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An infected piercing can be serious if it's not treated quickly. Get immediate medical help if you think your piercing is infected.
For the first few weeks a new piercing might:
If you've had an ear or nose cartilage piercing, small lumps can sometimes form around the piercing.
The lumps, called granulomas, are trapped fluid. You can treat them by soaking a pad in warm water then holding the pad against them once a day.
Your piercing might be infected if:
Leave your jewellery in, unless a doctor tells you to take it out.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
You may need antibiotics if your piercing is infected. This can be a cream, ointment, or tablets.
There are things you can do to reduce the risk of a piercing getting infected.
choose a qualified, experienced and licensed piercer
clean your piercing twice a day
use warm, salty water to soften any crusting
gently turn the jewellery while cleaning the piercing
use a clean paper towel to dry the piercing
gargle with salty water or an alcohol-free mouthwash if you have a mouth piercing
do not do your own piercings (you're much more likely to get an infection)
do not use cotton wool to clean the piercing (use a cotton bud or pad)
do not pick at any crusting
do not twist or turn jewellery when the piercing is dry
do not use a towel to dry the piercing
do not have sex until a genital piercing has healed
do not have oral sex until a mouth piercing has healed
do not go swimming for the first 24 hours after a piercing
If you're thinking about getting a piercing, ask the piercer:
