Zakażone przekłucia
Patofizjologia i mechanizm

Miejscowe zapalenie tkanki łącznej (cellulitis) jest najczęstszym powikłaniem infekcyjnym po piercingu, szczególnie w obszarach o słabym ukrwieniu, takich jak chrząstka ucha, gdzie ryzyko infekcji jest zwiększone nawet 250-krotnie. Do najczęstszych patogenów należą Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes oraz Pseudomonas aeruginosa, z rosnącym znaczeniem pozaszpitalnego MRSA. Objawy zakażenia obejmują zaczerwienienie, obrzęk, ból, wydzielinę ropną oraz objawy ogólnoustrojowe, takie jak gorączka ≥38°C i limfadenopatia. Szczególną uwagę wymaga zapalenie ochrzęstnej chrząstki ucha, które może prowadzić do martwicy tkanek i deformacji, a w ciężkich przypadkach do powikłań systemowych, takich jak angina Ludwiga, zapalenie wsierdzia, zespół wstrząsu toksycznego czy zgorzel Fourniera. W diagnostyce pomocne są badania laboratoryjne, np. podwyższona leukocytoza (przykładowo 12,63×10⁹/L).

Patogeneza zakażeń w miejscach piercingu

Miejscowe zapalenie tkanki łącznej (cellulitis) stanowi najczęstsze powikłanie infekcyjne wynikające z wykonania piercingu ciała. Jeśli zakażenie nie zostanie odpowiednio wcześnie zidentyfikowane i leczone, może prowadzić do poważnych powikłań systemowych, takich jak angina Ludwiga, zapalenie wsierdzia, zespół wstrząsu toksycznego czy zgorzel Fourniera, które zostały udokumentowane w opisach przypadków.12

Mechanizm zakażenia w piercingu

Piercing tworzy otwartą ranę w skórze lub chrząstce, która staje się bramą dla patogenów. Świeży piercing stanowi przerwanie ciągłości skóry, które może trwać kilka tygodni do całkowitego wygojenia. W tym czasie każda bakteria, która dostanie się do rany, może prowadzić do zakażenia.3 Proces gojenia piercingu jest złożonym mechanizmem wymagającym różnych mediatorów chemicznych, odpowiedzi immunologicznej i zdrowego środowiska rany. Każde zaburzenie lub pogorszenie naturalnego procesu gojenia może je opóźnić, zwiększając ryzyko infekcji.4

Mikroorganizmy obecne w środowisku mogą osiedlać się na niezagojonej ranie, prowadząc do zakażenia miejsca piercingu. Bakterie mogą łatwiej wniknąć do świeżej rany niż do zagojonej skóry.5 Większość infekcji występuje w pierwszych tygodniach lub miesiącach po wykonaniu piercingu.6

Czynniki ryzyka zakażeń w piercingu

Zwiększone ryzyko zakażenia związanego z piercingiem ciała wynika z kilku kluczowych czynników:7

  • Niesterylne lub niewłaściwie czyszczone narzędzia do piercingu
  • Ogólne nawyki higieniczne pacjenta
  • Niewłaściwa pielęgnacja piercingu po jego wykonaniu
  • Lokalizacja piercingu (szczególnie w obszarach o słabym ukrwieniu)

8

Istnieje wyższe ryzyko zakażenia w przypadku piercingu ucha z powodu jego słabego ukrwienia, co prowadzi do problemów z gojeniem rany.9 W szczególności piercing chrząstki ucha jest związany z 250-krotnie zwiększonym ryzykiem infekcji z powodu awaskularnej natury chrząstki usznej.10

Do czynników ryzyka należą również:11

  • Osoby o zwiększonej podatności na infekcje (np. pacjenci z cukrzycą, pacjenci przyjmujący kortykosteroidy)
  • Osoby o zwiększonym prawdopodobieństwie krwawienia (np. osoby przyjmujące leki przeciwzakrzepowe)
  • Osłabiony układ odpornościowy, który może zwiększać ryzyko zakażeń podczas okresu rekonwalescencji
  • Istniejące schorzenia skórne, jak łuszczyca lub zapalenie skóry w miejscu przekłucia, co znacznie zwiększa ryzyko zakażenia

121314

Specyfika zakażeń w zależności od lokalizacji piercingu

Każda lokalizacja piercingu wiąże się z charakterystycznym ryzykiem zakażenia, co wynika z różnic anatomicznych i fizjologicznych.15 Piercingi wykonane poza płatkiem ucha w chrząstce usznej, w pępku lub sutku są narażone na wyższe ryzyko infekcji.16

Zakażenia piercingów ucha

Ucho jest najczęstszym miejscem piercingu ciała. W jednym badaniu nawet 35% osób z przebitymi uszami miało jedno lub więcej powikłań (np. drobne zakażenie, reakcja alergiczna, tworzenie się keloidów i urazowe rozdarcie).17

Wielokrotne przekłuwanie uszu zyskało popularność, szczególnie wysokie przekłuwanie przez chrząstkę małżowiny usznej. Te piercingi są związane z gorszym gojeniem i poważniejszymi infekcjami z powodu awaskularnej natury chrząstki usznej.18 Drobne infekcje mogą postępować do zapalenia ochrzęstnej, tworzenia się ropni i martwicy z objawami ogólnoustrojowymi lub bez nich.19

Zapalenie ochrzęstnej, powolnie rozwijająca się infekcja zlokalizowana w chrząstce ucha, najczęściej występuje po urazie ucha, a najczęstszą przyczyną jest wysoki piercing chrząstki ucha. Ten rodzaj piercingu może uszkodzić chrząstkę, co umożliwia wprowadzenie bakterii.20 Nieleczone zapalenie ochrzęstnej może prowadzić do powstania ropnia, który może odciąć dopływ krwi do chrząstki, powodując jej uszkodzenie i prowadząc do martwicy tkanek.21

Zakażenia piercingów sutków

Piercingi sutków mogą powodować zarówno powikłania nieinfekcyjne, jak i infekcyjne. Piercing sutka może sprzyjać dostępowi patogenów, które prowadzą do miejscowych infekcji w obszarze perforacji, mogących rozprzestrzeniać się na otaczające tkanki, powodując zapalenie sutka lub ropnie.2223

Najczęściej izolowanymi bakteriami w przypadkach zakażeń w okolicy piercingu sutka są:2425

2627

Głównym dotkniętym narządem jest pierś, a najczęstsze objawy to: zbieranie się płynu, ból, rumień, tkanka ziarninowa i obrzęk.28

Zakażenia piercingów genitalnych

Dodatkowe obawy pojawiają się w przypadku piercingów genitalnych, które mogą naruszać integralność antykoncepcji barierowej i zwiększać ryzyko infekcji przenoszonych drogą płciową.29 Piercingi w okolicy genitalnej są bardziej narażone na zakażenie, więc konieczna jest dodatkowa opieka do czasu ich wygojenia.30

