes a bit longer.”

What does it feel like to get your ears pierced?

Getting pierced feels like being pinched. Everyone’s level of pain tolerance is different, but for me, on a scale of one to 10, a double helix piercing is a three – so like a hard pinch. My ear was pierced at Claire’s with a piercing gun.

Can a cartilage piercing get infected?

A cartilage piercing is not only much more likely to get infected but if it does become infected, you’ll need very strong antibiotics which may not even take effect in time. Worse case scenario, your cartilage will literally die and be surgically removed.