The inflamed piercing happens when there is a change in the healing process, causing pain, swelling and redness above normal after piercing the skin.
The treatment of inflamed piercing should preferably be guided by a nurse or general practitioner, according to the type of wound and degree of inflammation, and it is recommended to keep the place clean and dry, avoiding moisture and sweat, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.
Thus, the main precautions that must be taken are:
- Wash the spot about 2 times a day with soap and water, which can be neutral or antibacterial, and then dry with a clean towel or gauze.
- Avoid leaving the region wet, with sweat or accumulation of secretion, using airy clothes and keeping the place dry;
- Avoid rubbing the piercing with clothing or accessories;
- Clean the area with saline and cotton . A homemade solution, made with 250 ml of warm, lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of salt, can also be used;
- Taking anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, nimesulide or ketoprofen, for example, help to improve pain and swelling;
- Be careful with food as there are types of food that can make healing difficult, such as sweets, soft drinks, fried foods and sausages. Anti-inflammatory foods can help in the treatment of inflamed piercing, such as turmeric and garlic, for example. Find out what foods are that help fight inflammation.
When inflammation does not improve with these care, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner, as it may be necessary to start treatment with tablet antibiotics, such as cephalexin, or in ointment, such as Diprogenta or Trok-G, for example.
In the case of inflamed piercing in the mouth, such as tongue or lip, in addition to these care, it is important to eat soft food to help reduce discomfort and pain. See an example of a soft food menu.
Products such as honey, slug or other homemade ointments should not be used as they may accumulate dirt in the area and disrupt healing. Products such as alcohol, iodine or hydrogen peroxide, because they cause irritation, should only be used in cases of larger wounds that require dressings, directed by the nurse or general practitioner.
How to know if you are inflamed
After piercing, whether in the navel, nose, ear or mouth, it is normal for it to look inflamed for about 2 days, with localized swelling, redness, clear discharge, and a little pain. However, some signs may indicate that an exaggerated inflammation or even an infection is happening, such as:
- Redness or swelling that does not improve in 3 days;
- Increased red and swollen area for surrounding skin;
- Very intense or unbearable pain;
- Presence of pus, with white, yellowish or green discharge, or blood on the spot;
- Presence of fever or malaise.
In the presence of these signs and symptoms, the emergency room should be searched for treatment with anti-inflammatories and antibiotics prescribed by the general practitioner.
How to prevent inflammation
To avoid inflammation of the piercing, it is important not to rub clothing or accessories on the site, prevent sweat buildup or secretion, keep the place dry and clean and do not enter pools, lakes or sea while the wound is not healed. When cleaning the place, it is recommended to touch the jewelry a little, carefully and with the hands always clean, to avoid accumulation of secretions that can facilitate the infection.
In addition, the placement of the piercing should always be done in a reliable place, as the use of contaminated material can cause serious infections. See more about the right ways to treat piercing and prevent infection.
