Piercing inflamed: how you take care of it properly!
If a piercing is inflamed, it is usually uncomfortable and sometimes painful. What you can do and when you should definitely see a doctor.
A piercing tends to become inflamed after it has just been pierced, but inflammation can also occur later.
Piercing inflamed – cause
A possible cause could be an allergic reaction to the piercing or a lack of hygiene – by touching it a lot, but also when stinging. Constant friction could also irritate the piercing and lead to inflammation, e.g. B. the bra with nipple piercing.
Inflamed – symptoms
A wound was inflicted on your body with the piercing – it is normal for the body to react at first. But some signs are warning signs. Inflammation can cause the following symptoms:
Redness: The skin around the piercing becomes very red.
Heat: The spot is warmer than normal.
Swelling: The area of the piercing swells.
Pus: As the inflammation spreads, pus may form.
Pain: The piercing hurts when pressed or touched.
Piercing inflamed – you can do that
If your piercing is inflamed, the following measures can help you:
Saltwater: You can easily make a saltwater solution yourself. To do this, add about a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water. Dip a cotton pad in the solution and gently rub it on the inflamed area.
Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea can also help if your ear piercing is inflamed because it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Here, too, carefully wet the area with a soaked pad.
Care spray: You can usually get such a disinfecting spray directly from the piercer, which you should use on the piercing site about twice a day.
Wound gel: A wound gel can also help with healing.
Caution: If your inflamed piercing festers, you should go straight to the doctor.
What to do so that the piercing does not become inflamed?
Probably the most important prerequisite is the clean piercing of the piercing. How do I recognize a good piercer? Among other things, the fact that the person informs you about risks, asks you about illnesses and allergies, and advises you on the jewelry. In addition, the materials used must be packaged sterile and the piercer should wear new gloves when piercing. And: A good piercer will explain to you how to properly care for the fresh wound and the piercing! The German Society for Piercing has put together a checklist here.
The daily care of freshly made piercings is also important. In the beginning, the wound should be disinfected twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. The total healing time depends on the pierced area. You can use these times as a guide:
- Earlobes: 6 weeks to 3 months
- Cartilage (e.g. helix): up to 5 months
- Eyebrows: 6 to 8 weeks
- Nostrils: 2 to 4 months
- Lips: 2 to 3 months
- Tongue: 4 weeks
- Belly button: 1 to 12 months
- Nipples: 6 to 32 weeks
Care of the piercing: This is still important
Follow the care instructions from the piercing studio. Avoid going to the sauna, solarium, or swimming pool for four weeks after the sting. Do not change or remove the plug until healing is complete. With a freshly pierced piercing, turn the ring or bar regularly so that it does not grow together. Unless the piercer recommends something else for your piercing.
If possible, try not to touch the piercing all the time, and if so, then only with disinfected hands. In some cases, it makes sense to protect the piercing with a plaster, e.g. B. during sports, when the clothing could rub and irritate the area. With a navel piercing, for example, loose clothing is helpful.
When to see a doctor for an inflamed piercing?
If you have the impression that the piercing is inflamed, do not wait too long before you see a specialist. If your piercing festers, you should definitely see a doctor. This can e.g. B. recommend an antibiotic in the form of an ointment.
Whether piercing or tattoo, body jewelry has long been part of everyday life for many people. And with the right care, you can enjoy it for many years to come! If e.g. For example, if you fancy a new watercolor tattoo or coordinate tattoo, you can find information about tattoo care here.
