Infected Piercings

Overview

An infected piercing is when germs get into the small wound made by a piercing. This can happen during healing or later if the area is irritated or dirty. The skin around the piercing may become red, warm, swollen, painful, or leak pus. Pus is a thick fluid that can be yellow, green, or white.

Yes. Mild irritation and minor infections are fairly common with new piercings, especially in cartilage areas such as the ear, and with oral piercings inside the mouth.

Anyone with a piercing can get an infected piercing. It is more likely in people who have cartilage, oral, navel, or genital piercings, and in people with diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor nutrition, or a habit of touching the piercing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or tenderness that gets worse instead of better
• Redness that spreads or becomes more intense
• Swelling, warmth, or a feeling of tightness around the piercing
• Yellow, green, or white pus coming from the piercing
• A bad smell or bad taste from an oral piercing
• Crusting that keeps coming back with pain or swelling
• Fever or feeling unwell if the infection is more serious

Symptoms in children

• Crying or fussing when the piercing is touched
• Guarding the area or refusing to let anyone look at it
• Redness, swelling, or pus that is spreading
• Fever, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness
• In younger children, pain may show as irritability rather than words

Symptoms in older adults

• Redness, swelling, or pus that may be less obvious on older skin
• Fever may be absent even when infection is present
• Confusion, sleepiness, or a general feeling of being unwell can be warning signs
• Slower healing because of age-related skin changes or long-term health conditions
• Pain may be described less clearly, so watch for changes in behaviour or comfort

Causes

Main causes

• Germs entering the piercing wound from hands, skin, mouth, or dirty objects
• Touching or twisting the jewellery with unwashed hands
• Swimming in pools, lakes, or the sea before the piercing has healed
• Using dirty bedding, clothing, or cosmetics near the piercing
• Trauma from catching or pulling the jewellery
• Poor aftercare, such as not cleaning gently or using harsh products
• Oral piercings being exposed to mouth bacteria and food
• Piercing equipment that was not properly cleaned and sterilised

Risk factors

• Cartilage piercings, which heal more slowly than earlobe piercings
• Oral, navel, and genital piercings
• Diabetes or a weakened immune system
• Smoking or poor nutrition
• Eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin
• Nickel allergy or other metal allergy, which can cause irritation that is not infection
• Tight clothing, sweating, or friction around the piercing
• Touching the piercing often or playing with the jewellery

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, severe confusion, fainting, or signs of sepsis.
• Seek same-day medical help if redness is spreading quickly, red streaks appear, or the area is very painful and hot.
• Seek same-day medical help if you have a fever, chills, or feel unwell.
• Seek same-day medical help if the jewellery is embedded, the piercing is in cartilage and the ear is very swollen, or pus is increasing.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Book a routine appointment if redness, swelling, or discharge lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back.
• See a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether the piercing is infected or just irritated.
• Ask for advice if you have a metal allergy, a long-term health condition, or a piercing that is not healing after several weeks.
• Speak to a professional piercer or doctor before removing jewellery from an infected piercing.

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will usually ask about your symptoms, how long you have had the piercing, and how you care for it. They will look at the area for redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and pus. They may also check for fever or tenderness. This is usually enough to decide whether it looks like an infection or simple irritation.

Tests that may be done

• A swab of pus or fluid may be sent to a lab to check what germ is causing the infection.
• Blood tests may be done if the infection seems severe or you feel very unwell.
• Imaging scans are rarely needed, but may be used if a deep pocket of pus is suspected.
• Allergy testing may be suggested later if metal allergy is thought to be causing irritation.

What to expect at your appointment

The visit is usually quick and gentle. The clinician will explain what they see and whether you need self-care advice, a prescription, or a minor procedure. Tell them if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have allergies, or take other medicines so they can advise you safely.

Treatment

Treatment depends on how mild or severe the infection is. Many minor infections improve with careful cleaning and by avoiding things that irritate the piercing. If the infection is more serious, a healthcare professional may clean or drain the area and prescribe treatment. Do not squeeze pus or remove jewellery yourself unless a professional tells you to.

Self-care at home

• Wash your hands before touching the piercing or cleaning it.
• Clean gently with sterile saline solution as advised by your piercer or doctor.
• Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.
• Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh soaps, as these can irritate healing skin.
• Do not pick crusts, squeeze pus, or twist the jewellery.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and saunas until the infection has settled and the piercing is healed.
• Keep the area away from tight clothing, makeup, hair products, and lotions.
• Change bedding and pillowcases often, especially for ear piercings.
• Do not remove the jewellery yourself if the area may be infected. Ask a healthcare professional or experienced piercer first.

Medical treatments

A healthcare professional may clean the piercing, drain a pocket of pus, or prescribe antibiotic tablets or cream if they think there is a bacterial infection. They may advise removing the jewellery, sometimes after the infection has settled. Always follow their instructions and finish any prescribed course. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain the plan.

When is surgery considered?

Minor surgery may be needed if there is a large pocket of pus, the jewellery is embedded, or the infection has damaged the skin. A doctor can drain the pus or remove the jewellery under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area. This is not common, and most infected piercings do not need surgery.

Living with this condition

Check the piercing once or twice a day. Look for spreading redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or pus. Keep the area clean and dry, avoid touching it, and follow the aftercare advice you are given. If you wear jewellery that catches on clothes or hair, ask a professional whether a different style would be safer while it heals.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid swimming and contact sports until the infection has settled and the piercing is healed.
• Do not share towels, clothing, or jewellery.
• Keep hair away from ear or facial piercings.
• Avoid smoking, as it can slow healing.
• Eat regular balanced meals and drink enough water.
• Sleep on a clean pillowcase and try not to sleep on the pierced side.
• For oral piercings, avoid spicy, very hot, or crunchy foods that irritate the mouth, and keep up gentle mouth care.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet for an infected piercing, but good nutrition and enough fluids support healing. Gentle exercise is usually fine. Avoid swimming and activities where the piercing may be bumped, rubbed, or exposed to dirty water until it has healed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

An infected piercing can feel embarrassing, painful, or worrying, especially if it is visible. Most infections improve with care. If you feel very anxious, low, or overwhelmed, speak to a doctor or a local mental health service. If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, contact a crisis line in your country or call your local emergency number immediately.

Prevention

You cannot guarantee that a piercing will never get infected, but you can lower the risk a lot. Choose a reputable piercer who uses sterile equipment and gives clear aftercare advice. Clean your hands before touching the piercing, follow the aftercare plan, and avoid swimming or dirty environments while it heals.

Vaccines

Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date, especially if you have a body piercing. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check your vaccination record.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for infected piercings. Check the piercing daily and see a healthcare professional if you notice spreading redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread into nearby skin and tissue.
• A pocket of pus called an abscess can form and may need draining.
• The jewellery can become embedded or tight as the area swells.
• Cartilage piercings can be damaged, leading to a changed ear shape.
• Scarring or keloids can form. Keloids are raised, thick scars.
• In rare cases, infection can spread to the blood and cause sepsis, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Long-term outlook

Most infected piercings improve with good care and timely medical advice. Some people may have scarring or need the jewellery removed, but serious problems are uncommon when infection is treated early. If you are worried, ask your doctor or pharmacist what to expect for your situation.

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