Irritation bumps on cartilage piercings are so annoyingly common, thankfully I've never had one on any of mine but I know they happen all the time and I've known people who have them.
Your tragus definitely looks sore though, I know you said your embarrassed about it but I think up sizing the bar length is the right way to go, even just a little so the jewellery isn't pressing into the bump all the time. 7 months on a cartilage piercing is still relatively "new", do you wear in-ear earbuds alot or sleep on that side? That could be contributing to the irritation. And do you know what the metal is your bar is made from? You could be allergic, if (and you should) you get it upsized, consider getting a titanium bar to be safe.
Going to a piercer is the best idea regardless as they will be able to tell you definitively if it can be salvaged.
If the headphones are flat ones, as in not the kind with the padded edge that sits around your ear instead of directly on the ear, then they could still be contributing to the irritation.
I'd still say go to a reputable piercer (either the one who pierced you if you trust them or research for another in your area) and have them take a look at it. I guarantee they've seen piercings in worse conditions than yours and they'll be able to give you professional advice as to whether you can keep it or not but unfortunately irritation bumps are just a common hazard with cartilage piercings and once you get them they're stubborn to go away.
Also I edited my original reply so not sure if you saw it before you replied but I would 100% recommend upsizing the bar and having it replaced with titanium if it isn't already as you could be having an allergic reaction to the metal.
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Irritation bumps on cartilage piercings are so annoyingly common, thankfully I've never had one on any of mine but I know they happen all the time and I've known people who have them.
Your tragus definitely looks sore though, I know you said your embarrassed about it but I think up sizing the bar length is the right way to go, even just a little so the jewellery isn't pressing into the bump all the time. 7 months on a cartilage piercing is still relatively "new", do you wear in-ear earbuds alot or sleep on that side? That could be contributing to the irritation. And do you know what the metal is your bar is made from? You could be allergic, if (and you should) you get it upsized, consider getting a titanium bar to be safe.
Going to a piercer is the best idea regardless as they will be able to tell you definitively if it can be salvaged.
I don’t wear in ear earbuds but I do wear headphones
I also try to avoid laying on my side too!
If the headphones are flat ones, as in not the kind with the padded edge that sits around your ear instead of directly on the ear, then they could still be contributing to the irritation.
I'd still say go to a reputable piercer (either the one who pierced you if you trust them or research for another in your area) and have them take a look at it. I guarantee they've seen piercings in worse conditions than yours and they'll be able to give you professional advice as to whether you can keep it or not but unfortunately irritation bumps are just a common hazard with cartilage piercings and once you get them they're stubborn to go away.
Also I edited my original reply so not sure if you saw it before you replied but I would 100% recommend upsizing the bar and having it replaced with titanium if it isn't already as you could be having an allergic reaction to the metal.
Piercing is 7 months old I think it’s a labret piercing bar Externally threaded Unsure of material Never downsized I use neilmed piercing cleaner
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