Knowing what to expect is important whether you are considering getting a lip piercing or already have one. While piercings can be uncomfortable, there are ways to prevent damage and infections. This article offers tips on how to handle an infected piercing and recognize signs of an infection.
Infection symptoms
Infection can occur after piercings to the lip. These symptoms include swelling, throbbing and oozing blood. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. If the infection is severe, you may require antibiotics or other medication.
First, clean your piercing. An antibacterial or alcohol-free mouthwash may be a good choice. These products are safe and can clean the infected area. This can also speed up the healing process.
A warm compress may also be applied to the affected area. This will help reduce swelling and pain. You might also apply crushed ice to the affected area to reduce swelling.
It is a good idea that the piercings are cleaned daily. After cleaning the area, be sure to rinse your hands thoroughly. This will help prevent the introduction of new bacteria into the piercing.
You should also avoid touching the piercing too often. This is because bacteria will grow on the jewelry and can cause a more severe infection. Avoid touching the piercing with your tongue. It is also a good idea to not eat or drink too soon after piercing your lips. This will help prevent infection.
Another good idea is to get a professional piercing. They can provide you with useful information about cleaning and healing your piercing. Also, they can recommend a good cleansing solution for you to use.
You can also use a topical cleaner that contains carbamide peroxide. This may help to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. However, you should avoid applying these topical products to the infected area of your mouth.
Tea tree oil can also be applied to the area. This is a great idea because tea tree oil has antibacterial properties. It’s important to follow the directions on the bottle when using tea tree oil. Pure tea tree oil can cause irritation for some people.
Don’t forget the water! Water will help you stay hydrated and may reduce swelling. You should also try to avoid spicy foods, such as peppers, as these can cause additional irritation.
Aftercare for a healed Piercing
Keeping a healed lip piercing clean and comfortable is important to the process of healing. The aftercare required for a healed piercing varies from one region to another and from one climate to the next. The healing process will be faster and more comfortable if the piercing is kept clean and comfortable.
Gentle soaps are the best aftercare for a healed puncture. They are free of harsh chemicals and perfumes. Using a water based lubricant will help reduce the risk of tears and brittleness.
Avoid alcohol. Using alcohol-containing mouthwash will irritate the piercing and delay the healing process. Instead, rinse the mouth with a mouthwash made with clean, bottled water. This mouthwash should be swished for thirty to sixty seconds.
Wear clean, breathable clothing and avoid contact with other people’s body fluids. Do not share jewelry or utensils with others. If your piercing is affected by an infection, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Avoid spicy foods, acidic foods, alcohol, and smoking. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash, rinse your mouth using clean bottled water, then gently brush your teeth. To keep your mouth clean, floss daily.
To prevent bacteria from reaching your jewelry, wear clean clothes. You can also purchase a saline solution at your local pharmacy. The saline solution should not contain any additives and should be isotonic.
These tips are not the only ones that will help you heal. Including a multivitamin with zinc can increase the body’s ability to heal. During the initial healing process, avoid spicy foods, alcohol, or caffeine.
For additional aftercare tips, consult your piercer. Your piercer may recommend specific aftercare products. Ask about products that contain BZK and other harsh chemicals.
When healing, piercings may move or migrate. If the piercing has migrated, you should wait for the piercing to settle before moving it. If it is not settled, you may need to downsize the piercing. It may take several months for the piercings to heal completely.
During the initial healing process, sex should be avoided. Avoid chewing on anything other than food.
Treatment for infected piercings
There are many options available for lip piercings that are painful. Antibacterial mouthwashes, teatre oil, and cold compresses are some of the options. It’s important to use these treatments correctly to avoid damaging healthy skin cells. If you’re not sure what treatment is right for you, ask a health professional or piercer.
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can be used to clean piercings. It can also cause skin irritation so be cautious when using it. You should only use a diluted form, or mix it with a carrier oil.
Another good solution is to use a warm, wet salt-water hot compress. This will increase drainage and promote healing. Use a soft cloth to wrap the compress. The warm cloth should not be used to rub the piercing.
If you have an infected piercing that hurts, it’s important to clean it regularly to avoid further irritation. You can either use a pre-made solution or mix one tablespoon of salt with eight ounces water. Use the solution to rinse the affected area, then dry it with a cotton pad or paper towel.
You can also use a topical cleaner containing carbamide peroxide. This is the best way to get rid of bacteria from the piercing. A hot compress can also be used to reduce blood flow.
A cold compress can also help decrease swelling. Ice packs can be wrapped in a towel or soft cloth. Avoid using chili powder, peppers, or other spicy foods as they can irritate the skin further and cause more pain.
Oral rinses are also available, such as alcohol-free antibacterial toothpastes. These can also aid in healing, but should not be used unless directed.
To avoid bacteria buildup, you should brush your teeth twice daily. You should also avoid foods that are pungent or fatty, as they may cause additional irritation to the piercing.
Lastly, you should consult with a health care professional if you notice symptoms of infection. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics or other treatments.
Scarring after a piercing
Despite the best of intentions, a piercing can leave a scar. This is due to how your body heals. Inflammation is the body’s response to the wound. The body then removes the damaged flesh and replaces it by fibrous tissue. This process can take months, a year, or even more. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the scarring.
The most common scarring around a piercing is hypergranulation. Hypergranulation can cause burning and itching. It is most common around cartilage piercings. It typically shows up as a small bump, or a fluid-filled pustule.
You can treat hypergranulation by applying a silicone scar gel to the area. These gels can be purchased over the counter without a prescription.
Another option is to apply jojoba oil, a natural moisturizer. Jojoba oil can reduce scar tissue. You can apply it to the area twice a day for at least a month. You can also massage it with chamomile tea bags.
Using a saline solution is another way to speed up the healing process of a piercing. Make sure the solution contains sodium chloride and is sterile. This solution can be used to clean your mouth and jewelry.
You may need to consult a dermatologist if your piercing isn’t healing as quickly as you would like. Scarring can be treated with many creams and medications.
You can use antibiotics to treat any piercings that become infected. In some cases, it may be best to wait until the infection clears. Your piercing artist will be able to recommend the best treatment for your piercing.
The best way to avoid scarring around a piercing hole is to treat the area once it has healed. This will prevent infection from building up and debris from getting in the way. However, this requires careful attention on your part. It is important to use a scar cream that is safe for the area. Avoid touching the area with your fingers.
Jojoba oil can be used as a natural substitute to silicone gel. It can be applied to the scar twice a day.
Hi, my name is Danielle, and I’m an author for piercings-body.com. I have a passion for writing and love to share my knowledge on all things body piercing-related. I’m also a huge advocate for safe body modification practices and believe everyone should be able to make informed decisions about their bodies. When I’m not writing or blogging, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, practicing yoga, and exploring new places.