Cartilage Piercing Infections

Piercings are our thing. They represent a style and form of expression that is unmatched by any other type of accessory. But cartilage piercings, like any other type, aren’t all fun and games.

With any piercing performed by professionals, it is important to watch for signs of infection.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that by being proactive and keeping your cartilage piercing clean, to prevent any chances of an infection. 

This guide will help you and other Newmarket, Ontario residents to identify if your cartilage piercing has become infected and how to care for it.

What are the Signs of Infected Cartilage Piercings?

Remember, when you pierce your ear, you are breaching the skin and essentially opening up a wound. It isn’t very painful, but there’s still an open wound, even if only temporarily. 

This wound, like any other, is susceptible to bacteria, and if not properly cleaned (and even sometimes when things are properly kept clean) it can become infected.

Here are a few signs that you may be dealing with an infection:

• A red bump – An ear cartilage piercing irritation bump will appear near the piercing site.

• tender skin on your ear – This skin may be inflamed as a result of bacterial infection. The skin may also feel warm, as that is a sign of your body fighting infection.

• It is normal to have red skin immediately following your piercing but take note if the redness comes back after a few days or you notice other signs of infection.

• Colored discharge – A little bit of clear fluid or crust around the piercing is normal but take note if the discharge becomes yellow or green or foul smelling. This means it is pus, which is a sign of infection.

How Newmarket Residents can Treat Their Infected Piercing

The key to treating your infected piercing is to leave the earring in. This will keep the hole open, allowing the bacteria to flush out as you apply treatments. 

Here are a few steps to treat the infection:

1. Continue the daily cleaning process for your new piercing. It is important to keep this regimen going to keep your ear clean.

1. Sterile saline is recommended to assist with irrigation, to clean the piercing use a mild, alcohol and scent free soap in the shower with plenty of running warm water for rinsing.

If the irritation does not disappear within a week, or grows worse, visit a trusted piercer for advice. If needed the piercer will recommend a visit to the doctors.

How to Prevent Future Irritations

Once symptoms have disappeared, continue with a strong and consistent aftercare routine and visiting a reputable piercer at the first signs of trouble.

Other steps you can take include:

• Not touching your piercing with dirty hands. Cleanliness is very important when it comes to piercings!

• Continue with your recommended 2 step aftercare routine for the entire healing process of your piercing. 

• When you sleep, position yourself so that you are not laying on the ear with the piercing. This will prevent it from pressing against your pillow.

By continuing to take proper precautions and continuing to care for your piercing, you can successfully prevent infections. 

When Should You Seek Help?

Cartilage infections begin on the surface, but if left untreated they can travel deep into the tissues. Do not put off a visit to the doctor if the infection appears to be worsening. It is better to err on the side of caution, as any infection can become dangerous.

Enjoy Your New Piercing

By taking good care of your cartilage piercing and quickly troubleshooting with your piercer at the first signs of irritation, you can help your body to heal correctly and prevent further issues.

Piercings are a great way to express your personality and add a level of uniqueness to your appearance. If you’re ready to take the next step and talk to a local expert that can help you pick out the perfect piercing, contact the Pierced.co team in Newmarket, Ontario.