Infections are rare in body piercings done by professionals and taken care of properly by the client. However, they still do exist and it is important to recognize the symptoms of both healthy and unhealthy piercings so that any potential problems can be addressed quickly and properly. The staff at Creation Body Piercing are always on hand to answer any questions you have about your piercings.
The following are all normal symptoms of a healing piercing:
- Minor bleeding, bruising, discoloration and swelling.
- Tenderness, soreness, stinging, pinching and burning sensations.
- Secretion of a liquid whitish-yellow substance which forms a crust. (This fluid contains blood plasma, lymph and dead cells.)
- Secretion of a semi-solid, white malodorous substance; this is commonly called sebum and indicates a healed piercing.
- Tightness around the jewelry.
The following symptoms may indicate an infection:
- Extensive redness and warmth to the touch.
- Extreme tenderness extending a half inch or more from the piercing.
Often antibiotics are only necessary when the infection has spread, causing cellulitis. If you suspect an infection be sure to leave your jewelry in; this provides a means by which the piercing can drain itself. It may be advisable to begin your aftercare regimen again in addition to which you may add moist heat and warm sea salt solutions. Please see the aftercare page for additional information.
It is important to remember that while pus is not usually a sign of infection it will be present at one. Pus is made up of (among other things) dead white blood cells and is present at both an infection, and sometimes at an inflammatory response (an inflammatory response is the body’s natural response to a piercing, tattoo, etc.). In addition to white blood cells, your body also sends histamines to the site of the piercing. Histamines widen your blood vessels so that white corpuscles can get through in enough quantities to adequately protect you from infection. This increased flow can cause temporary heat and itchiness at the piercing site. Once the white blood cells have stabilized the piercing site new skin cells begin to encase your piercing, closing the wound and blocking access to your body. As you can see, pus is most often an indication that your piercing is healing, not that it is infected.
If you suspect an infection or have any concerns be sure to call 807-346-9566, e-mail creationbodypiercing@gmail.com, or come into the shop as soon as possible.