Nurselady

Dear Jenny,
If there are many tiny bumps it may be some type of allergic reaction. If there is pus, swelling, redness or heat it may be an infection. I would call the facility where you received the piercing and check with them first. If you continue to have the problem or it gets worse contact your physician.

Good Luck,
Nurselady

Dear Melissa,

I have seen this problem several times. It seems that sometimes the bump goes away with warm compresses and other times there was a need for medical attention. I would recommend that you call the facility where you had the piercing done. If it is it red, warm, draining or painful, go see your physcian.

Nurselady

Dear Jeff,
The best way to avoid sunburn and skin cancer is to prevent it by applying SPF 15 lotion or better and wearing light clothing and even a hat. Stay out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm when it is the most intense. Once skin burn has occurred avoid further sun exposure as it will increase the burn and pain. Take cool baths without bubbles, oils, etc. Cool compresses will also help. There is a burow solution that you can purchase at the drugstore but be sure to read the directions. I use an aloe gel at my school for students with sunburn and they say it is the best. If the pain is real bad a pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen may be required. If you have blisters that pop an antibiotic ointment will help the skin heal. Some cases are severe enough to be seen by a physician so use your good judgement and go to the doctors if the sunburn does not improve in 2-3 days.
Nurselady

Dear Jennifer,

You are not the first to have this problem. Did the professional that did your piercing give you aftercare instructions. I have read that most people feel cleaning the area with a mild antiseptic soap twice a day and using seasalt or saline soaks two to three times daily are the best way to go. If the area becomes swollen, warm to touch, has a bad odor or greenish discharge I would recommend a doctors evaluation. If it becomes irritated because of rubbing against your pants some type of cover should be applied during the day but leave it open to air as much as possible.

Hope this was helpful.
Nurselady

Dear Rebekah,

I have seen this problem several times. It seems that sometimes the bump goes away with warm compresses and other times there was a need for medical attention. I would recommend that you call the facility where you had the piercing done and speak with them first.

Nurselady

Dear Jenna,
Yes, picking at scabs is a bad habit and will form scarring. I suggest you cover it with a dry bandage during your waking hours and remove it before going to bed. This way it protects the scab from you picking at it and also allows it to get air at night and continue to heal.
Nurselady

1) What should I be doing to try to heal this quickly?
2) Will applying pressure to it make it worse? For example, should I avoid sitting?

Dear Eric,
Cold compresses may help in the beginning. It may take a while for the bruise to fade. It may change color from a bluish/purple to a greenish/yellow in the process of healing. It may be tender to touch. A bruise is caused by blood pooling under the skin after an injury.

Nurselady

I have a bruise on my face on my cheek bone and i was wondering how to make it go away faster.

Dear Samantha,

When you get a bruise put a covered ice pack on it immediately. The bruise is caused by blood under the skin and the ice will stop the bleeding faster. Put the ice on for 10 minutes then off for 10 minutes for about one hour. Eating foods high in vitamin C will help the healing process and I have heard that vitamin K topically also helps to heal bruises faster.

Nurselady

Every winter my skin dries up and gets unbearably itchy (I think it’s from the heat drying out our house). Do you have any suggestions for what I can do?

Dear Jess,

Winter is a rough time for our skin. If your house is that dry you may want to get a humidifier. Drinking lots of water is good for you and helps replenish lost fluids. Another important process is to use a moisturizer 1-2 times daily. If these things do not help and/or your skin becomes red and irritated you should see a dermatologist.

Nurselady