Patogeny powodujące zakażenia piersingów

Bakteryjne zakażenia skóry w miejscu lub w pobliżu miejsca piercingu są uważane za najczęściej zgłaszane powikłanie piercingów ciała.31

Patogeny bakteryjne

Do najczęstszych patogenów w zakażeniach piercingów należą:323334

35363738

Zakażenia te mogą stać się jeszcze bardziej inwazyjnym problemem wraz z pojawieniem się pozaszpitalnego metycylinoopornego Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA).39

W szczególnym przypadku piercingów sutka, jak wskazują przeglądy przypadków, najczęściej izolowanymi bakteriami są gatunki z rodzaju Staphylococcus (w tym S. epidermidis) oraz prątki niegruźlicze, zwłaszcza Mycobacterium fortuitum.4041

Patogeny wirusowe

Przy każdym piercingu istnieje niebezpieczeństwo zakażenia, w tym wirusami zapalenia wątroby typu B lub C oraz tężcem. Sugerowano również, że piercing ciała może być potencjalnym wektorem transmisji wirusa HIV.42 Niesterylne techniki piercingu i zła higiena znacząco przyczyniają się do zwiększonego ryzyka infekcji.43

Źródła zakażeń w piercingu

Zakażenie nowego piercingu może wystąpić z różnych przyczyn:4445

Zakażenie może wystąpić podczas procedury piercingu, jeśli używany sprzęt, w tym igły lub kolczyki, nie jest dokładnie wysterylizowany lub jest zanieczyszczony.46 Infekcja może również wystąpić, jeśli użyto niesterylizowanych narzędzi lub procedura odbyła się w niesterylnym środowisku, takim jak kuchnia czy łazienka.47

Przykładem może być ognisko zakażeń Pseudomonas aeruginosa związane z zanieczyszczonym roztworem do pielęgnacji piercingu w Australii w 2021 roku. Badania wykazały, że jednolity typ sekwencji genomu bakterii był obecny w próbkach klinicznych i próbkach roztworu do pielęgnacji (zarówno z używanych, jak i nieotwartych butelek), co ustanowiło wspólne źródło tego ogniska.48

Ryzyko infekcji może wzrosnąć, jeśli piercing nie jest czyszczony często lub jeśli nie są przestrzegane podstawowe wskazówki dotyczące pielęgnacji.49 Zakażenia są również częstsze, jeśli nie myjesz miejsca piercingu wystarczająco często lub próbujesz wyjąć kolczyki przed zagojeniem się piercingu.50

Do typowych czynników związanych z higieną należą:51

  • Niewłaściwe lub rzadkie czyszczenie miejsca piercingu
  • Dotykanie piercingu nieumytymi rękami
  • Używanie niesterylnej lub niskiej jakości biżuterii do piercingu
  • Ciasna odzież, która może łatwo zahaczyć o piercing i dodatkowo go podrażnić

52

Nadmierne dotykanie, ciągnięcie lub obracanie biżuterii w piercingu może utrudniać prawidłowe gojenie się rany i powodować drobne rozdarcia lub otarcia skóry. Te rany służą jako punkty wejścia dla bakterii, zwiększając możliwość infekcji.53

Naturalna flora bakteryjna skóry

Naturalne bakterie, zarówno pożyteczne, jak i szkodliwe, żyją na powierzchni skóry. Gdy zewnętrzna warstwa skóry zostaje przebita, bakterie mogą dostać się do rany i tam się osiedlić, co może spowodować zakażenie.54

Zakażenia ogólnoustrojowe

Chociaż rzadkie, zakażenia ogólnoustrojowe, takie jak infekcyjne zapalenie wsierdzia (IE) lub sepsa, mogą również wystąpić po piercingu.55 Uważa się, że są one „wyzwalane przez normalną florę w miejscu przekłucia, kolonizację mikroorganizmów wokół biżuterii lub przez miejscowe zakażenie, które stymuluje epizody przejściowej bakteriemii, mogącej osiedlać się w różnych obszarach serca.”56

W ciągu ostatniej dekady odnotowano ponad 25 przypadków infekcyjnego zapalenia wsierdzia pochodzących z piercingu języka, pępka, płatka ucha, dolnej wargi i sutka.57 Od 1999 roku sugerowano profilaktyczne schematy antybiotykowe, ale leczenie to jest nadal przedmiotem dyskusji.58

Rzadko bakterie z zakażenia piercingu mogą przedostać się do krwiobiegu i zagrozić sercu lub innym organom w organizmie.59 Jeśli poważne zakażenie skóry nie jest leczone, w rzadkich przypadkach może rozprzestrzenić się do krwi. Infekcja przenoszona przez krew może spowodować, że osoba będzie się czuć bardzo chora, a nawet może prowadzić do uszkodzenia narządów.60

Objawy kliniczne zakażonego piercingu

Zakażenie piercingu manifestuje się charakterystycznymi objawami, które mogą różnić się w zależności od wywołującej je bakterii lub grzyba.61

Objawy miejscowe

Typowe objawy zakażenia piercingu obejmują:6263646566

  • Zaczerwienienie i obrzęk wokół piercingu lub zaczerwienienie, które nadal rozszerza się poza piercing
  • Ból, tkliwość lub uczucie ciepła w dotkniętym obszarze
  • Wyciek ropy lub płynu (zwłaszcza jeśli ma nieprzyjemny zapach) – wydzielina może być biała, żółta, zielona lub z domieszką krwi
  • Przebarwienie, obrzęk i bolesność

6768697071

Zakażenie zwykle objawia się jako: intensywny obrzęk i rozprzestrzeniające się zaczerwienienie na uchu, szyi i twarzy (lub w odpowiednim obszarze ciała); gęsta wydzielina o konsystencji twarogu, która może być biała, żółta lub brązowa, wyciekająca z piercingu. Ta wydzielina często nieprzyjemnie pachnie.72

Objawy ogólnoustrojowe

Poważniejsze zakażenia mogą powodować objawy ogólnoustrojowe:737475

  • Objawy grypopodobne, w tym pocenie się, dreszcze, lepkość i złe samopoczucie
  • Gorączka (temperatura 38 stopni Celsjusza lub wyższa)
  • Obrzęk węzłów chłonnych na szyi, pod pachami i w pachwinie
  • Bóle ciała, nudności, zawroty głowy i zmęczenie

767778

Zakażony piercing może również powodować gorączkę, ból głowy, nudności itp. z powodu ogólnoustrojowej reakcji na zakażenie zachodzące wewnątrz organizmu.79

Diagnostyka różnicowa

Ważne jest rozróżnienie między zakażeniem, podrażnieniem a reakcją alergiczną:8081

Zakażenie: Tkanka otaczająca zakażony piercing stanie się opuchnięta, zaczerwieniona, bolesna i gorąca przy dotknięciu. Prawdopodobnie będzie również wydzielina o ciemnożółtym lub zielonym kolorze. Może również wydawać się nieco krwawa lub nieprzyjemnie pachnieć.82

