A piercing might be infected if the area around it shows symptoms such as swelling, pain, heat, intense redness or darkening, and if there is blood or pus discharge that can be white, green, or yellow. Additional signs include feeling hot, shivery, or generally unwell. Mild tenderness, slight redness, itching, or some pale fluid discharge in the early weeks can be normal during healing, but the above severe symptoms indicate infection. It is advised to seek medical help urgently if these signs of infection are present. Leaving the jewelry in the piercing unless instructed by a doctor is usually recommended for healing.
Signs of an Infected Piercing
- Swelling, pain, heat, and very red or dark area around piercing
- Blood or pus discharge that is white, green, or yellow
- Feeling feverish, shivery, or generally unwell
- Intense redness spreading beyond the piercing site
- Throbbing pain even without touching
- Possible swollen glands near the piercing
Normal Healing Signs (not infection)
- Tenderness, mild redness or darkening around site on different skin tones
- Itching and mild irritation
- Pale or clear fluid that may crust
- Small lumps (granulomas) in cartilage piercings treatable with warm compress
What to Do If Infected
- Seek medical attention promptly
- Generally keep jewelry in unless told otherwise by a doctor
- Clean gently with saline solution, avoid harsh chemicals
- Follow medical advice on use of antibiotics if prescribed
In summary, watch for severe redness, pus, swelling, heat, and systemic symptoms like fever to know if a piercing is infected and seek medical care accordingly, while mild symptoms early on may be part of normal healing.
