Piercing bumps are small lumps that can appear after a piercing, particularly following cartilage piercings such as nose or upper ear piercings. They occur when the bodys immune system responds to the wound and initiates the healing response, leading to inflammation, which causes the bump. Piercing bumps can be caused by allergies, genetics, poor aftercare, or just bad luck. There are different types of piercing bumps, including:

• Irritation Bump: This is the most common type of piercing bump, caused by increased collagen due to trauma in and around the piercing site. It usually appears as a small bump or raised line on or around the piercing site, and it can be red or pink in color. These bumps are typically painless, and they will turn white as they age.

• Pustule: This is a blister or pimple that contains pus and can appear soon after the initial piercing or long after its truly healed.

• Granuloma: This is a lesion that occurs about 6 weeks after a piercing.

• Keloid: This is a type of thick scar that can develop at the piercing site.

Piercing bumps are part of the bodys natural response to injury, and they do not typically require treatment. However, people can take steps to keep the area clean, prevent infection, and allow the piercing to heal. These include keeping piercing jewelry in, without changing or removing it, for at least a few weeks, cleaning the piercing site and jewelry regularly, and using jewelry made of certain materials. If the bump is causing discomfort or does not go away on its own, it is best to consult a dermatologist or a piercer for advice on treatment options.