Hi I got my tragus pierced just over a month ago. in the past few days, a red bump has developed with crust and blood around it. Today I tried to clean it out with anti bacterial soap and hot water and it bled alot. Any suggestions? Should I get antibiotics?
As of now it doesn't hurt or look OVERLY Swollen but there is substantial crusting, blood and a bump.
Thanks!!
A few questions:
In the meantime, if there is any spreading redness, progressive swelling or spontaneous bleeding, it might be a good idea to see your doctor.
BTW, you also posted this question in the FAQ section. This forum is the correct place, and the FAQ entry has been cancelled.
________________________
Blackstar Forum Administrator
Hi thanks for the reply.
It is a hoop, I got it done at blackstar so whatever the standard hoop size is there.
For the first 2 weeks I cleaned it with antibacterial soap as recommended. then lef it alone. I often slept on it, but didn't wear headphones or anything else really that would irritate it.
I am not in Kingston for the summer so I am unable to come in...
I haven't noticed much swelling. its more crusty and when I washed it, it bled... there is also an apparent red bump.
I read through the other forum questions. would it make sense to keep cleaning it? or to put a hot compress on it? or should I definitely go see a doctor??
Thanks for your time!
We often see a bump develop if there is continued mechanical irritation. This is particularly true of the tragus. The piercing can be caught by hairbrushes, ground into the pillow as you sleep, irritated as you talk on the phone ....
If you are careful and protect the piercing from trauma, the bump should subside. If the bump is like a little blister, and appears to be filled with trapped fluid, a hot compress might provide some relief, and accelerate the release of the fluid. Otherwise, leave it alone.
A doctor would only be necessary if the problem becomes acute. If there is a sudden worsening of the condition, as I descried above, see a doctor.
Keep me posted on how you are doing.
________________________
Blackstar Forum Administrator
Thanks so much for the response.
Today it seemed better but then puss started coming out of it.
I think I would like to remove the piercing, when is it okay to do this? If I got it one month ago...?
Thanks!
Hi there,
So I went to the doctor for my tragus and he prescribed me mupirocin... so far nothing has really changed... the red bump is still there, and sometimes will throb randomly.
should I do hot compresses in between applying the topical treatment?
any suggestions?
Thanks!
This is the topical antibiotic of choice for piercings. Make sure you follow your doctors instructions to the letter. do not stop using it early!
Hot compresses may be used if they bring relief. Use moist heat, like a face cloth soaked with hot water, then wrung dry to get rid of the excess water.
Please use this topic to post updates.
_____________________
Blackstar Forum Moderator
Hello. Thanks for the response.
So I used the topical treatment for a week as suggested and the redness went away. However, 2 weeks later (now) the red bump is back and painful...
Should I apply the topical treatment again? Is it safe to take the piercing out? Any help is appreciated!
Thanks,
Anne
Antibiotics kill bacteria slowly. If the bacteria are still viable, but not active while the antibiotic is being applied, they will return with a vengeance
Make sure you continue the treatment with mupirocin for a full week after the problem disappears. If the bump is helped by mupirocin, then it is due to an infection. .
_____________________
Blackstar Forum Moderator
Hi Thanks for the response.
When is it safe to remove my tragus piercing?
I finished the 10 day antibiotic stint and the bump has gone down and I would like to remove it permanently.
Please let me know!
Thanks so much
Anne
It should be fine to remove the jewelry at any time if no problems are presenting themselves.
_____________________
Blackstar Forum Moderator
