Piercing
When to get medical advice
Get medical advice immediately if you think your piercing may be infected. A delay in treatment can result in a serious infection.
Contact your GP, call NHS 111 or go to a minor injuries unit or walk-in centre .
Leave your jewellery in (unless your doctor tells you to take it out).
An infected piercing can usually be treated with antibiotics . Antibiotic cream can be used to treat minor infections. Tablets may be needed for more serious infections.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Information and about body piercing, including self care advice, symptoms of infection, finding a reputable piercer, and the potential risks.
Caring for a new piercing
To reduce the risk of your piercing becoming infected, good hygiene is important. Always wash your hands and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or kitchen roll before touching the area around the
Symptoms of an infected piercing
Signs of infection include: red and swollen skin around the piercing pain or tenderness when touching the area yellow or green discharge coming from the piercing a high temperature (fever)
When to get medical advice
Get medical advice immediately if you think your piercing may be infected. A delay in treatment can result in a serious infection. Contact your GP, call NHS 111 or go to a minor injuries unit or wal
Risks from piercings
Infection Bacterial infection is the main risk associated with piercings. An abscess (build-up of pus) may form around the piercing site which, if left untreated, may need to be surgically drained
Licensed piercers
When choosing a piercer, make sure they've got a piercing licence. All professional piercers must obtain a licence from their local council in order to carry out piercings. The licence should be clea
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