how to heal infected nipple piercing treatment

How long does it take for an infected nipple to heal?

It can take anywhere from one week to months for an infected nipple piercing to heal — depending on its severity, of course. Considering the fact that it could take up to a whole year for a nipple piercing to heal, period, we suggest babying that body jewelry like it's a new house plant from Ikea.Jul 1, 2019

Should I take out my nipple piercing if it's infected?

Jewelry should not be removed from an infected piercing. The jewelry acts like a drain for the discharge caused by the infection. If the jewelry is removed and the wound closes over while it is still infected, an abscess can form. Abscesses are more difficult to treat and make the infection much worse.

How do I treat an infected piercing?

Gently pat dry the affected area with clean gauze or a tissue. Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. Turn the piercing jewelry a few times to prevent it from sticking to the skin.

How do I keep my nipple piercing from getting infected?

While it's healing, keep your pierced nipple clean to prevent infection:Wash your hands with antimicrobial soap and warm water before you touch or wash your nipple.If you see any crusty stuff around your nipple ring, gently rinse it off with warm water.After you wash your nipple, pat it dry with a clean paper towel.More items...•Jun 13, 2021

How long does a nipple piercing last?

Health Risk Factors You Need to Concern. Like in any other piercings, the discomfort should last for only a few days or weeks , and the recovery period should take months of constant proper care. And as long as your wounds continue to heal, you are at risk of the following complications—. Keloid Nipple Piercing.

Is a nipple piercing painful?

Compared to other body modifications like ear and nose piercing, nipple piercing is the most painful and prone to complications. You’re basically stripping off your body’s first layer of defense when your skin is pierced.

How long does it take for a nipple piercing to heal?

Most people will finish their antibiotics in two weeks. If you’ve properly cleaned and cared for the infected nipple, you may be fully healed during this time.

What happens if you get a piercing?

The risk for infection is long term. It doesn’t end in the immediate days or weeks after the piercing is made. As long as you have the piercing, you may experience any of these complications: 1 bleeding 2 scarring 3 nerve damage 4 tearing 5 keloid formation 6 interference with future medical needs or procedures 7 interference with breast-feeding

Can antibiotics be used on piercings?

Only use topical antibiotics prescribed by your doctor .

How do you know if you have a piercing?

The area is likely infected if the irritation persists or you experience any of the following symptoms: piercing is hot to the touch. the area is extremely sensitive or painful when touched. green, yellow, or brown discharge. swelling of the piercing site. bad odor near the piercing site. rash. body aches. fatigue.

Can you touch a piercing?

Avoid touching the piercing. Any time you touch your piercing, you may be introducing bacteria into the skin. Keep the piercing covered and protected as best you can to avoid irritating, tugging, or moving the piercing implement. Keep reading: Getting tattooed or pierced ». Last medically reviewed on November 7, 2016.

Can a piercing cause infection?

This can introduce bacteria to the delicate tissue, which increases your risk for infection. Because of the piercing’s location, tight clothing may easily catch onto or irritate the piercing. Exposing your piercing to saliva or other bodily fluids may also cause infection.

How long does it take for a nipple piercing to heal?

Nipple, belly button , and tongue ones usually take longer to heal, that is for men it takes four months while for women six months. According to studies, its healing process is longer than any other body piercing and they require diligent aftercare to heal properly.

How to clean a piercing site?

Wash your hands with hot water and antimicrobial cleanser or Castile soap before touching the piercing site. Rinse it with hot water in order to loosen any dried and crusty material around the ring. Place a few drops of antimicrobial cleanser or Castile soap on either side of the jewelry .

Why do women wear sports bras?

Dress carefully to avoid snagging your barbells, which could tear your fistulas, because bleeding, and make you more susceptible to infection. In case of women, they are expected to wear sports bras at night and padded bras during the day to protect it while it is healing.

How long does it take for a wound to heal?

Healing stage. This is where the main healing takes place, and represents a time period of anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on it, your health, and other variables. This also the stage where it crust tends to appear and the wound will exude and expel dead skin cells and lymph cells or plasma.

Is a nipple piercing painful?

Nipple piercing is a form of body art. It is painful but it looks cool after healing. It requires a professional to do so in order to experience minimal pain, how to get it right and to reduce the chances of getting harm.

Can a piercing be irritated?

Frequent or regular touching with dirty hands or cloths can introduce bacteria to the delicate tissue, which increases your risk for infection. Also, tight clothing can easily catch onto or irritate the piercing. Exposing your piercing to saliva or other bodily fluids may also cause infection.

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Combine 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. sea salt and 1 cup hot water in a small cup. Place the cup against it so that the jewelry and entrance/exit holes are completely submerged. Soak for three to five minutes. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water. Air dry or dab dry with a paper towel.

How to prevent infection on piercing?

