How to Treat an Infected Piercing

Recognize the symptoms of an infected piercing. Infections most commonly occur when piercings are done at home or due to carelessness during the piercing process. If any of the following symptoms appear, you may have an infection:

• Pain or tenderness
• Excessive redness
• Swelling
• Pus, blood, or discharge

Do not delay treatment. Infections can progress rapidly if left untreated, and most cases can be resolved quickly with proper and timely care. Contact your piercer if you have any concerns. When in doubt, always clean the piercing with warm water and soap.

Clean the piercing with a saline solution. This simple antibacterial solution is available at most piercing studios, but you can also easily make it at home. Mix 1/8 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 1 cup of water and stir until dissolved. Soak the piercing in the saline solution or apply it with a clean cotton ball for 20 minutes, twice a day.

Apply antibiotic ointment to the piercing. You can use over-the-counter ointments like polymyxin B sulfate (Polysporin) or bacitracin to combat bacteria in the infected area. Use a cotton swab or ball to apply a thin layer of ointment to the wound twice daily.

• Discontinue use if a rash or itching occurs, as this may indicate an allergic reaction.

Use a cold compress to reduce swelling or bruising. An ice pack can help reduce swelling around the piercing, which may also aid in fighting the infection. However, never apply ice directly to the skin to avoid tissue damage. Always place a cloth or towel between the ice pack and your skin.

Call or visit your piercer. They can provide advice based on the type of jewelry and symptoms. Typically, they will repeat the aftercare process used after the initial piercing to quickly address the infection.

• For mild infections, your piercer may advise you on self-treatment methods.
• In more severe cases, they may refer you to a doctor with detailed information about the wound, jewelry, and potential solutions.

See a doctor if the infection lasts more than 48 hours or if you develop a fever. The doctor will likely prescribe medication, often oral antibiotics, to treat the infection. If the condition does not improve or symptoms worsen after home treatment, seek medical attention promptly. Watch for the following symptoms:

• Muscle or joint pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea or vomiting

Clean the piercing regularly. Dip a cloth in warm soapy water and gently clean the new piercing. Prevent infections by keeping dirt, debris, and bacteria away from the wound.

• Remember to clean the piercing after exercising, being outdoors, cooking, or cleaning.
• While rubbing alcohol can kill bacteria, it also dries out the skin and may lead to infections.

Rinse the piercing with saline solution twice daily. Although saline solution is available at piercing studios, you can easily make it at home with just two ingredients. Mix 1/8 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 1 cup of distilled water and stir until dissolved. You can soak the piercing in the saline solution or apply it with a clean cotton ball for 20 minutes, twice a day.

Keep your hands clean. Dirty hands are the leading cause of infections, so always wash your hands thoroughly before touching or handling the piercing.

Avoid tight clothing around the piercing. If your piercing constantly rubs against your clothes, opt for loose-fitting attire. This is especially important for piercings on the navel, genitals, nipples, or other body areas.

Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, or gyms for 2-3 days after getting pierced. These places are hotbeds for bacteria and moisture, which often lead to infections. Piercings are open wounds, and bacteria can easily enter when the skin is broken.

Understand that all piercings will be inflamed for several days. Don’t panic if you experience pain or redness in the first few days after piercing. This is the body’s natural response to the wound. Inflammation is normal and can be easily managed with ice packs and ibuprofen. However, if the inflammation lasts more than 3-5 days, it could indicate an infection.

Do not remove the jewelry if you suspect an infection. Although it may seem counterintuitive, avoid taking out the jewelry if you notice signs of infection, such as pus, as removing it can cause the piercing to close and trap the infection inside. Keeping the piercing open allows it to drain naturally; otherwise, it could develop into an abscess or a more severe infection.