Podrażnienie: Podobnie jak zakażenia, podrażniony piercing może powodować ból, obrzęk i zaczerwienienie. Ale nie powinien powodować okropnej wydzieliny, która towarzyszy zakażeniu. Inne objawy podrażnienia obejmują litą (nie wypełnioną płynem) grudkę wokół otworu lub lekkie łuszczenie się.83

Reakcja alergiczna: Reakcje alergiczne są powodowane, gdy twoje ciało odrzuca coś. W tym przypadku może to być metal użyty w piercingu lub coś w używanym roztworze czyszczącym. Reakcję alergiczną można zidentyfikować po wysypce, swędzeniu i zaczerwienieniu.84

Powikłania i progresja zakażeń piercingów

Potencjalne powikłania zakażeń piercingów są stosunkowo niewielkie, gdy są wcześnie zidentyfikowane i leczone odpowiednimi środkami przeciwdrobnoustrojowymi.85 Opóźnienie w prezentacji może prowadzić do zwiększonej ciężkości miejscowych zakażeń skóry i tkanek miękkich.86

Powikłania miejscowe

Bez właściwego leczenia zakażenie piercingu może prowadzić do:87888990

  • Tworzenia się ropni (obszarów skóry, które są opuchnięte i wypełnione ropą)
  • Keloidów (stwardniałych, podniesionych tkanek bliznowatych)
  • Zniszczenia chrząstki ucha (powodującego zniekształcenie ucha)
  • Perforacji przegrody nosowej
  • Przewlekłe zakażenia mogą powodować tkankę bliznowatą, keloidy, krwawienie oraz uszkodzenie nerwów i tkanek

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Zakażenie chrząstki może prowadzić do zapalenia ochrzęstnej, stanu zapalnego tkanki skórnej otaczającej chrząstkę. Jeśli zapalenie ochrzęstnej nie jest leczone, może rozwinąć się w zakażenie ogólnoustrojowe, które może stać się poważne i wpłynąć na całe ciało.95

Powikłania ogólnoustrojowe

Poważniejsze, systemowe powikłania zakażeń piercingów mogą obejmować:969798

  • Zapalenie wsierdzia – infekcja wyściółki serca
  • Angina Ludwiga – zagrażające życiu zakażenie dna jamy ustnej i szyi
  • Zespół wstrząsu toksycznego
  • Zgorzel Fourniera
  • Sepsa lub inne zakażenia przenoszone przez krew
  • Uszkodzenie narządów (w ciężkich przypadkach)

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Poważne zakażenie może prowadzić do komplikacji zagrażających życiu. W przypadku 19-letniej pacjentki zakażenie było tak ostre, że faktycznie zniszczyło część jej chrząstki. Chirurdzy ostrzegli, że gdyby zakażone ucho pozostawiono dłużej bez leczenia, potencjalnie śmiertelne zakażenie mózgu mogłoby się rozwinąć, a ucho byłoby całkowicie zniszczone.102

Szczególne przypadki

Zakażenie chrząstki ucha, powodujące zapalenie ochrzęstnej, wymaga szczególnej uwagi ze względu na ryzyko ciężkiego przebiegu. U nastolatki, która zgłosiła się z utrzymującym się bólem ucha po przekłuciu prawego ucha w celu założenia kolczyka, po pięciu dniach od wykonania piercingu zauważyła ból ucha w pobliżu przekłucia oraz ból prawej strony szyi. Badanie wykazało opuchniętą, lekko fluktuującą małżowinę uszną, a pełna morfologia krwi wykazała podwyższoną liczbę białych krwinek – 12,63×10⁹/L (zakres normalny 4,0-10,0×10⁹/L).103

Zapalenie ochrzęstnej małżowiny usznej spowodowane przez piercing, powikłane zakażeniem Pseudomonas, jest częstym schorzeniem wśród młodej populacji. Ryzyko rozwoju zakażenia jest wyższe w chrząstce ucha niż w płatku ucha. Szeroki nacięcie chirurgiczne i usunięcie martwej tkanki ma kluczowe znaczenie dla procesu gojenia, aby zapobiec deformacjom.104105

Leczenie kliniczne opiera się na stosowaniu środków przeciwdrobnoustrojowych, takich jak cefalosporyny i chinolony, w celu wyeliminowania bakterii Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chociaż wyniki po leczeniu są dobre, mogą wystąpić zniekształcenia kosmetyczne, które są bardziej widoczne, im później zostanie wdrożone właściwe leczenie.106

