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- First of all you need to recognise if it’s actually infected.
- Should you notice an infection, you need to firstly clean out the affected area.
- Once cleaned out, apply an anti-septic cream and cover with a plaster / Band-Aid or similar.
- Ensure that you eat healthily and sleep well once an infection has set in.
- Do not drink alcohol or take any harsh chemicals.
- Keep an eye on swollen glands and the area around the infection site.
How to Treat an Infected Piercing
If you’ve had to ask ‘how to treat an infected piercing’, then chances are that you’ve gone wrong somewhere. Although infections from piercings are common, they are highly preventable. We’re here now however, so let’s make the best of a slightly grizzly situation. Here are some tips.
Steps
1- First of all you need to recognise if it’s actually infected. After any break of the skin, you need to disinfect and then regularly (every 6 hours) check for signs of infection. Watch out for swelling, a raised temperature around the affected area, swollen glands near the affected area, and any off-coloured discharge.
2- Should you notice an infection, you need to firstly clean out the affected area. You will have to temporarily remove the piercing to do this, but be sure to replace it once the initial clear-up is complete. It’s best to use hydrogen peroxide as a first line of defence. Use swaps to remove any redundant flesh. This may hurt a little but be brave as it’s worth it in the long-run.
3- Once cleaned out, apply an anti-septic cream and cover with a plaster / Band-Aid or similar. This dressing should be changed every six hours (unless over night when it should be changed immediately on waking or having just got out of the shower). Should the infection seem to die down and less off-coloured fluid be seeping out, change the dressing much less regularly.
4- Ensure that you eat healthily and sleep well once an infection has set in. This will give your body time to fight the infection and heal itself.
5- Do not drink alcohol or take any harsh chemicals. This will heavily interfere with the healing process.
6- Keep an eye on swollen glands and the area around the infection site. Should they be swelling further then the infection may be spreading. This would be when to consider having someone prescribe you antibiotics. Be sure to complete any dose of antibiotics regardless of whether the infection seems to have cleared up or not.
Tips
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and generally eat healthily to encourage faster healing.
