A helix piercing, located in the outer cartilage of the upper ear, is a popular choice. However, its healing process can be prolonged or challenging. Understanding common issues can help address why a helix piercing might not be healing as expected.
The Helix Piercing Healing Journey
Healing a helix piercing is a gradual process that involves several stages, differing significantly from earlobe piercings due to the cartilage’s limited blood supply. Initially, the body responds to the piercing as a wound, leading to localized inflammation, which presents as redness, swelling, and mild tenderness in the first few weeks. Clear or yellowish fluid, known as lymph, may also be present, which can form a crust around the jewelry as it dries.
Over subsequent months, the cartilage gradually strengthens, and initial soreness and swelling subside. New tissue forms around the jewelry, creating a healed channel. While the outer appearance might suggest healing, internal tissue requires more time to stabilize. A helix piercing takes between 6 to 12 months, or longer, to fully heal.
Common Obstacles to Healing
Several factors can interfere with helix piercing healing, leading to prolonged irritation or complications. Identifying the root cause is an important step in promoting proper healing.
Improper aftercare
Improper aftercare is a common obstacle, stemming from insufficient or excessive cleaning. Strong antiseptic solutions like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibacterial soaps can damage healing skin cells, prolonging recovery. Over-cleaning strips the piercing’s natural protective barriers, while under-cleaning allows for crust and bacteria accumulation. Touching, twisting, or rotating the jewelry introduces bacteria and irritates tissue, disrupting healing.
Jewelry issues
Jewelry issues also play a role in stalled healing. The material can cause allergic reactions, with nickel being a common culprit, causing itching, redness, swelling, and flakiness. Additionally, incorrect jewelry size or style can hinder healing. Jewelry that is too tight can cause pressure and embed, while pieces that are too long can move excessively and snag, leading to irritation. Hoops, particularly in fresh helix piercings, can hinder healing due to movement and bacteria accumulation.
Physical trauma
Physical trauma is another common reason a helix piercing may heal poorly. Accidental bumps, snagging the jewelry on clothing, hair, or masks, and sleeping directly on the piercing can repeatedly irritate it. Constant irritation prevents stable tissue formation, leading to persistent inflammation, pain, or irritation bumps. Even wearing headphones or earbuds that press against the piercing can hinder healing.
Infections
Infections are a serious complication that can delay healing. Signs include increased redness, warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, and discharge of yellow, green, or foul-smelling pus. Infections arise from bacteria introduced by unclean hands, unsterile piercing equipment, or inadequate aftercare. Untreated infections can become severe and require medical intervention.
General health
Beyond local factors, general health can influence healing. Conditions that compromise the immune system, poor nutrition, high stress levels, or certain medications can slow healing. Smoking, for instance, can impair blood flow, which is already limited in cartilage, further delaying healing. Age can also be a factor, with healing processes slowing with age.
Steps for a Stalled Piercing
When a helix piercing is not healing properly, several steps can encourage recovery. Approach these issues systematically and seek professional guidance when necessary.
Aftercare
Assess and adjust your aftercare routine. Clean the piercing twice daily using a sterile saline wound wash, which contains 0.9% sodium chloride and purified water. Spray the solution directly onto the piercing to irrigate the area, rather than using cotton balls or swabs which can leave fibers. After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with clean, disposable gauze or use a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry it. Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands, and refrain from twisting or moving the jewelry, as this introduces bacteria and trauma.
Jewelry
Evaluate the jewelry itself. If you suspect an issue with the material, size, or style, consult a professional piercer. They can assess if the current jewelry contributes to the problem, advise on hypoallergenic materials like implant-grade titanium, and ensure appropriate sizing. They can also determine if a downsize (installing a shorter post) is needed once initial swelling subsides to minimize movement and irritation.
Minimizing physical trauma
Minimizing physical trauma is important for healing. Be mindful of activities that might snag or put pressure on the piercing, such as brushing hair, wearing hats, or using headphones. For side sleepers, using a travel pillow with a hole can prevent direct pressure on the ear. Protecting the piercing allows tissue to recover without constant disruption.
When to seek professional help
Knowing when to seek professional help is important. If the piercing continues to show signs of irritation, persistent bumps, or slow healing despite proper aftercare, a visit to your original piercer or another reputable professional is recommended. They can offer an in-person assessment, troubleshoot the issue, and may suggest a jewelry change or other adjustments.
Medical attention
Consult a medical doctor if you observe signs of a serious infection. Signs include a fever, chills, redness that spreads beyond the piercing site, severe or throbbing pain, or excessive yellow/green pus. If the jewelry becomes embedded or home treatment does not lead to improvement within a couple of days, medical attention is needed. A doctor can diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment, such as oral antibiotics, to prevent further complications.