Tattoo & Piercing Care: Healing, Keloids & Rules

Proper aftercare is crucial for healing tattoos and belly button rings without complications like keloids. Learn how to drain piercing bumps, understand ear gauging rules, and identify the signs of a rejected body piercing.

How to Drain a Body Piercing Bump

Published Jul,18 2017 | By Dr. Tanya Kormeili, MD, FAAD, Dermatologist

If you develop a bump at the site of a body piercing, draining it should never be a "do-it-yourself" endeavor. A bump, especially if the site turns red, swollen or painful, or drains pus, could indicate a staphylococcus infection or other bacteria.