Piercing Bump vs Keloid vs Infection: How to Tell the Difference & Treat It Safely

Noticed a strange bump on your piercing?

You're not alone — many people develop piercing bumps, keloids, or irritation lumps, especially during healing. But the big question is:

How can you tell what it is — and what’s the right way to treat it?

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• The difference between a piercing bump, keloid, and infection

• What causes each

• How to treat them safely

• When to seek professional help

🧠 Piercing Bump vs Keloid vs Infection – Key Differences

🔍 1. What Is a Piercing Bump? (Most Common)

✅ Looks Like:

• Pink, flesh-coloured or red

• Soft, small (pea-sized or smaller)

• Sits next to the piercing site

• May ooze clear/yellow fluid (not pus)

🧪 Caused By:

• Sleeping on a new piercing

• Changing jewellery too soon

• Friction from hair, masks, or clothing

• Low-quality jewellery materials

💡 Good news: piercing bumps are usually temporary and treatable.

🔍 2. What Is a Keloid? (Much Rarer)

⚠️ Looks Like:

• Thick, shiny, raised scar tissue

• May continue to grow beyond the piercing site

• Often darker than your skin tone

🧬 Caused By:

• Genetic predisposition

• Overproduction of collagen in the healing process

🧠 Keloids are permanent unless professionally treated (e.g., steroid injections, laser removal).

Note: Keloids are not common. If your bump stays small and doesn’t grow over time, it’s likely not a keloid.

🔍 3. What Does a Piercing Infection Look Like?

🛑 Signs of infection:

• Yellow/green pus

• Throbbing pain

• Swelling and heat

• Foul smell

• Red streaks spreading from the site

🔬 Caused By:

• Touching with unclean hands

• Poor aftercare

• Swimming or exposure to bacteria

• Trauma (tugging, impact)

🚨 If you're unsure, always consult a piercer or GP — infections can spread.

💊 How to Treat a Piercing Bump (Safely at Home)

✅ 1. Stick to Implant-Grade Jewellery

Titanium (ASTM F-136) is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and ideal for irritated or healing piercings.

👉 [Browse Titanium Jewellery]

✅ 2. Use Sterile Saline Spray Twice Daily

• No alcohol or hydrogen peroxide — they can worsen irritation

• Don’t use tea tree oil (it can burn healing skin)

✅ 3. Avoid Sleeping on It

Especially with cartilage piercings — pressure = irritation = bumps

✅ 4. Don’t Pick, Squeeze or Remove the Bump

Let it resolve with consistent care. Picking introduces bacteria.

🧴 What to Do If It’s a Keloid

• Do not try to treat it with home remedies

• Visit a GP or dermatologist for:

  • Cortisone injections

  • Silicone gel sheets

  • Cryotherapy or laser treatment

💡 Early intervention is key — if it’s growing, act quickly.

⚕️ When to See a Professional

🩹 Prevention Tips for Future Piercings

• Always choose titanium or gold (no nickel-based metals)

• Avoid cheap jewellery or mystery alloys

• Don’t change jewellery before it’s fully healed

• Clean hands before touching

• Use only saline spray — no alcohol or harsh cleaners

✅ Final Thoughts: Identify, Don’t Panic

A piercing bump doesn’t mean failure. Most irritation lumps are normal, temporary, and can be cleared up with the right care.

But knowing the difference between a piercing bump, a keloid, and an infection is the key to treating it safely.

Camden Body Jewellery is here to help — with implant-grade jewellery, professional aftercare tips, and tools to keep your piercings healthy.

🛍️ Need Help Soothing Your Piercing?

Explore our range of titanium jewellery and aftercare essentials:

👉 [Shop Titanium Jewellery]