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  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Body Piercing Infections – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK537336/
    Localized cellulitis is the most common infectious complication resulting from body piercings. […] If not identified and treated accordingly these localized infections, though rare, can lead to more serious systemic complications such as Ludwig angina, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, and Fournier gangrene as detailed in case reports. […] Concerns over non-sterilized and improper cleaning techniques of piercing equipment, as well as, an individual patient’s overall hygiene habits and poor piercing aftercare attribute to the increased risk of infection with associated body piercings. […] There is a higher incidence of infection when involving the ear due to its poor blood supply leading to issues of wound healing. […] An additional concern arises with genital piercings that can compromise the integrity of barrier contraception and increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections.
  • #2 Body Piercing Infections – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK537336/
    Complications arising from body piercing infections are rare, and antibiotic treatment along with incision and drainage of an abscess is the cornerstone of therapy. […] Potential complications of piercing infections are relatively minor when identified early and treated with appropriate antimicrobials. […] A delay in the presentation can lead to increased severity of local skin and soft tissue infections such as abscess formation, nasal septal perforation, airway compromise with as in cases of Ludwig angina, or possible dissemination to distant sites such as endocarditis. […] For these reasons, it is necessary to identify and treat the localized infections to prevent severe and life-threatening complications.
  • #3 Infected Ear Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21503-infected-ear-piercing
    Redness and swelling around your piercing are signs of an ear piercing infection. Signs of an ear piercing infection include redness and swelling around the piercing. An ear piercing is a hole through your earlobe or the cartilage in your middle or upper ear. Ear piercing infections may be red, swollen, sore, warm, itchy or tender. Sometimes, piercings ooze blood or white, yellow or green pus. A new piercing is an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal. During that time, any bacteria that enter the wound can lead to infection. If bacteria get into a new piercing, it can lead to infection. Leaving an infected piercing untreated can result in a more severe infection or an abscess (a swollen area filled with pus). Upper ear piercings are more likely to get infected. Left untreated, these infections can lead to a condition known as perichondritis. An infection can also spread into your body (systemic infection). With good care, most infections clear up within a few days. If your infected ear piercing isn’t improving, you should see a healthcare provider. Taking good care of your piercings is key to preventing infection.
  • #4 Infected ear piercing: Causes, symptoms, treatment, antibiotics and prevention
    https://www.myupchar.com/en/disease/infections/infected-ear-piercing
    Whenever you get an ear lobe piercing, an instrument goes through your ear lobe or other parts of your external ear and creates an open wound in the specific area. An open wound, just like any other wound goes through the process of wound healing. Wound healing in itself in a complex mechanism. It requires various chemical mediators, immune responses and a healthy wound environment. Any imbalance or deterioration in the process of natural wound healing will delay it. […] Environment sustains various microorganisms, which always makes an open wound susceptible to infection. If you don’t take proper care of the wound, microorganisms in the environment settle on the wound leading to infection in the piercing. Most commonly associated bacteria in ear piercing infection are skin pathogens like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus.
  • #5 Is my piercing infected? Here’s how to tell | UPMC HealthBeat
    https://share.upmc.com/2022/12/signs-my-piercing-is-infected/
    Any piercing can become infected. Piercings outside the earlobe in the ear cartilage, the belly button, or the nipple are at a higher risk of infection. […] Rarely, bacteria from a piercing infection can get into the bloodstream and threaten the heart or other organs in the body. […] If you have these signs of a more serious infection, you likely need medication to fight it off. If a serious skin infection goes untreated, it can spread to the blood in rare cases. A blood-borne infection can cause a person to feel very sick and can even lead to organ damage. […] Depending on the site of the piercing, and your symptoms, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for an infected piercing. The antibiotic may come in the form of a topical cream that you apply to the area with clean hands. To prevent the infection from spreading, your doctor may recommend antibiotics you take by mouth. […] Most infections happen in the first few weeks or months of having a piercing. An infection at the time of piercing could be from bacteria on the piercing tool, the jewelry, or the piercers hands. Bacteria can more easily enter a raw wound compared to healed skin.
  • #6 Is my piercing infected? Here’s how to tell | UPMC HealthBeat
    https://share.upmc.com/2022/12/signs-my-piercing-is-infected/
    Any piercing can become infected. Piercings outside the earlobe in the ear cartilage, the belly button, or the nipple are at a higher risk of infection. […] Rarely, bacteria from a piercing infection can get into the bloodstream and threaten the heart or other organs in the body. […] If you have these signs of a more serious infection, you likely need medication to fight it off. If a serious skin infection goes untreated, it can spread to the blood in rare cases. A blood-borne infection can cause a person to feel very sick and can even lead to organ damage. […] Depending on the site of the piercing, and your symptoms, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for an infected piercing. The antibiotic may come in the form of a topical cream that you apply to the area with clean hands. To prevent the infection from spreading, your doctor may recommend antibiotics you take by mouth. […] Most infections happen in the first few weeks or months of having a piercing. An infection at the time of piercing could be from bacteria on the piercing tool, the jewelry, or the piercers hands. Bacteria can more easily enter a raw wound compared to healed skin.
  • #7 Body Piercing Infections – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK537336/
    Localized cellulitis is the most common infectious complication resulting from body piercings. […] If not identified and treated accordingly these localized infections, though rare, can lead to more serious systemic complications such as Ludwig angina, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, and Fournier gangrene as detailed in case reports. […] Concerns over non-sterilized and improper cleaning techniques of piercing equipment, as well as, an individual patient’s overall hygiene habits and poor piercing aftercare attribute to the increased risk of infection with associated body piercings. […] There is a higher incidence of infection when involving the ear due to its poor blood supply leading to issues of wound healing. […] An additional concern arises with genital piercings that can compromise the integrity of barrier contraception and increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections.
  • #8 Body Piercing Infections – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK537336/
    Localized cellulitis is the most common infectious complication resulting from body piercings. […] If not identified and treated accordingly these localized infections, though rare, can lead to more serious systemic complications such as Ludwig angina, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, and Fournier gangrene as detailed in case reports. […] Concerns over non-sterilized and improper cleaning techniques of piercing equipment, as well as, an individual patient’s overall hygiene habits and poor piercing aftercare attribute to the increased risk of infection with associated body piercings. […] There is a higher incidence of infection when involving the ear due to its poor blood supply leading to issues of wound healing. […] An additional concern arises with genital piercings that can compromise the integrity of barrier contraception and increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections.
  • #9 Body Piercing Infections – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK537336/
    Localized cellulitis is the most common infectious complication resulting from body piercings. […] If not identified and treated accordingly these localized infections, though rare, can lead to more serious systemic complications such as Ludwig angina, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, and Fournier gangrene as detailed in case reports. […] Concerns over non-sterilized and improper cleaning techniques of piercing equipment, as well as, an individual patient’s overall hygiene habits and poor piercing aftercare attribute to the increased risk of infection with associated body piercings. […] There is a higher incidence of infection when involving the ear due to its poor blood supply leading to issues of wound healing. […] An additional concern arises with genital piercings that can compromise the integrity of barrier contraception and increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections.
  • #10
