INFECTIONS

Infections are caused by contact with bacteria, fungi or other germs.

You can increase the risk of a piercing becoming infected if you:

touch the piercing with unwashed hands or your mouth
allow the piercing to come into contact with hair, beauty products and oils
go into a pool, river, lake or sea.

SIGNS THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE AN INFECTION

Redness and swelling.
Area around the piercing feels hot.
Pain, especially throbbing or spreading pain.
A yellowish, greenish or greyish discharge.
Bleeding that doesn’t stop after a few days.

IF IT BECOMES INFECTED

If your piercing has become infected, speak to the piercer first.

Keep the item of jewellery in as removing it could aggravate the problem.

Consult your GP, if you start feeling unwell, have a high temperature, develop swollen glands, or think that the heat or redness is spreading beyond the piercing area.