Infected Piercings

What are the symptoms of an infected piercing?

Common signs of an infected piercing include:

• Redness around the piercing
• Swelling or a feeling of warmth
• Pain or tenderness
• Pus or coloured fluid coming from the piercing
• Fever in some cases

What causes an infected piercing?

An infected piercing is usually caused by bacteria that enter through the piercing site. This can happen if:

• The piercing was not cleaned properly
• You touched the piercing with dirty hands
• You used jewellery that is not made from safe materials

How common are infected piercings?

Infected piercings are quite common, especially when someone gets a new piercing. Most infections are mild and can be treated easily.

Who is more likely to get an infected piercing?

Some people may be more likely to get an infected piercing, including:

• Those with weakened immune systems
• People who do not follow aftercare instructions
• Individuals who have piercings in areas that are more prone to bacteria exposure

How can I treat an infected piercing?

To treat an infected piercing, you can:

• Clean it gently with saline solution or warm water
• Avoid removing the jewellery unless told by a healthcare provider
• Contact your doctor if the infection worsens or doesn’t improve

How to prevent an infected piercing?

To help prevent an infection, it’s important to:

• Keep the piercing clean and follow aftercare instructions
• Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands
• Wear jewellery made of safe materials

What’s the outlook for an infected piercing?

Most infected piercings can be treated successfully with proper care. It’s important to seek help early to prevent complications.

Final thoughts

An infected piercing can be uncomfortable, but with proper care, it usually heals well. If you have concerns about your piercing, speak to your GP or healthcare provider.