    https://journals.lww.com/jnsm/fulltext/2022/05020/cartilage_ear_piercing_probable_infections_among.14.aspx
    Cartilage ear piercings, particularly helix piercings are associated with a 250-fold increased risk of infection due to the lack of vascularity of the cartilage. […] The most important risk factors of ear piercing infections are those that affect the healing time, the adequacy of blood supply, and the integrity of the tissue. […] The findings of this study have to be considered in light of some limitations. The first limitation was the use of a convenience sampling. […] In conclusion, probable external ear infection was found more among individuals with cartilage ear piercings than those with lobular ear piercings.
  • #11 Complications of Body Piercing | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1115/p2029.html
    The trend of body piercing at sites other than the earlobe has grown in popularity in the past decade. Complications of body piercing include local and systemic infections, poor cosmesis, and foreign body rejection. High ear piercing through the ear cartilage is associated with more serious infections and disfigurement. Many complications from piercing are body-site specific or related to the piercing technique used. Navel, nipple, and genital piercings often have prolonged healing times. […] Persons with increased vulnerability to infection (e.g., patients with diabetes, patients taking corticosteroids) and those who have an increased likelihood of hemorrhage (e.g., persons taking anticoagulant medication) may be at greater risk of complications from body piercing. […] The ear is the most common site for body piercing. In one study, up to 35 percent of persons with pierced ears had one or more complications (e.g., minor infection, allergic reaction, keloid formation, and traumatic tearing).
  • #12 Complications of Body Piercing | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1115/p2029.html
    The trend of body piercing at sites other than the earlobe has grown in popularity in the past decade. Complications of body piercing include local and systemic infections, poor cosmesis, and foreign body rejection. High ear piercing through the ear cartilage is associated with more serious infections and disfigurement. Many complications from piercing are body-site specific or related to the piercing technique used. Navel, nipple, and genital piercings often have prolonged healing times. […] Persons with increased vulnerability to infection (e.g., patients with diabetes, patients taking corticosteroids) and those who have an increased likelihood of hemorrhage (e.g., persons taking anticoagulant medication) may be at greater risk of complications from body piercing. […] The ear is the most common site for body piercing. In one study, up to 35 percent of persons with pierced ears had one or more complications (e.g., minor infection, allergic reaction, keloid formation, and traumatic tearing).
  • #13 Infected Nipple Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment, And Risks
    https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/infected-nipple-piercing/
    Systemic symptoms such as fever, body aches, chills, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue should not be overlooked as they may indicate a more severe infection. […] Improper hygiene practices or touching the pierced nipple with dirty hands may cause an infected nipple piercing. […] Signs of infection include redness, fever, abnormal discharge, and severe pain around the infected area. […] Cleaning the infected piercing twice a day with a mild antiseptic solution and using topical or oral antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to help manage the infection. […] An infected nipple piercing can cause physical and mental distress to the concerned individual. […] Here are some of the factors that may cause this issue: Improper or infrequent cleaning of the piercing site, Touching the piercing with unwashed hands, Use of non-sterile or sub-quality piercing jewelry materials, Tight clothing that may easily catch onto the piercing and irritate it further, Getting pierced in an unclean setting with dirty needles, Individuals with a weakened immune system may be at an increased risk of contracting infections during the recovery period.
  • #14 Infected ear piercing: Causes, symptoms, treatment, antibiotics and prevention
    https://www.myupchar.com/en/disease/infections/infected-ear-piercing
    The instrument used for piercing is one of the most common reasons for infection. An unsterile instrument harbours bacteria, which eventually stick to the hole created by it and grows there. This delays wound healing and further leads to infection. […] Ear piercing is like a mini surgical procedure. So, it is important that the person in charge of the piercing should also follow proper hygiene. Any mishappening with the handling of sterile instruments, not wearing sterile gloves, piercing by bare unwashed hands or poor hygiene may provide an easy pathway for the bacteria to get inside the wound, which will eventually lead to infection. […] If your body is suffering from some underlying pathology like psoriasis, or dermatitis at the site of piercing, it greatly increases the risk of infection. People with valvular heart disease should avoid getting an ear piercing as an infection could further worsen their condition. They also have a higher chance of getting a piercing infection due to a suppressed immune system. […] Sometimes, even when everything is well taken care of it is hard to avoid an infection. Well, bacteria are notorious enough and don’t miss any chance of survival. In that case, post-piercing care plays a vital role in wound healing.
  • #15 Is my piercing infected? Here’s how to tell | UPMC HealthBeat
    https://share.upmc.com/2022/12/signs-my-piercing-is-infected/
    Any piercing can become infected. Piercings outside the earlobe in the ear cartilage, the belly button, or the nipple are at a higher risk of infection. […] Rarely, bacteria from a piercing infection can get into the bloodstream and threaten the heart or other organs in the body. […] If you have these signs of a more serious infection, you likely need medication to fight it off. If a serious skin infection goes untreated, it can spread to the blood in rare cases. A blood-borne infection can cause a person to feel very sick and can even lead to organ damage. […] Depending on the site of the piercing, and your symptoms, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for an infected piercing. The antibiotic may come in the form of a topical cream that you apply to the area with clean hands. To prevent the infection from spreading, your doctor may recommend antibiotics you take by mouth. […] Most infections happen in the first few weeks or months of having a piercing. An infection at the time of piercing could be from bacteria on the piercing tool, the jewelry, or the piercers hands. Bacteria can more easily enter a raw wound compared to healed skin.
  • #16 Is my piercing infected? Here’s how to tell | UPMC HealthBeat
    https://share.upmc.com/2022/12/signs-my-piercing-is-infected/
    Any piercing can become infected. Piercings outside the earlobe in the ear cartilage, the belly button, or the nipple are at a higher risk of infection. […] Rarely, bacteria from a piercing infection can get into the bloodstream and threaten the heart or other organs in the body. […] If you have these signs of a more serious infection, you likely need medication to fight it off. If a serious skin infection goes untreated, it can spread to the blood in rare cases. A blood-borne infection can cause a person to feel very sick and can even lead to organ damage. […] Depending on the site of the piercing, and your symptoms, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for an infected piercing. The antibiotic may come in the form of a topical cream that you apply to the area with clean hands. To prevent the infection from spreading, your doctor may recommend antibiotics you take by mouth. […] Most infections happen in the first few weeks or months of having a piercing. An infection at the time of piercing could be from bacteria on the piercing tool, the jewelry, or the piercers hands. Bacteria can more easily enter a raw wound compared to healed skin.
  • #17 Complications of Body Piercing | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1115/p2029.html
    The trend of body piercing at sites other than the earlobe has grown in popularity in the past decade. Complications of body piercing include local and systemic infections, poor cosmesis, and foreign body rejection. High ear piercing through the ear cartilage is associated with more serious infections and disfigurement. Many complications from piercing are body-site specific or related to the piercing technique used. Navel, nipple, and genital piercings often have prolonged healing times. […] Persons with increased vulnerability to infection (e.g., patients with diabetes, patients taking corticosteroids) and those who have an increased likelihood of hemorrhage (e.g., persons taking anticoagulant medication) may be at greater risk of complications from body piercing. […] The ear is the most common site for body piercing. In one study, up to 35 percent of persons with pierced ears had one or more complications (e.g., minor infection, allergic reaction, keloid formation, and traumatic tearing).
  • #18 Complications of Body Piercing | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1115/p2029.html
