Treating a Piercing Infection
Proper care is essential to treating a piercing infection, which typically lasts for one to two weeks. However, if proper cleaning is not maintained, the infection can become chronic. It is crucial to wash hands thoroughly before touching the piercing. While some people may think that using rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments can help treat infections, these substances can actually irritate the skin and impede the healing process. Instead, it is recommended to use a sterile saline solution or a mixture of eight ounces of distilled water and one-third teaspoon of salt for cleaning. This cleaning routine should be followed twice a day for several weeks until the piercing is fully healed.
When to Seek Medical Attention for an Infected Body Piercing
While many infections related to body piercings are minor and can be treated at home, there are certain signs that indicate the need for immediate medical attention. If the piercing becomes immobile or starts to embed itself in the surrounding skin, it may be a sign of dangerous inflammation. Additionally, if the infection doesn’t show any improvement within a few days of self-care measures, it might require antibiotics to clear it up. In some cases, piercings can develop abscesses, which are pockets of pus around the piercing site. These abscesses may need to be drained surgically. Furthermore, if you experience a fever along with an infected body piercing, it could be a sign of sepsis or other serious complications that require immediate medical intervention.