Excessive redness or tenderness around the piercing site Prolonged bleeding A change in skin color around the piercing Excessive swelling Pus or other fluid discharge If a cartilage piercing is infected, skip calling your piercer and go straight to a medical doctor (cartilage infections are more difficult to treat).
Leaving the piercing in provides an “escape route” for discharge and bacteria.
Pat the piercing dry with a clean tissue or paper towel.
The topical antibiotic will kill germs and prevent the infection from spreading further away from the piercing site.
Earlobe, eyebrow, septum, lip, tongue, male genitals (dydoe, Prince Albert), female genitals (clitoris, labia minora): 6-8 weeks Nasal bridge, nipple, male genitals (hafada), female genitals (labia majora, Christina/Venus): 2-4 months Nostril, nose (rhino), navel, male genitals (ampallang): 6-9 months or longer
Fever Chills, nausea, or vomiting Part of the piercing is stuck inside the skin Redness and swelling that spreads beyond the piercing site Swollen lymph nodes near the piercing site Scarring near the piercing site
If you don’t have an ice pack or cold compress, make your own by filling a plastic bag with crushed ice. To soothe lip, tongue, or cheek piercings, suck on ice cubes or popsicles, especially within the first 24-48 hours after piercing. Never apply ice or a cold compress directly to your bare skin.
If the piercing site is just sore and not swollen, try taking acetaminophen (Tylenol).
In a pinch, use the tea bag itself as a compress if you don’t have gauze or a cotton pad on hand. Chamomile has antimicrobial properties that can kill germs under your skin, fight inflammation, and reduce pain or soreness. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Look for a clean studio, sterilized equipment, and receptiveness to your questions and concerns. The piercer should be transparent about their process and cleanliness standards. Professionals know exactly where and how to administer a piercing to minimize pain and the risk for infection later on.
Wash your hands with hot water and antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds, paying extra close attention to your fingertips and underneath your nails. The less you touch a fresh piercing, the faster it will heal up (and the less likely it is to get infected).
Use store bought sterile saline or make your own at home by mixing ¼ tsp (1. 5 g) of sea salt dissolved in 8 fl oz (240 mL) of boiled water. To do a saltwater soak, dip your piercing in a small bowl full of saltwater or saline (or hold a saltwater-soaked cloth to it) for 5-6 minutes.
If you have long hair, tie it back to keep it out of ear, lip, nose, or eyebrow piercings. Ask your piercer about wearing loose gauze over body piercings to protect them from the rub of your clothes. Germs from dirty pillow cases can easily get into fresh ear or eyebrow piercings, and tight clothing can rub, irritate, or infect navel, genital, or nipple piercings.
The older a piercing is, the better it generally holds up against water.
Reduce your alcohol intake while you’re healing to help stay hydrated. Try taking a multivitamin or Vitamin C supplement for extra immune strength.
