If one of your piercings appears swollen or red, it could be infected. This article provides helpful tips on how to properly treat the infection and how to prevent it from developing.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treating the Infection
Step 1. Understand what the symptoms of an infected piercing are
In most cases, infections develop only if the piercing has been done incorrectly, for example at home with inappropriate tools, or by an unskilled person. If you have any of the following symptoms, your piercing may have become infected:
- Pain or discomfort
- Excessive skin redness;
- Swelling of the skin;
- Leaking pus, blood or serum.
Step 2. Don't wait to cure the infection
It could progress quickly if you don't take action. In most cases, the infection will heal quickly simply by cleaning it appropriately, promptly and frequently. Contact the piercing studio if you have any questions to ask. If in doubt, the best thing to do is to clean the wound with soap and warm water.
Step 3. Clean the piercing with a saline solution twice a day
You can purchase this simple ready-made antiseptic solution at the studio where you went to get the piercing done, or you can prepare it at home using two simple ingredients: water and salt. Dissolve 1/8 tablespoon of non-iodized salt in 250ml of distilled water while stirring until it dissolves completely. Once ready, dip the piercing in saline solution or wet a cotton ball and apply it to the wound for 20 minutes twice a day.
Step 4. Apply an antibiotic to the infected area
To fight the bacteria that caused the infection, you can use an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, for example one that contains Polymyxin B Sulfate or Bacitracin. Gently apply it to the wound, twice a day, using a cotton swab or cotton swab.
If you develop skin irritation or itching, stop using the ointment. The rash could be caused by an allergic reaction
Step 5. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling or bruising
The cold will deflate the skin around the piercing and help relieve the infection. Never apply ice directly to the skin as it could damage it. Place a layer of fabric or cloth between the cold compress and your body.
Step 6. Contact the piercing studio by phone or in person
They will be able to advise you on what is best to do based on the type of piercing and symptoms. Often it is sufficient to repeat the same cleaning performed immediately after having done the piercing to quickly heal from the infection.
- If it is a mild infection, the piercer is likely to be able to give you valuable advice;
- If, on the other hand, it is a serious infection, the person who gave you the piercing should tell you to go to the doctor and give you accurate instructions regarding the process, the wound and possible solutions.
Step 7. See your doctor if the infection has lasted more than 48 hours or if you also have a fever
He will most likely prescribe medication to treat the infected piercing, most often an antibiotic to be taken by mouth. If you don't notice any improvement or if your symptoms get worse after treating the infection at home, you should see your doctor right away. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Pain in the muscles or joints
- Fever;
- Chills;
- Nausea or vomiting.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Infections
Step 1. Clean the piercing frequently
You can simply use a soft cloth, warm soapy water. Regularly wiping dirt, sweat, and bacteria from your new piercing should be enough to prevent the wound from becoming infected.
- You should clean the piercing immediately after exercising, being outdoors, cooking, or cleaning the house.
- Disinfectant alcohol has the ability to kill bacteria, but as it dries the skin it can lead to an infection.
Step 2. Rinse the piercing with a saline solution twice a day
You can buy it ready-made at the studio where you went to get the piercing done or you can prepare it at home using two simple ingredients: water and salt. Dissolve 1/8 tablespoon of non-iodized salt in 250ml of distilled water while stirring until it dissolves completely. Once ready, dip the piercing in saline solution or wet a cotton ball and apply it to the wound for 20 minutes twice a day.
Step 3. Keep your hands clean
Dirty hands are the main cause of infections, so always wash them before touching or treating the piercing.
Step 4. Do not wear tight clothing over the piercing
If it is in close contact with clothing, choose a loose outfit. This is the case, for example, with a piercing in the navel, on the nipple or in the genital area.
Step 5. Refrain from swimming in the pool, hot tubs and also avoid the gym for 2-3 days after getting the piercing
They are places full of moisture and bacteria that are a frequent cause of infections. The piercing is an open wound and absorbs bacteria much faster than healthy skin.
Step 6. Know that all piercings remain inflamed for several days
So don't worry if it looks red or if you feel pain for some time, this is a normal reaction from the body. Inflammation is a common manifestation and can be easily cured with a cold compress and ibuprofen-based medication. However, if the symptoms last for more than 3-5 days, an infection may be developing.
Step 7. Remove the piercing jewelry if you are concerned that it is an infection
If pus is leaking from the wound, you feel a lot of pain or the skin is excessively swollen, remove the jewelry and clean the infected area with soap and water. You should only remove the jewelry if you have an infection because you will probably not be able to put it back on without having to go back to the studio where you got the piercing.
Wash the jewelry with warm soapy water, then try to put it back on if the only symptoms are moderate redness and swelling. This may help prevent an infection from developing
Advice
- Do not remove the jewelry from an infected piercing, otherwise the wound will close and trap the infection under the skin, which will become more difficult to heal.
- Apply the saline solution at least once a day, but no more than two or it will dry out the skin.
- For surface piercings, for example on the nipple, mix the warm water and sea salt in a hot glass and soak the part in the saline solution for 5-10 minutes.
- Always wash your hands before touching the piercing.
- Apply a warm compress at twenty-minute intervals to relieve swelling and help drain the infection.
- Act promptly to treat the infection as it can spread very quickly.
- Even if you don't fear an infection developing, clean the piercing frequently to help promote proper wound healing.
- You should consider using only gold or silver jewelry. Any other material, including surgical steel, could be the cause of the problem.
- If you have long hair and your ear piercing is infected, keep it tied until it heals. Hair can carry bacteria that will aggravate the infection, so keep it gathered to prevent it from coming into contact with the infected wound.
Warnings
- Don't take off your piercing jewelry.
- See your doctor if you feel a lot of pain or have a fever as you will likely need medication to treat the infection.
- See your doctor right away if symptoms seem alarming to you.