    Multiple ear piercings have gained popularity, especially high piercing through the cartilage of the pinna. These piercings are associated with poor healing and more serious infection because of the avascular nature of auricular cartilage. […] Minor infections can progress to perichondritis, abscess formation, and necrosis with or without systemic symptoms. […] The most common pathogens (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) respond well to fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment. […] Infection requires aggressive treatment with antibiotics that have good coverage against Staphylococcus species that commonly colonize the nasal mucosa. […] With any piercing, there is the danger of infection, including hepatitis B or C virus and tetanus. Body piercing as a possible vector for human immunodeficiency virus transmission has been suggested. Nonsterile piercing techniques and poor hygiene contribute significantly to the increased risk of infection.
  • #19 Complications of Body Piercing | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1115/p2029.html
    Multiple ear piercings have gained popularity, especially high piercing through the cartilage of the pinna. These piercings are associated with poor healing and more serious infection because of the avascular nature of auricular cartilage. […] Minor infections can progress to perichondritis, abscess formation, and necrosis with or without systemic symptoms. […] The most common pathogens (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) respond well to fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment. […] Infection requires aggressive treatment with antibiotics that have good coverage against Staphylococcus species that commonly colonize the nasal mucosa. […] With any piercing, there is the danger of infection, including hepatitis B or C virus and tetanus. Body piercing as a possible vector for human immunodeficiency virus transmission has been suggested. Nonsterile piercing techniques and poor hygiene contribute significantly to the increased risk of infection.
  • #20 Perichondritis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23222-perichondritis
    Perichondritis is a bacterial infection. Ear trauma, most commonly high ear cartilage piercing, is the usual cause. […] Perichondritis typically occurs due to some form of ear trauma. This can include injuries, burns and high ear piercings. […] The most common cause of perichondritis is high ear piercings through your cartilage. This type of piercing can damage your cartilage, which allows for the introduction of bacteria. […] If left untreated, an abscess can cut off the blood supply to your cartilage. This can damage your cartilage and lead to tissue death (necrosis). […] Perichondritis can also lead to an infection in your ear cartilage called chondritis. Chondritis can cause severe damage to your ear structure.
  • #21 Perichondritis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23222-perichondritis
    Perichondritis is a bacterial infection. Ear trauma, most commonly high ear cartilage piercing, is the usual cause. […] Perichondritis typically occurs due to some form of ear trauma. This can include injuries, burns and high ear piercings. […] The most common cause of perichondritis is high ear piercings through your cartilage. This type of piercing can damage your cartilage, which allows for the introduction of bacteria. […] If left untreated, an abscess can cut off the blood supply to your cartilage. This can damage your cartilage and lead to tissue death (necrosis). […] Perichondritis can also lead to an infection in your ear cartilage called chondritis. Chondritis can cause severe damage to your ear structure.
  • #22 Bacterial infections in patients with nipple piercings: a qualitative systematic review of case reports and case series | Publisso
    https://books.publisso.de/en/journals/id/volume10/id000080
    The main objective of this review is to identify the most frequently isolated bacteria in patients with infections related to nipple piercings in case reports and case series. […] Nipple piercings (NP) can cause both non-infectious and infectious complications. Non-infectious complications include injuries when playing contact sports, galactorrhea when nipples are stimulated, etc. On the other hand, NP could favor the access of pathogens that lead to local infections at the area of perforation that could spread to surrounding tissues, causing mastitis or abscesses. […] The most frequent bacterial genus in case reports and case series was Staphylococcus (n=10), and the most frequent species was M. fortuitum (n=6), although etiology seems to be diverse. […] The suspicion of infection by this bacterial species could be taken into account when it is associated with nipple piercings; however, larger studies are required to give a conclusion based on the evidence.
  • #23 Bacterial infections in patients with nipple piercings: a qualitative systematic review of case reports and case series | Publisso
    https://journals.publisso.de/en/journals/id/volume10/id000080
    The main objective of this review is to identify the most frequently isolated bacteria in patients with infections related to nipple piercings in case reports and case series. […] Nipple piercings (NP) can cause both non-infectious and infectious complications. Non-infectious complications include injuries when playing contact sports, galactorrhea when nipples are stimulated, etc. […] On the other hand, NP could favor the access of pathogens that lead to local infections at the area of perforation that could spread to surrounding tissues, causing mastitis or abscesses. […] The isolation of the specific type of bacteria could be essential to choose the most appropriate treatment. […] The breast was the main affected organ, and the most frequent findings were fluid collection, pain, erythema, granulation tissue and swelling.
  • #24 Bacterial infections in patients with nipple piercings: a qualitative systematic review of case reports and case series | Publisso
    https://books.publisso.de/en/journals/id/volume10/id000080
    The most frequently isolated bacterial genera were Staphylococcus (n=10) and Mycobacterium (n=9), all in different patients except for two of them. […] In this review, the most frequent bacterial genus was Staphylococcus (n=10); followed by Mycobacterium (n=9), specifically coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and NTMs, respectively; and the most commonly identified species were M. fortuitum (n=6) and S. epidermidis (n=4). […] However, in this review, S. aureus was reported less frequently than S. epidermidis, which was isolated in 4 patients (although coagulase-negative staphylococcus was reported in 8 patients). […] It is suggested to start antibiotic treatment as soon as a bacterial skin infection is suspected, after taking a culture, then maintaining or changing the antibiotic according to the results of the antibiogram, depending on the individual case. […] Despite the limitations of this review, the suspicion of infection by M. fortuitum could be taken into account, especially if the infection persists despite the initial treatment. […] Larger studies are needed to determine an association between NP and M. fortuitum infection.
  • #25 Bacterial infections in patients with nipple piercings: a qualitative systematic review of case reports and case series | Publisso
    https://journals.publisso.de/en/journals/id/volume10/id000080
    The most frequently isolated bacterial genera were Staphylococcus (n=10) and Mycobacterium (n=9), all in different patients except for two of them. […] In total, there were 6 cases of infection due to M. fortuitum; 8 cases due to coagulase-negative Staphylococcus; 2 due to N. gonorrhoeae; 2 due to S. aureus; 2 due to S. agalactiae; and 2 due to P. acnes. […] In this review, the most frequent bacterial genus was Staphylococcus (n=10); followed by Mycobacterium (n=9), specifically coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and NTMs, respectively; and the most commonly identified species were M. fortuitum (n=6) and S. epidermidis (n=4). […] However, in this review, S. aureus was reported less frequently than S. epidermidis, which was isolated in 4 patients. […] The suspicion of infection by M. fortuitum could be taken into account. However, we suggest larger studies (i.e., case control studies) to confirm, based on evidence, a possible association between NP and M. fortuitum infection.
  • #26 Bacterial infections in patients with nipple piercings: a qualitative systematic review of case reports and case series | Publisso
    https://books.publisso.de/en/journals/id/volume10/id000080
    The most frequently isolated bacterial genera were Staphylococcus (n=10) and Mycobacterium (n=9), all in different patients except for two of them. […] In this review, the most frequent bacterial genus was Staphylococcus (n=10); followed by Mycobacterium (n=9), specifically coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and NTMs, respectively; and the most commonly identified species were M. fortuitum (n=6) and S. epidermidis (n=4). […] However, in this review, S. aureus was reported less frequently than S. epidermidis, which was isolated in 4 patients (although coagulase-negative staphylococcus was reported in 8 patients). […] It is suggested to start antibiotic treatment as soon as a bacterial skin infection is suspected, after taking a culture, then maintaining or changing the antibiotic according to the results of the antibiogram, depending on the individual case. […] Despite the limitations of this review, the suspicion of infection by M. fortuitum could be taken into account, especially if the infection persists despite the initial treatment. […] Larger studies are needed to determine an association between NP and M. fortuitum infection.
  • #27 Bacterial infections in patients with nipple piercings: a qualitative systematic review of case reports and case series | Publisso
    https://journals.publisso.de/en/journals/id/volume10/id000080
