How do you treat an infected cartilage piercing?

Will an infected cartilage piercing heal itself?

Most infected ear piercings can be treated at home and will improve within a few days, although, in some cases, antibiotics may be necessary. If symptoms do not improve, the infection spreads, or there are other symptoms, a person should speak to a doctor.

What does an infected cartilage piercing look like?

An ear piercing is a hole through your earlobe or the cartilage in your middle or upper ear. An infected ear piercing may be red, swollen, sore, warm, itchy or tender. Sometimes the piercing oozes blood or white, yellow or greenish pus. A new piercing is an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal.

What can I put on an infected piercing?

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.

Can a cartilage piercing infection spread?

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.

Should I squeeze pus out of piercing?

It’s best to leave it in unless a doctor says otherwise because the hole can close up and trap bacteria or pus inside. Don’t try to squeeze the pus out either because you may introduce more bacteria into the piercing site.

What happens if you pop a piercing bump?

With the help of a medical professional, you can have it safely removed. Remember: This is not a pimple, so please don’t pop it like one. Since it’s not actually acne, there’s nothing to squeeze out of the bump. In fact, doing so could potentially cause an infection, which is much worse than some overgrown scar tissue.

How long does an infected cartilage piercing take to heal?

With paper towels, pat the area dry. Do not use other materials or fibers can remain behind. 6) Continue this cleaning regimen twice a day until the piercing is totally healed once the infection appears to have cleared. Routine care is vital during the 6-8 weeks of healing for an initial piercing.

How do you soak a cartilage piercing?

Will my piercing bump go away if I take it out?

Skin changes can occur at the site of piercings. These changes are not always a cause for concern. For example, piercing bumps are harmless and may go away over time. However, keloid scars can continue to get bigger.

Why is my cartilage piercing swollen and throbbing?

A cartilage piercing creates an open wound. As it heals, it may look swollen, lumpy, or like a bump. In the days immediately following a cartilage piercing, the body’s immune system triggers inflammation and swelling to heal the wound, sometimes leading to a cartilage bump.

What can I use to clean my piercing if I don’t have sea salt?

1. MILD LIQUID SOAP While sea salt soaks and/or saline rinses are the preferred aftercare for piercings, soap effectively removes the residue of dirt, skin oils, cosmetics, cigarette smoke, and natural discharge that can sometimes remain after a salt water soak or saline rinse. …
2. These are both too harsh for long-term use.

How can I make my cartilage piercing heal faster?

Saturate a cotton ball or piece of a paper towel with saline solution and dab the area around your piercing. Alternatively, you can wet a paper towel, add a few drops of soap, and gently pat the area around the piercing. You can do this once or twice a day as your cartilage heals.

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.

Is Neosporin good for piercings?

NEVER USE: Bacitracin or Neosporin. Petroleum based ointments CLOG the piercing and make it difficult for your body to heal. NEVER USE Rubbing Alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide, Claire’s ear care solution. These products are too strong and will irritate your skin and piercing.

What happens if you let an ear infection go untreated?

Ear infections need to be treated. If left untreated, they can lead to unnecessary pain and permanent hearing loss for your child. Ear infections usually go away in a few days. Your doctor will likely treat your child’s pain and fever with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or eardrops.