What is why does my helix piercing hurt?

Your helix piercing can hurt for a variety of reasons, and understanding the cause is key to addressing the discomfort. Here's a breakdown:

• New Piercing Pain: This is the most common reason. A fresh piercing is essentially a wound. Expect soreness, throbbing, and tenderness for several weeks, even months. This is part of the normal healing process.

• Infection: If your piercing is infected, you might experience increased pain, redness, swelling, pus (yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge), and heat around the piercing site. Seek medical attention if you suspect an infection.

• Irritation: Irritation can be caused by several factors:

  • Touching and twisting the piercing: Avoid unnecessary handling.
  • Sleeping on it: Putting pressure on the piercing can cause irritation. Use a travel pillow or sleep on the opposite side.
  • Using harsh cleaning products: Stick to a sterile saline solution.
  • Low-quality jewelry: Nickel and other irritating metals can cause reactions. Opt for hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold (14k or higher).
  • Tight or improperly sized jewelry: Jewelry that is too tight can restrict blood flow and cause pain.

• Trauma: Bumping, snagging, or otherwise injuring the piercing can cause pain and set back the healing.

• Allergic Reaction: You might be allergic to the jewelry material. Symptoms include itching, redness, and a rash around the piercing.

• Keloids or Hypertrophic Scarring: These are raised scars that can form around a piercing. While typically not painful, they can be sensitive to the touch or cause discomfort due to their size and location. Scarring can be painful.

• Cartilage Piercings Take Longer to Heal: Helix piercings are cartilage piercings, which take significantly longer to heal than earlobe piercings. The longer healing time means a longer period of potential pain and sensitivity.