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.
In this way, can a cartilage piercing infection spread?
Medical complications of cartilage and ear piercing. It was almost midnight when 14-year-old Kyla came to the emergency room with her mom and two friends– but they knew that infected ear cartilage could not wait until the morning. Cartilage infections spread rapidly and can cause permanent disfigurement to the ear.
Also, how can I prevent my cartilage piercing from getting infected?
To prevent infection and encourage healing:
- Clean oral piercings with mouthwash. If you’ve had your tongue, lip or cheek pierced, rinse with an alcohol-free, antiseptic mouthwash after each meal and before you go to bed. …
- Clean skin piercings. …
- Avoid swimming. …
- Don’t fiddle with your piercings. …
- Keep the jewelry in place.
How long does it take for a piercing infection to clear up?
What You Should Know About Infections in Newly Pierced Ears: Minor pierced ear infections can be treated at home. With proper care, most will clear up in 1 to 2 weeks.
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.
Should you take out an infected cartilage piercing?
Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments. These can further irritate the skin and slow the healing process. Don’t remove the piercing. This can cause the hole to close up and trap the infection.
When should I see a doctor for an infected cartilage piercing?
Call your doctor if you experience any of these infection symptoms: Fever. Red, swollen skin around the pierced area. Pain when touching the pierced area.
How can I make my cartilage piercing heal faster?
How to Heal a Helix
- GO TO A PROFESSIONAL. …
- SAY NO TO THE GUN. …
- CHOOSE YOUR JEWELLERY WISELY, AND DON’T CHANGE IT. …
- GET ONE DONE AT A TIME. …
- KEEP IT CLEAN. …
- TREAT YOUR PIERCING TO REGULAR SALT BATHS. …
- CONSIDER EMU OIL. …
- AVOID.
How do I get my cartilage piercing to stop hurting?
How to treat an infected daith piercing
- Clean the area. Cleaning the infected area is your first line of defense against the infection spreading. …
- Apply a warm compress or do a sea salt soak. A warm compress can help the infection drain and relieve pain and swelling. …
- Avoid over-the-counter antibiotics or creams.
Does ibuprofen reduce piercing swelling?
Anti-inflammatories: OTC Ibuprofen or Naproxen Sodium (taken according to package directions) can help with swelling and pain associated with oral piercings.
Why is my cartilage piercing sore?
Right after getting your cartilage pierced, you might notice a small bump, general redness, slight swelling, mild pain or some bleeding. This is normal — you just punctured a hole through your ear! Cartilage is more likely to undergo complications from a piercing than soft tissue, such as the earlobe.
Can you put Neosporin on a cartilage piercing?
NEVER USE: Bacitracin or Neosporin. Petroleum based ointments CLOG the piercing and make it difficult for your body to heal. … These products are too strong and will irritate your skin and piercing.
How can I make my piercing heal faster?
USE WARM SEA SALT WATER (SALINE) SOAKS – MORNING AND EVENING
Soaking your piercing with a warm, mild sea salt water solution will not only feel good, it will also help prevent infection, reduce the risk of scarring, and speed the healing of your piercing.
What not to eat after piercing?
Don’t eat spicy, salty or acidy foods or liquids while you are healing. Avoid hot drinks such as hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Eat cold foods and drinks as they lessen swelling. Be extra careful when eating crunchy foods.
