If you’ve had your nipple pierced, you’ve probably experienced the lymph bubble at some point in the months following the piercing. It’s that strange little bump that appears on your newly pierced nipple (it might even look like you have an extra nipple) and it can be either alarming or just plain annoying, depending on how much you love your new body art. So, what causes the lymph bubble? Here’s what you need to know!

If you’ve ever gotten a nipple piercing, you might be familiar with the lymph bubble—that little white fluid-filled bubble that forms in the piercing hole as it heals. (Or maybe you’re one of the many people who don’t know what it is or why it happens!) The lymph bubble can be alarming, but don’t worry—it’s perfectly normal and nothing to stress over! But before we talk about why these little bubbles form and what they mean, let’s go over what exactly the lymphatic system does.

What’s Up With the Lymph Bubble on My Nipple Piercing?

When you have a new piercing, it’s easy to get so excited about showing it off that you forget how long the healing process takes, and how important it is to take care of your body during this time. One of the most common mistakes people make after they get their nipple piercings done (and pretty much any new piercing) is not giving their new piercing enough time to heal before taking off the jewelry and getting back into their regular routine.

Lymph bubbles

You may have noticed a small, hard lump near your nipple piercing. This is called a lymph bubble and is actually pretty common. Don’t worry, it’s not a sign of an infection. Lymph bubbles are caused by fluid buildup and are nothing to be concerned about. In most cases, they will go away on their own within a few weeks. If you’re concerned about the lymph bubble or it seems to be getting bigger, you can always consult with your piercer or doctor.

Healing time

It’s been a few weeks since you got your nipple pierced and everything seems to be going well. The area around your piercing is healed and there is no longer any pain or discomfort. However, there is one thing that’s still bothering you: the lymph bubble.

The causes of lymph bubbles

When you get a new piercing, your body responds by increasing blood flow to the area and producing lymph fluid. This is what causes that little lymph bubble to form. In most cases, the bubble will go away on its own within a few days. But if it doesn’t, there are a few things you can do to speed up the healing process.

When to worry about the lymph bubble

Most of the time, the lymph bubble is nothing to worry about. It’s a common side effect of nipple piercing and usually goes away within a few days or weeks. However, if the lymph bubble is accompanied by other symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, it could be indicative of an infection. If you’re concerned about your lymph bubble, make an appointment with your piercer or doctor to get it checked out.

Things to do when a lymph bubble appears

If you see a lymph bubble on your nipple piercing, don’t freak out! This is actually a totally normal part of the healing process. Here are a few things you can do to help it along: 

• 1. Keep the area clean. Use a mild soap and water to cleanse the area around your piercing twice a day. Be sure to rinse all of the soap off completely. 
• 2. Apply an antibiotic ointment. This will help keep infection at bay. 
• 3. Try not to touch or pick at the lymph bubble. This can cause it to become irritated and prolong the healing time. 
• 4. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight clothing can irritate the area and make it more difficult for the lymph bubble to drain properly.

Choosing an expert piercer

When you’re ready to take the plunge and get a nipple piercing, it’s important to choose an expert piercer. Look for someone who has plenty of experience, uses high-quality jewelry, and can answer any questions you have. The last thing you want is an infection or a bad reaction to the piercing, so don’t skimp on quality.