The small cartilage nub that leads from your outer ear toward your ear canal, is called tragus. It has become a noticeable trend among youth to pierce this area as a stylish statement. The actual piercing is done with a curved or straight, hollow, small-gauge sterilized needle. A professional piercer is best when piercing the tragus because of the risk involved. There are times that swelling can occur after tragus piercing.
Infections are generally the root cause of a swollen tragus. Tragus piercing is quite prone to the problem because of its location. Hair tends to fall over this area, getting caught, bringing bacteria and causing problems. Here are some common symptoms of infection:
If you suspect your piercing is infected or getting worse, please see your doctor or piercing practitioner to get treatment right away.
From the above symptoms, you should have an idea if your tragus piercing is infected. If so, the following remedies can be helpful:
Cleaning the area with rubbing alcohol is one of the first and best ways to treat infected piercings. This swabbing can be done twice a day. This should only be done if the piercing has healed, which generally happens after eight weeks. You can use a Q-tip or cotton ball to clean the area. It is recommended not to use hydrogen peroxide because it can cause the area to dry out and become crusty.
If your infection happens while the tragus piercing is still healing, you should clean it with saline solution. Make a sea salt mixture that uses about a teaspoon of salt and eight ounces of water. As with the alcohol, use a cotton swab to clean the area. Make sure to remove any debris such as pus, dead tissue or foreign material to keep it clean.
This is one home remedy for swollen tragus piercing. You can use it any time during the healing process as it will quicken healing while helping to cure swelling. Press the infected area with a chamomile tea bag that has been dipped in warm water. This is also a great way to clean the area.
Another excellent treatment for infection and swelling, regardless of where you are healing, is hot compress. These will help to increase circulation, aiding in general healing. Apply a warm, clean cloth to the area for about four minutes, two-three times daily.
If you aren’t seeing any improvement after you’ve tried the above, it is time to visit your doctors for more help. After they give you an exam, they may recommend oral or topical antibiotics as well as pain killers.
There are more ways you can care your swollen tragus piercing. Consider trying some of the following: