Infected Piercing: Caring for Your Child

A piercing can become infected when germs get into broken skin. Signs of infection include pus, bleeding, pain, redness, or swelling. Sometimes pus collects under the skin and forms a lump called an abscess. Infected piercings are common and usually heal well with proper care at home.

• Do not remove the piercing jewelry unless the doctor tells you to.

• Always wash hands before cleaning or handling the piercing.

• Clean the infected piercing as directed:

  • For skin piercings, cleaning should be at least once a day with soap and water, not with hydrogen peroxide. Blot dry with a clean towel.

  • For tongue, cheek, or lip piercings, your child should use an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal and before bed.

• If your doctor recommends, spread a thin coat of antibiotic ointment over the piercing as directed.

• For pain and swelling, hold a warm compress (a clean, wet, warm washcloth) to the piercing for a few minutes.

• Your child should not pick at or tug the piercing.

• If the doctor prescribed an antibiotic to take by mouth, give it as directed.

Your child:

• has symptoms that do not start to get better in 2 days

• has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

• develops a sore lump near the piercing

• has increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or soreness at the area

Why do piercings get infected? There is a greater chance that a piercing will get infected if:

• The person who did the piercing did not use clean methods and/or tools.

• Your child does not clean the pierced area as directed.

• Your child swims before the piercing is healed.

• Your child touches the piercing a lot.

• The jewelry is too tight.