If one of your piercings is red or swollen, it could be an STD.There are tips on how to treat and prevent infections.
Step 1: Know the symptoms of a piercing that has been bitten.
Mistakes made during the piercing can lead to infections.If you experience any of the following symptoms, you might have a piercing.
Step 2: Wait to start treatment.
Infections can progress rapidly if not cared for, and most infections can be wiped out quickly if they are cleaned early and often.Call the piercing parlor if you have any questions.Clean your piercing with warm water and soap when you're not sure.
Step 3: You can rinse your ear with a solution.
You can buy this antiseptic at most piercing parlors, but it is easy to make at home.Stir the non-iodized sea salt into the cup of water.If you want to press your piercing against your ear,Submerge it in the water or use a cotton swab.
Step 4: An antibiotic should be applied to the pierced area.
Use over-the-counter creams to fight off infections.Twice a day, use a Q-tip or cotton swab to lightly apply the ointment to the wound.If there is a rash or itching, stop using it.The rash may be caused by an allergy.
Step 5: Cold packs can help reduce swelling.
An ice pack can help fight off infections.Ice can cause tissue damage if applied directly to the skin.There is a layer of fabric between the cold pack and the skin.
Step 6: Call your piercer.
They will give you advice based on your piercing and symptoms.The post-piercing cleaning process can help eliminate an infection.The piercer will give you treatment suggestions for simple infections.For serious infections, the piercer should send you to a doctor with detailed instructions about the wound, piercing, and potential solutions.
Step 7: You should go to the doctor if you have an illness lasting more than 48 hours.
An oral antibiotic is most likely to be prescribed by your doctor.If you don't see any improvement or your symptoms get worse, you should see a doctor.Symptoms to watch out for include muscle or joint pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Step 8: It's a good idea to clean the piercing frequently.
To wash out your new piercing, use warm water and soap.Keeping the wound clean should be enough to prevent infections.It is a must to clean the piercing after exercise, cooking, or cleaning.Rub alcohol on your skin and it will dry it out.
Step 9: Twice a day, rinse your piercing.
You can make it at home with only 2 ingredients.Stir the non-iodized sea salt into a cup of distilled water.If youSubmerge your piercing in the saltwater, you can apply it to it for 20 minutes twice a day.
Step 10: Keep your hands clean.
If you want to treat your piercing, always wash your hands before touching it.
Step 11: Don't wear tight clothes around the piercing.
If you have a piercing that rubs on your clothes, wear looser clothing.This is true for many body piercings.
Step 12: Don't go to the pool, hot tub, or gym for a few days after the piercing.
These are the places where infections are most likely to occur.Your piercing is an open wound and it will absorb a lot ofbacteria.
Step 13: New piercings can become irritative for several days.
If you see redness in the first few days after a piercing, don't freak out.This is how your body responds to a puncture.Inflammation can be treated with an ice-pack.If the inflammation lasts for more than a few days, you may be developing an illness.
Step 14: If you are worried about an infection, don't remove the jewelry.
While it may seem counterintuitive, you should not remove the jewelry if you notice signs of an active infection, such as pus, since it can cause the piercing to close up and trap the infection inside your body.It's important that the piercing remains open so that it can drain; otherwise, you may develop an abscess or worse the existing infection.