Infected Piercing: Caring for Your Child

A piercing can become infected when germs get into broken skin. Signs of infection include pus, bleeding, pain, redness, or swelling. Sometimes pus collects under the skin and forms a lump called an abscess. Infected piercings are common and usually heal well with proper care at home.

Follow your health care provider's instructions for:

• Whether you should remove the piercing.

• If your child should take any antibiotics or use any ointments.

• How to clean the infected piercing. In general: 

  • For skin piercings, clean the area at least once a day with soap and water. Blot dry with a clean towel.

  • For tongue, cheek, or lip piercings, your child should use an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal and before bed.

Other reminders: 

• Always wash hands before cleaning or handling the piercing.

• For pain and swelling, hold a warm compress (a clean, wet, warm washcloth) to the piercing for a few minutes.

• Remind your child to not to pull on or play with the piercing.

Your child:

• Gets a new or higher fever

• Develops a sore lump near the piercing

• Has increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or soreness at the area

• Has symptoms that do not start to get better in 2 days

Can piercing infections be prevented? It helps to:

• Get piercings from a licensed practitioner who:

  • Washes their hands before each piercing

  • Wears disposable gloves

  • Uses single-use needles and sterilized instruments 

  • Uses hypoallergenic, nickel-free jewelry

• Clean piercings as directed.

• Avoid swimming until the piercing is healed.

• Avoid pulling on or playing with the piercing.

• Be sure any earring, stud, or back is loose enough not to cause irritation.