The most important tip on preventing infections on piercings is following the aftercare instructions given by the piercing professional. Also, be patient with the wound to allow it enough time to heal. Wearing loose clothing and avoiding tight bras can help it heal faster.

What does it mean when you have a bump on your nipple?

If you can determine the particular cause and type of bump you have on your nipple, it will be easier to get rid of it and heal the nipple piercing infection. For most infections on the nipple, the common symptom is an abscess.

How to reduce the risk of infection?

To reduce the risk of infection, you must practice proper aftercare. By this, we mean cleaning it, treating, and even wearing the right kind of jewelry to prevent rejection. The breast area has a heavy network of ducts and other sensitive tissues that make it susceptible to infections and other complications.

How long does it take for a piercing to turn red?

Redness. Redness is normal, but it should only occur a few hours to a few days after the piercing . It is a natural reaction to the interruption of your normal body tissue and blood vessels. However, irritation that lasts more than one and a half weeks is a sign that the piercing could be developing an infection.

Can you use soap on sensitive skin?

If you are going to use any kind of soap, ensure that it is meant for sensitive skin to avoid irritation. Contrary to the advice of some people, do not use ointments, detergents, harsh soaps, cleansers, and hydrogen peroxide to clean the area. These will cause further irritation and inflammation.

How do you know if you have a wound infection?

Fever, pain, head, and body aches are general signs of wound infection. A low-grade fever that accompanies the other signs and symptoms discussed above will also help you know that you have an infection.

Can you squeeze out pus?

Before and during the infection, you should avoid squeezing out any pus. This will not get rid of the infection. We recommend that you see a doctor for proper treatment that will help the infection heal faster.

What happens if you turn your nipples?

When you turn, you will likely tear your nipples (part of it) and damage the metal used for piercing. Harmful bacteria may enter your body through open wounds. You might not notice your wound until too late (the infection has spread). Do not apply OTC ointments, oils, balms, or creams on your infected nipples.

What metals should be avoided?

Toxic metals like Lead, Chromium, and Cadmium must be avoided. Copper and Tin cause a burning sensation on the skin and most people are also allergic to them, so they too must be avoided. Zinc and Iron form toxic compounds (like rust) by reacting with the chemicals in our blood. Hence, they too must be avoided.

How long does it take for a nipple piercing to heal?

If your physician finds that the infection is severe, they might prescribe an antibiotic. It can take anywhere from one week to months for an infected nipple piercing to heal — depending on its severity, of course.

How do you know if you have an infection?

Dr. Lin tells us that early signs may be subtle, but will likely include redness, warmth, swelling, discharge, and sensitivity around the piercing. In more severe cases, swelling may develop in the lymph nodes in the armpit and you may begin ...

Can a nipple piercing cause an infection?

Even so, people with nipple piercings are more likely to contract a piercing-related infection than someone with a hole in their ear or nose cartilage.

How to treat a piercing infection?

To treat an infected piercing, create a saline solution by mixing ⅛ tablespoon (1.77 g) of sea salt with a cup of water, and stirring until it dissolves. Use a clean cotton swab to dab the solution onto your piercing for 20 minutes twice a day until the infection has healed.

How to stop ear piercing from getting infected?

If you have long hair and your ear piercing is infected, try to keep your hair away from the piercing. Your hair can gather bacteria that may cause your infection to get worse, so try to tie your hair back in a way that prevents it from touching the infected piercing.

How to get rid of a piercing in your ear?

Mix 1/8 tablespoon of non-iodized sea salt into a cup of water and stir until dissolved. Submerge your piercing in the water, or use a clean cotton swab to press it against your ear for 20 minutes twice a day. ...

Who owns Holey Body Piercing?

Karissa Sanford is the Co-owner of Make Me Holey Body Piercing, a piercing studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area that specializes in safe and friendly body piercing. Karissa has over 10 years of piercing experience and is a member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).

How to stop swelling around piercing?

An ice pack will lower swelling around your piercing, which can help fight off infection. Never apply ice directly to the skin, as this can cause tissue damage. Put a layer of fabric or a cloth towel between the cold pack and the skin. ...

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How to clean a piercing?

For minor infections in soft tissue, take these steps: 1 First wash your hands with soap and water. Then prepare a saltwater solution of 1 cup (0.24 liters) water with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the salt dissolves. 2 Leaving the piercing jewelry in place, soak a cotton ball in the solution and place it on the affected area. 3 Gently pat dry the affected area with clean gauze or a tissue. 4 Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. 5 Turn the piercing jewelry a few times to prevent it from sticking to the skin.

What is cartilage piercing?

Cartilage is the hard tissue in the rim of your ear. Seek medical care for a cartilage piercing that is painful, itchy, red and swollen. For minor infections in soft tissue, take these steps: First wash your hands with soap and water.