Infected piercings
An infected piercing can turn into something severe if there are no immediate treatments. Get medical help as soon as possible if you have infected piercings.
What’s normal during piercing
During the first few weeks, the piercing might:
- Be itchy and tender, and the surrounding area of piercing might look a bit red or a little darker than usual, depending on the skin color.
- Produce a pale fluid that later forms into a crust
Small lumps can sometimes form around after nose or ear cartilage piercing.
Infected piercing symptoms
The possible symptoms of infected piercing are:
- The skin area around the new piercing is painful, hot, swollen, dark, or very red (depending on the skin color).
- Pus or blood comes from the newly formed lump around the piercing. Pus can be green, yellow, or white.
- You feel shivery, hot, or generally unwell.
Infected piercing preventions
- Make sure you choose an experienced, qualified, and licensed piercer.
- Clean your new piercing at least twice a day.
- Use salty, warm water to soften new crusting.
- Turn your jewelry gently while cleaning the piercing.
- Use a clean paper towel to dry.
- argle an alcohol-free mouthwash or salty water if you have a mouth piercing.
- Don’t try and pierce by yourself; always seek the experts.
- Don’t use a cotton bud or pad to clean the piercing.
- Don’t pick any crusting.
- Don’t go swimming for 24 hours after a new piercing.
Things to ask before piercing
If you are considering piercing, ask the piercer:
- To explain the entire procedure
- Ask about the risks involved
- How to take care of your piercing
- The amount of time it requires to heal
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022