Is it normal for a piercing to swell after a week?

Piercings

A new piercing is an open wound, and swelling is part of the body’s natural reaction to any damage. Most people who get their ears pierced will notice pain and swelling for up to a week, sometimes more. People with gauges or plugs in their ears may notice swelling each time they stretch the ear.

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Furthermore, how long should a piercing be swollen?

First 1-3 Days: There might be some mild bruising and mild swelling. The piercing site may also be tender to touch. There might be a few spots of blood at the piercing site. During Healing: You may note some itching at the site.

Also, what do you do if your piercing is swollen?

Treating the infection at home

1. Wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercing.
2. Clean around the piercing with a saltwater rinse three times a day. …
3. Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments. …
4. Don’t remove the piercing. …
5. Clean the piercing on both sides of your earlobe.

Is my piercing infected or just healing?

According to Thompson, the telltale signs of an infection are simple: “The area around the piercing is warm to the touch, you notice extreme redness or red streaks protruding from it, and it has discolored pus, normally with a green or brown tint,” Thompson says.

9 Related Question Answers Found

Is it normal for a new piercing to swell?

Will my new piercing swell? Swelling is a normal part of the healing process for every piercing. … Some people swell very little, while others need to get even longer jewelry than they were pierced with to allow for excessive swelling of the pierced area.

Does ibuprofen help with piercing swelling?

Anti-inflammatories: OTC Ibuprofen or Naproxen Sodium (taken according to package directions) can help with swelling and pain associated with oral piercings.

How do you know if your body is rejecting a piercing?

Symptoms of piercing rejection

• more of the jewelry becoming visible on the outside of the piercing.
• the piercing remaining sore, red, irritated, or dry after the first few days.
• the jewelry becoming visible under the skin.
• the piercing hole appearing to be getting larger.
• the jewelry looking like it is hanging differently.

How do I reduce swelling?

Mild swelling

1. Rest and protect a sore area. …
2. Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and any time you are sitting or lying down. …
3. Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. …
4. A low-sodium diet may help reduce swelling.

Should I take my piercing out if it’s swollen?

When to remove a piercing

If a new piercing is infected, it is best not to remove the earring. Removing the piercing can allow the wound to close, trapping the infection within the skin. For this reason, it is advisable not to remove an earring from an infected ear unless advised by a doctor or professional piercer.

Does ice help piercing swelling?

Ice: Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and place it on your earlobe for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.

Why is my piercing still swollen?

Your body recognizes the piercing as an injury, so it reacts the same way. As a result, some swelling is normal for piercings. But you should still monitor any swelling. If swelling occurs again after the initial swelling goes away it is a likely sign of infection.

How long does it take for swelling to go down after a piercing?

Swelling and inflammation: Days 4–10

The swelling tends to increase for several days after the piercing, and it may last for a week or slightly longer .

What does an infected piercing look like?

Your piercing might be infected if: the area around it is swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour) there’s blood or pus coming out of it – pus can be white, green or yellow. you feel hot or shivery or generally unwell.