What Is a Nose Piercing Bump?

A nose piercing bump is a common problem that occurs after getting the nostril pierced, typically within a few days to one month. Generally it is a type of small infection that causes a raised, red bump; it is important to make sure that the bump is not scar tissue that is forming, and especially that it is not a keloid, which is a type of large scar that will continue to grow outside the piercing. If the bump does not clear up relatively quickly with treatment, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to make sure it is not scarring.

In general, however, a nose piercing bump is a small infection caused by any type of injury to the new piercing, such as catching it on a towel, bumping it, or sleeping on it. The first thing to do is to make sure the jewelry in the piercing is a high-quality surgical or stainless steel, as these are hypoallergenic, and will help to prevent infection. A professional piercer should be able to provide this jewelry if the nose wasn't originally pierced with it. The next step to getting rid of a nose piercing bump is to begin drawing out the infection.

One of the best ways to do this is to do sea salt soaks. This simply involves mixing sea salt in warm water, saturating a cotton ball with this liquid, and placing it on the nose for a few minutes at a time. Doing the sea salt soaks once or twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time will help to clear up the infection fairly quickly and eliminate the bump. Some people dip their nostril directly in the cup with the sea salt mixture, if possible. Be sure to rinse the nose afterward to prevent the salt from drying on there.

Another option to treat a nose piercing bump is to put a few drops of tea tree oil on it each day, which will also work like an antiseptic and begin healing the infection. If none of these things make a difference, the nose piercing bump might be scar tissue, and it might be necessary to remove the piercing entirely. If the bump continues to grow, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible for treatment. It could be a keloid, which may need to be removed; also, if it is simply an infection that is worsening, antibiotics might be necessary to properly cure it. It is not a good idea to leave an infection untreated, particularly one on the face, close to the brain.