:: INFECTIONS :: IRRITATIONS ::

If you take proper care of your piercing, you may never have to deal with either of these,but just in case . . .

INFECTIONS

These come from exposure to bacteria and other contaminants (by contact with dirty hands, other people’s body fluids, dust, unclean jewelry, swimming in dirty water, etc.). They are often easily avoided with common sense and hygiene [see “Helpful Hints & Common Sense”]. You will usually know your piercing is infected if: the surrounding area becomes red, swollen, hot to the touch or itchy; you get discharge which is dark yellow, greenish or bloody, or has an odor. Facial piercing infections are often accompanied by a small fluid-filled pimple on the hole. Note: Normal piercings secrete a white/pale yellow liquid during healing. This is not a sign of infection. It contains dead cells, lymph and blood plasma and is a sign of healing. Healed piercings may secrete a stinky white substance (sebum) from the oil glands. It is also normal and comes off easily in cleaning. If discharge is light in color and not accompanied by pain, itching, redness or swelling, it is probably healthy. Step up your soaks and cleaning and it should come off.

If an infection occurs, DO NOT REMOVE THE JEWELRY! In our experience, infections are more easily treated if an opening exists for antiseptics to enter the wound and for discharge to exit. Without jewelry, the surface closes over, trapping the infection inside and turning it from a local surface infection into a generalized body infection. Plus, you lose your piercing unnecessarily. Hot salt water soaks are the best way to calm minor infections. They help draw out discharge and contaminants, soothe raw tissue and stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Follow directions under “Warm Salt Water” and repeat several times a day as needed. However, even if the infection clears up, it will return if you do not eliminate the original cause of contamination. Pay close attention to how you treat your piercing and try to find the problem.

Of course, in the event of a serious infection, see your doctor. Bear in mind that s/he may not be familiar with healing patterns and problems specific to body piercings. If you wish to keep your piercing, firmly and clearly explain this. If infection (rather than allergy or scarring) is indeed the problem, leaving the jewelry in will not cause complications.

IRRITATIONS

More often than not, what you think is an infection is really irritation, caused by anything that puts pressure on the jewelry or holds it in an unnatural position. If your piercing is red, swollen right around the hole, peeling, excreting white or yellow fluid or blood, or appears to have a solid lump or bubble of discolored skin around it, it is probably irritated. This is a sign that you are subjecting it to excessive abuse.

Common causes are: wearing restrictive clothing over piercing (navels and nipples); sleeping on it (navels and ear cartilage); holding the phone against it (ear lobes and cartilage); sex too soon (genitals); getting hit or pulled on; or playing with it. Navel piercings which lean to one side have most likely been subjected to pressure either from clothing, sleeping on your stomach, or slouching. Even clothes that come below the navel will ride up when you sit or lean over. Keep them off the piercing at all costs! Even “just this once!”

If your piercing gets irritated, figure out what is causing the problem. Be particularly aware of automatic actions (unconsciously playing with it, grinding teeth with tongue piercings, etc.). Usually the symptoms will go away if you eliminate the cause. Warm salt water soaks can help ease irritation and heal any existing tears, and prevent infection from setting in on the raw tissue. If this does not do the trick, contact us for other suggestions.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

It is always possible for living bodies to react to foreign substances introduced into them. Some people are extremely sensitive to certain jewelry materials or to cleaning solutions. Allergic reactions often appear as rashes, excessive clear fluid discharge, discharge, redness, itching, or the skin pulling away from the jewelry. They usually show up immediately. When using implant grade body jewelry and recommended cleaning solutions, they are rare. If you think you may have such a reaction, stop by the shop so we can see you in person. Keep in mind that many cases of irritation and scarring are mistaken for allergic reactions or infection.

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Infinite Body Piercing, Inc.