Scar tissue from gunned ear cartilage piercing

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Saturday May 17th, 2008 @ 1:22 PM

Filed under: Ear

Hi.

A year and a half ago, in September 2006, I had my helix gunned at 16g. (Stupid, I know. Spare me the lecture.) It healed up fine, it hasn’t given me any trouble since, and it’s been healed for more than a year now. However, the fistula is extremely thick; it extends about 1mm out of the ear and looks disgusting! I’ve tried sea salt soaks and tea tree oil, but no improvements. How can i get rid of it? (I’m having the same trouble with my DIY lobe piercing as well.)

Thanks a lot.

As requested, I’ll save you the lecture.

The extended “fistula” that you are referring to is most likely some hypertrophic scarring on the piercing. This type of scar tissue is common with piercings (and other wounds) where there is a lot of mechanical irritation. Given the less-than-ideal nature of the way the ear piercing gun does the piercing, as well as the often less-than-spectacular jewelry that goes into the piercing…scarring like this is not uncommon with cartilage piercings done with ear piercings. (Simmer down…not lecturing…just explaining).

There are a variety of things you can try to reduce the scar tissue.

You should be able to find a few different types of scar-reduction products at your local pharmacy. These products claim to reduce scarring…and I have seen them work well for some people…not so well for others. Some people take a more “homemade” approach to things and they will massage the area with things like Vitamin E oil or extra virgin olive oil. The act of physically massaging it can help break up the scar tissue, making it easier for your body to re-absorb it. The various oils can, for some people, help break up the scar tissue even more.

Best of luck.

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