Cauliflower ear is a buildup of blood or other fluids between the cartilage and skin of the ear. This causes swelling and the formation of a bump or lump. Over time, the untreated blood or fluid can clot and form scar tissue, giving the ear a bumpy, misshapen appearance, similar to the texture of a cauliflower, hence the name
A fluid lump is often confused with a keloid, but there are clear differences.
A keloid is an abnormal scar tissue that forms in response to a skin injury. It is an excessive growth of scar tissue that extends beyond the boundaries of the original injury. Keloids are usually firm, rubbery, raised growths that are often shiny, smooth, and darker in color than the surrounding skin.
When you get a piercing you want it to stay in place. However, regrowth is possible and some piercings are more sensitive to regrowth than others, but regrowth can also occur if the piercer places the piercing incorrectly.
Piercing cartilage fluid bump
A piercing oozing, also known as a piercing bump, is an abnormal swelling or lump that forms around a cartilage piercing. (Not to be confused with a keloid) It often occurs in response to irritation, inflammation, or infection of the pierced cartilage. It may appear as scar tissue, a rawhide, or a pimple. The lump(s) can occur for a number of reasons, including: Irritation, excessive movement, friction, or trauma to the piercing site can lead to swelling and the formation of a lump.
For example, consider:
Sleeping on a new piercing
Scraping off scabs
Wearing earphones or headphones
Wearing helmets.
Touching the piercing a lot with your hands
Not downsizing the jewelry in time
Not keeping the piercing dry properly
A cartilage lump does not necessarily have to be caused by your own behavior. It can also have gone wrong during the piercing. For example:
Incorrect placement
Incorrect anatomy
Incorrect piercing jewelry and/or length thereof
Poor quality jewelry
Treatment of cartilage fluid lump
It is important to be patient as cartilage piercings generally heal slower than soft tissue piercings. (3-9 months on average)
Continue to take good care of the pierced area and follow the advice of a professional for the best chance of reducing the bump and promoting healing.
First, find out together with the piercer what may be irritating the piercing(s).
Is your aftercare thorough enough or even good enough? What resources are used and how?
Which behavioral factors can you tackle yourself?
Is the piercing placed correctly and is there no regrowth going on?
Is another piece of jewelry needed or the addition of a healing disc?
A fluid lump can reduce significantly within 2-3 weeks if the cause(s) are found and treated accordingly.
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This lady had a conch and rook piercing done at another shop and booked a piercing panic/consultation appointment with us. The piercings had been in for a long time and she kept having sensitivity/pain and annoying fluid bumps. Her question for help was 'What can I do to finally get my piercings to calm down and heal perfectly.'
During a consultation we look at where things might go wrong. Often a lot can be achieved with a fine-tuning of the aftercare, another piece of jewelry or action.
In just 3 weeks this lady had already achieved a fantastic result. The piercings had calmed down considerably and the fluid lumps had almost completely disappeared. Now there was room to take the next step with suitable jewelry to give the piercings the chance to heal further.
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When there are moisture bumps, it is certainly necessary to act quickly. If you continue to walk around with moisture bumps for too long, you have a much greater chance that your piercing will permanently shift from angle, the piercing will grow out or that you will develop ugly scars. Are you in doubt about your piercing? Then make an appointment for a consultation.
If necessary, we may advise you to contact a general practitioner or dermatologist, but often the problem can be solved very simply.
We are happy to help you find a happy piercing! Of course, even if it was not done by us.
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