Types of Daith Bumps
Most Common
Irritation Bump
A small raised bump at the ring entry or exit point. Not an infection. Caused by mechanical disruption — earbuds, sleeping on the ear, touching, or inappropriate jewelry size. Resolves when the cause is removed.
Less Common
Hypertrophic Scar
A raised firm scar from repeated trauma. Requires removing the irritation source and time to reduce. Larger and harder than an irritation bump.
Rarest
Keloid
A scar that grows beyond the wound boundary. Genetically predisposed. Requires medical treatment. Most “keloids” on daith piercings are actually hypertrophic scars.
Common Causes for Daith Bumps
- Earbuds on the pierced side. The most daith-specific cause — earbuds sit right at the daith and create direct pressure.
- Sleeping on the ear. Hours of pressure on the inner ear fold.
- Ring diameter too small or too large. A ring that doesn’t fit the daith anatomy correctly creates constant pressure. This is a jewelry fit issue — come in for assessment.
- Touching and rotating. Every touch introduces bacteria.
What Not to Do
No tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol on a bump. These make irritation bumps worse. Saline and removing the cause is the correct approach.
Bump Questions
A persistent bump means the mechanical cause hasn't been identified or eliminated. Earbuds are the most commonly missed cause for daith bumps. Come in for an assessment — we can often identify the source in person.