Cartilage is the term used for connective tissue located in many parts of the body like bones and joints. It is a vital component of the body and is not that much strong as bone. Cartilage is made of chondrocytes (special kind of cells) which produces collagen fibers and elastin fibers. Cartilage piercing carries the same risk as that of body piercing but in some areas of the body it takes longer time to heal.
Many women are fond of piercing on the upper portion of the cartilage on the ear instead of ear lobe. This carries equal risk of contamination and development of keloid or bumps. There are several types of cartilage piercing on the ear like helix piercing, conch piercing, scaffold piercing, ragus and tragus piercing and much more. The same person can get piercing done on many parts of the ear.
Bumps :
Bumps or keloids are nothing but raised skin structure. Piercing on any part of the body may lead to infection if post-care methods are not followed properly. Bumps are indicative of allergic reactions or infections on the piercing site. Bumps can develop on any part of piercing including earlobes, nose piercing and navel piercing.
Symptoms :
- Formation of bumps on the site of cartilage piercing indicates an infection.
- It is quite normal to have mild discomfort on the piercing site (ear, nose or navel) for the first few days.
- Allergic reaction can occur if you are using metals that comes free with the package.
- Often the formation of bumps or keloids is accompanied with swelling and redness of the skin.
Causes :
Touching the cartilage piercing with dirty hands and using non-sterilized instruments for piercing are the major causes for infection. Nowadays many piercing studios use autoclave for cleaning and sterilizing the instruments. Find a suitable place in your area after you have decided to go on piercing. Rejection is possible in some cases which can lead to formation of bumps in the cartilage piercing. The body may fail to accept the piercing resulting in infection and bump formation.
Treatment :
Bumps or keloids on the piercing site can be due to bacterial infection. Over the counter painkillers and antihistamines can be taken to control swelling. If the inflammation does not reduce you can consult your GP.
Piercing Guns .Vs. Needles :
In many studios they use piercing gun for piercing since the procedure becomes easy and short. But one cannot guarantee they are totally safe. Piercing guns cannot be cleaned in autoclave and hence it cannot be sterilized. But needles and other instruments used for piercing can be put on autoclave for complete sterilization. Piercing gun should not be used for cartilage piercing.
It basically would force a stud or earring through your ear when applied pressure. It can literally tear off your skin as the stud/earring passes through. This process can delay the process of healing. And the pain can be more than needle piercing for sure due to the application of force. But piercers who use needles would carefully pierce the cartilage or earlobes and fix the thread along with earring.
Images, Pics, Photos and Pictures of Cartilage Piercing Bump :
Cartilage Piercing .Vs. Body Piercing :
There is no major difference between the two. But cartilage piercing can take longer time for healing. It depends on the location of piercing. The jewelry or ear stud can get snagged on clothing, combs and brushes and even with your sunglasses. This can make it sore and painful making the healing process more difficult. You need to be careful for the first few days that you are not snagging the jewelry with your hair or combs.
Cartilage piercing looks good from outside but still the inner layers of the skin can be sore. And remember cartilage does not have blood supply on its own and in case of any infection it is going to be more difficult. Antibiotics may not be that effective on the cartilage piercing bump as it is on other areas of the body because medication cannot be transported to the cartilages due to lack of blood supply. Cartilage piercing on the helix and other parts of the ear can take anywhere from 6-12 months for complete healing in case you develop any infection. For all the above reasons, think twice before opting for cartilage piercing.