Caring for a piercing site
- Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the piercing site.
- Apply a cold pack to help reduce swelling or bruising. …
- Wash the wound for 5 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day, with large amounts of warm water.
- Elevate the piercing area, if possible, to help reduce swelling.
Likewise, people ask, how do you tell if a piercing is infected or irritated?
According to Thompson, the telltale signs of an infection are simple: “The area around the piercing is warm to the touch, you notice extreme redness or red streaks protruding from it, and it has discolored pus, normally with a green or brown tint,” Thompson says.
Moreover, can u put ice on a piercing?
Avoid icing non-oral piercings.
While putting ice or an ice pack on your piercing may seem like a good idea, you could end up accidentally irritating the piercing by putting pressure on it. If you want to cool the area, stick to something gentler, like a cool chamomile tea compress.
How long does piercing swelling last?
Swelling and inflammation: Days 4–10
The swelling tends to increase for several days after the piercing, and it may last for a week or slightly longer .
Why is my piercing swollen?
An infected ear piercing may be red, swollen, sore, warm, itchy or tender. Sometimes the piercing oozes blood or white, yellow or greenish pus. A new piercing is an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal. During that time, any bacteria (germs) that enter the wound can lead to infection.
How do you heal an irritated piercing?
Gently pat dry the affected area with clean gauze or a tissue. Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. Turn the piercing jewelry a few times to prevent it from sticking to the skin.
Should I take my piercing out if it’s infected?
When to remove a piercing
If a new piercing is infected, it is best not to remove the earring. Removing the piercing can allow the wound to close, trapping the infection within the skin. For this reason, it is advisable not to remove an earring from an infected ear unless advised by a doctor or professional piercer.
How can I make my piercing heal faster?
Follow these simple suggestions to ensure a smooth healing process:
- Maintain a healthy mind and body. Understanding how your body works is important in the successful healing of a new piercing. …
- Get some rest and take it easy. …
- Keep it clean. …
- Consider taking a multivitamin. …
- Get help if something goes wrong.
How do you make the swelling go down from a tongue piercing?
To reduce swelling:
- Allow ice chips to melt in the mouth.
- Use an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS) according to package directions. This will help with pain control as well.
- Don’t speak or move the jewelry more than necessary.
How long should a cartilage piercing be swollen?
These are all typical symptoms of the body beginning to heal the wound. Although it can sometimes take around 8 weeks for the wound to fully heal, these symptoms should not last more than 2 weeks. Infection may be present if a person experiences: swelling that does not go down after 48 hours.
Does ice help a swollen piercing?
Turn the piercing: Rotate the piercing several times each day so that your earlobe does not swell around it. Ice: Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and place it on your earlobe for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
Should I ice my infected cartilage piercing?
Icing Your Piercing
Wrap an ice pack with a paper towel and lightly press against the infected ear. This helps to alleviate the pain and reduce swelling. Ice should only be left on for a few minutes, and should not be directly applied to the ear. Your ears are sensitive and icing for too long can cause damage.
How can I make my cartilage piercing heal faster?
If you aren’t experiencing severe symptoms, you may be able to use the following methods to treat your cartilage bump at home.
- You may need to change your jewelry. …
- Make sure you clean your piercing. …
- Cleanse with a saline or sea salt soak. …
- Use a chamomile compress. …
- Apply diluted tea tree oil.