    The most frequently isolated bacterial genera were Staphylococcus (n=10) and Mycobacterium (n=9), all in different patients except for two of them. […] In total, there were 6 cases of infection due to M. fortuitum; 8 cases due to coagulase-negative Staphylococcus; 2 due to N. gonorrhoeae; 2 due to S. aureus; 2 due to S. agalactiae; and 2 due to P. acnes. […] In this review, the most frequent bacterial genus was Staphylococcus (n=10); followed by Mycobacterium (n=9), specifically coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and NTMs, respectively; and the most commonly identified species were M. fortuitum (n=6) and S. epidermidis (n=4). […] However, in this review, S. aureus was reported less frequently than S. epidermidis, which was isolated in 4 patients. […] The suspicion of infection by M. fortuitum could be taken into account. However, we suggest larger studies (i.e., case control studies) to confirm, based on evidence, a possible association between NP and M. fortuitum infection.
  • #28 Bacterial infections in patients with nipple piercings: a qualitative systematic review of case reports and case series | Publisso
    https://journals.publisso.de/en/journals/id/volume10/id000080
    The main objective of this review is to identify the most frequently isolated bacteria in patients with infections related to nipple piercings in case reports and case series. […] Nipple piercings (NP) can cause both non-infectious and infectious complications. Non-infectious complications include injuries when playing contact sports, galactorrhea when nipples are stimulated, etc. […] On the other hand, NP could favor the access of pathogens that lead to local infections at the area of perforation that could spread to surrounding tissues, causing mastitis or abscesses. […] The isolation of the specific type of bacteria could be essential to choose the most appropriate treatment. […] The breast was the main affected organ, and the most frequent findings were fluid collection, pain, erythema, granulation tissue and swelling.
  • #29 Body Piercing Infections – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK537336/
    Localized cellulitis is the most common infectious complication resulting from body piercings. […] If not identified and treated accordingly these localized infections, though rare, can lead to more serious systemic complications such as Ludwig angina, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, and Fournier gangrene as detailed in case reports. […] Concerns over non-sterilized and improper cleaning techniques of piercing equipment, as well as, an individual patient’s overall hygiene habits and poor piercing aftercare attribute to the increased risk of infection with associated body piercings. […] There is a higher incidence of infection when involving the ear due to its poor blood supply leading to issues of wound healing. […] An additional concern arises with genital piercings that can compromise the integrity of barrier contraception and increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections.
  • #30 Body piercing | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/body-piercing
    Body piercing is traditionally done by pushing a needle through skin and inserting a piece of jewellery. […] If a body piercing or new tattoo becomes painful or weeps pus, see your doctor, as it may be infected. […] Most piercings and tattoos that are done by a skilled body artist heal well without complications. […] However, there are some risks, including: transmission of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), if the equipment used is contaminated. […] If your piercing or tattoo becomes painful, bleeds excessively or starts to weep pus, it may be infected. If you think a body piercing or tattoo is infected, see your doctor. You may need treatment with antibiotics. […] A piercing in your genital area is more likely to get infected, so extra care is necessary until it has healed.
  • #31 Body Piercing: More Than Skin Deep
    https://www.skintherapyletter.com/bacterial-skin-infections/body-piercing/
    Young adult populations (18-25 years of age) throughout the world have latched onto the mainstream trend of body piercing. […] An actual body piercing procedure only takes a few moments, but given the invasive technique of the procedure, an earlier study cited frequent infections (45%) and skin irritations (39%) as prevalent piercing site problems, often because no aftercare instructions for proper skin treatment were provided. […] While most body piercings are not problematic, the potential for localized infections, as well as associated systemic diseases, is present so long as the piercing site remains open. […] These infections may become an even more invasive problem with the emergence of community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). […] Bacterial skin infections at or near the site are considered the most commonly reported complication of body piercings, with causative organisms primarily consisting of 2 gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus, and group A Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, and 1 gram-negative bacteria: Pseudomonas.
  • #32 Body Piercing: More Than Skin Deep
    https://www.skintherapyletter.com/bacterial-skin-infections/body-piercing/
    Young adult populations (18-25 years of age) throughout the world have latched onto the mainstream trend of body piercing. […] An actual body piercing procedure only takes a few moments, but given the invasive technique of the procedure, an earlier study cited frequent infections (45%) and skin irritations (39%) as prevalent piercing site problems, often because no aftercare instructions for proper skin treatment were provided. […] While most body piercings are not problematic, the potential for localized infections, as well as associated systemic diseases, is present so long as the piercing site remains open. […] These infections may become an even more invasive problem with the emergence of community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). […] Bacterial skin infections at or near the site are considered the most commonly reported complication of body piercings, with causative organisms primarily consisting of 2 gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus, and group A Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, and 1 gram-negative bacteria: Pseudomonas.
  • #33 Complications of Body Piercing | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1115/p2029.html
    Multiple ear piercings have gained popularity, especially high piercing through the cartilage of the pinna. These piercings are associated with poor healing and more serious infection because of the avascular nature of auricular cartilage. […] Minor infections can progress to perichondritis, abscess formation, and necrosis with or without systemic symptoms. […] The most common pathogens (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) respond well to fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment. […] Infection requires aggressive treatment with antibiotics that have good coverage against Staphylococcus species that commonly colonize the nasal mucosa. […] With any piercing, there is the danger of infection, including hepatitis B or C virus and tetanus. Body piercing as a possible vector for human immunodeficiency virus transmission has been suggested. Nonsterile piercing techniques and poor hygiene contribute significantly to the increased risk of infection.
  • #34
    https://journals.lww.com/jnsm/fulltext/2022/05020/cartilage_ear_piercing_probable_infections_among.14.aspx
    The prevalence of ear piercings is 8%32%. Complications can be due to the factors such as the amount of tissue blood supply, the location of the piercing, the extent of hygiene techniques, and much more. […] The prevalence of a probable ear piercing-related infection for ear cartilage piercings was found to be significantly higher than for earlobe piercings (41.4% vs. 29.6%) (P = 0.0004) (confidence interval [CI] = 0.4430.795). […] Probable external ear infections were more common among those with cartilage ear piercings than those with earlobe piercings. […] The most common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus for lobular ear piercings and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for cartilage ear piercings. […] The symptoms of ear piercing infections include erythema, pain, or oozing blood and pus.
  • #35 Body Piercing: More Than Skin Deep
    https://www.skintherapyletter.com/bacterial-skin-infections/body-piercing/
    Young adult populations (18-25 years of age) throughout the world have latched onto the mainstream trend of body piercing. […] An actual body piercing procedure only takes a few moments, but given the invasive technique of the procedure, an earlier study cited frequent infections (45%) and skin irritations (39%) as prevalent piercing site problems, often because no aftercare instructions for proper skin treatment were provided. […] While most body piercings are not problematic, the potential for localized infections, as well as associated systemic diseases, is present so long as the piercing site remains open. […] These infections may become an even more invasive problem with the emergence of community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). […] Bacterial skin infections at or near the site are considered the most commonly reported complication of body piercings, with causative organisms primarily consisting of 2 gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus, and group A Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, and 1 gram-negative bacteria: Pseudomonas.
  • #36 Complications of Body Piercing | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1115/p2029.html
