The body piercing may give rise to many bacterial and viral infections if the proper hygiene is not maintained. The infection may develop the symptoms like pain, swelling, yellow pus and inflammation at the piercing site. The infections may be serious and life-threatening. They may involve the whole body. Hence, when you develop one of these symptoms, you should immediately opt for the medical treatment for piercing infection to avoid further complications.
The aftercare is very important for any kind of piercing. It is very essential to maintain the hygiene and cleanliness. The basic steps in treating the piercing wound include cleaning the wound and draining the infected material. After that, the heat is applied to enhance the circulation and stimulate the immune response by the body. The antibiotics are applied depending upon the severity and location of the infection. However, the antibiotics are not needed for the abscess causing the majority of secondary infections due to piercing.
The cleaning and drainage of the wound involve watering the wound using a saline and removal of the debris such as pus, dead tissues, dirt and other foreign bodies. In case of infected piercing, it is advised to remove the jewelry. The jewelry can be kept to act as a drain. The large jewelry can be replaced by the small one to allow the adequate drainage. In some cases where there is a remarkable destruction of tissue in the piercing area, it becomes necessary to remove the jewelry permanently. The dead material is cut away to facilitate the complete healing.
Applying the moist heat is the best way for quick healing of the infected piercing. Application of the warm sea salt solutions to the piercing area is beneficial. Avoid manipulation of the jewelry. Prevent other trauma to the area from the clothing. The clothing and sheets that are in the contact with the area should be changed every day. Avoiding alcohol and smoking and intake of nutritional diet are very important to promote the blood circulation in the area.
The antibiotics are required if the infection has spread beyond the piercing area. It leads to cellulitis. It gives rise to the symptoms like extreme tenderness, redness and warmth to touch. It can be prevented by immediate treatment with the antibiotics. The destruction of the cartilage due to infection can be prevented by the early antibiotics treatment.