    Multiple ear piercings have gained popularity, especially high piercing through the cartilage of the pinna. These piercings are associated with poor healing and more serious infection because of the avascular nature of auricular cartilage. […] Minor infections can progress to perichondritis, abscess formation, and necrosis with or without systemic symptoms. […] The most common pathogens (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) respond well to fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment. […] Infection requires aggressive treatment with antibiotics that have good coverage against Staphylococcus species that commonly colonize the nasal mucosa. […] With any piercing, there is the danger of infection, including hepatitis B or C virus and tetanus. Body piercing as a possible vector for human immunodeficiency virus transmission has been suggested. Nonsterile piercing techniques and poor hygiene contribute significantly to the increased risk of infection.
  • #37
    https://journals.lww.com/jnsm/fulltext/2022/05020/cartilage_ear_piercing_probable_infections_among.14.aspx
    The prevalence of ear piercings is 8%32%. Complications can be due to the factors such as the amount of tissue blood supply, the location of the piercing, the extent of hygiene techniques, and much more. […] The prevalence of a probable ear piercing-related infection for ear cartilage piercings was found to be significantly higher than for earlobe piercings (41.4% vs. 29.6%) (P = 0.0004) (confidence interval [CI] = 0.4430.795). […] Probable external ear infections were more common among those with cartilage ear piercings than those with earlobe piercings. […] The most common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus for lobular ear piercings and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for cartilage ear piercings. […] The symptoms of ear piercing infections include erythema, pain, or oozing blood and pus.
  • #38 How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/infected-ear-piercing-5184120
    An infected ear piercing is unlikely, as long as you get your piercing at a licensed salon and follow the recommended aftercare instructions. […] New piercings get infected because bacteria get transmitted (passed) to the wound before it has had the chance to heal. The bacteria most commonly associated with this is Staphylococcus aureus, commonly found in the nostrils, armpits, groin, and head. […] Common causes of infected ear piercings include: Getting pierced with non-sterilized equipment or in a non-sterile environment, such as a kitchen or bathroom. […] An infection of ear cartilage referred to as perichondritis can be more severe, in part because the reduced blood flow impedes healing and makes infections harder to fight. […] If not treated appropriately, a severe piercing infection can lead to: Keloids (hardened, raised scar tissues) and the destruction of ear cartilage (causing disfigurement of the ear). […] Infected piercings can be avoided by always washing your hands before touching your ear, washing the piercing with soap and water at least once daily, and leaving the earrings in until the wound is fully healed.
  • #39 Body Piercing: More Than Skin Deep
    https://www.skintherapyletter.com/bacterial-skin-infections/body-piercing/
    Young adult populations (18-25 years of age) throughout the world have latched onto the mainstream trend of body piercing. […] An actual body piercing procedure only takes a few moments, but given the invasive technique of the procedure, an earlier study cited frequent infections (45%) and skin irritations (39%) as prevalent piercing site problems, often because no aftercare instructions for proper skin treatment were provided. […] While most body piercings are not problematic, the potential for localized infections, as well as associated systemic diseases, is present so long as the piercing site remains open. […] These infections may become an even more invasive problem with the emergence of community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). […] Bacterial skin infections at or near the site are considered the most commonly reported complication of body piercings, with causative organisms primarily consisting of 2 gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus, and group A Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, and 1 gram-negative bacteria: Pseudomonas.
  • #40 Bacterial infections in patients with nipple piercings: a qualitative systematic review of case reports and case series | Publisso
    https://books.publisso.de/en/journals/id/volume10/id000080
    The most frequently isolated bacterial genera were Staphylococcus (n=10) and Mycobacterium (n=9), all in different patients except for two of them. […] In this review, the most frequent bacterial genus was Staphylococcus (n=10); followed by Mycobacterium (n=9), specifically coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and NTMs, respectively; and the most commonly identified species were M. fortuitum (n=6) and S. epidermidis (n=4). […] However, in this review, S. aureus was reported less frequently than S. epidermidis, which was isolated in 4 patients (although coagulase-negative staphylococcus was reported in 8 patients). […] It is suggested to start antibiotic treatment as soon as a bacterial skin infection is suspected, after taking a culture, then maintaining or changing the antibiotic according to the results of the antibiogram, depending on the individual case. […] Despite the limitations of this review, the suspicion of infection by M. fortuitum could be taken into account, especially if the infection persists despite the initial treatment. […] Larger studies are needed to determine an association between NP and M. fortuitum infection.
  • #41 Bacterial infections in patients with nipple piercings: a qualitative systematic review of case reports and case series | Publisso
    https://journals.publisso.de/en/journals/id/volume10/id000080
    The most frequently isolated bacterial genera were Staphylococcus (n=10) and Mycobacterium (n=9), all in different patients except for two of them. […] In total, there were 6 cases of infection due to M. fortuitum; 8 cases due to coagulase-negative Staphylococcus; 2 due to N. gonorrhoeae; 2 due to S. aureus; 2 due to S. agalactiae; and 2 due to P. acnes. […] In this review, the most frequent bacterial genus was Staphylococcus (n=10); followed by Mycobacterium (n=9), specifically coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and NTMs, respectively; and the most commonly identified species were M. fortuitum (n=6) and S. epidermidis (n=4). […] However, in this review, S. aureus was reported less frequently than S. epidermidis, which was isolated in 4 patients. […] The suspicion of infection by M. fortuitum could be taken into account. However, we suggest larger studies (i.e., case control studies) to confirm, based on evidence, a possible association between NP and M. fortuitum infection.
  • #42 Complications of Body Piercing | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1115/p2029.html
    Multiple ear piercings have gained popularity, especially high piercing through the cartilage of the pinna. These piercings are associated with poor healing and more serious infection because of the avascular nature of auricular cartilage. […] Minor infections can progress to perichondritis, abscess formation, and necrosis with or without systemic symptoms. […] The most common pathogens (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) respond well to fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment. […] Infection requires aggressive treatment with antibiotics that have good coverage against Staphylococcus species that commonly colonize the nasal mucosa. […] With any piercing, there is the danger of infection, including hepatitis B or C virus and tetanus. Body piercing as a possible vector for human immunodeficiency virus transmission has been suggested. Nonsterile piercing techniques and poor hygiene contribute significantly to the increased risk of infection.
  • #43 Complications of Body Piercing | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1115/p2029.html
    Multiple ear piercings have gained popularity, especially high piercing through the cartilage of the pinna. These piercings are associated with poor healing and more serious infection because of the avascular nature of auricular cartilage. […] Minor infections can progress to perichondritis, abscess formation, and necrosis with or without systemic symptoms. […] The most common pathogens (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) respond well to fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment. […] Infection requires aggressive treatment with antibiotics that have good coverage against Staphylococcus species that commonly colonize the nasal mucosa. […] With any piercing, there is the danger of infection, including hepatitis B or C virus and tetanus. Body piercing as a possible vector for human immunodeficiency virus transmission has been suggested. Nonsterile piercing techniques and poor hygiene contribute significantly to the increased risk of infection.
  • #44 How to Treat Ear Piercing Infections at Home
    https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-to-know-about-ear-piercing-infections
    While getting your ears pierced is pretty safe, there’s still a chance that your piercings could become infected. […] Most commonly, an infected ear piercing is caused by bacteria entering the wound, which can happen in several ways. […] Ear piercing infections are also common if you dont wash them often enough. […] Infections are more likely if you try to take out the earrings before the piercing has healed. […] Symptoms of an infected ear piercing typically include: Redness or swelling at the piercing site or redness that continues to expand past the piercing. […] Without proper treatment, ear piercing infections can spread to the rest of your body. This is called a systemic infection. The infection can also get worse or form an abscess. An abscess is an area of the skin that is swollen and filled with pus.
  • #45 What Is Infected Ear Piercing? – Klarity Health Library
    https://my.klarity.health/what-is-infected-ear-piercing/
    A pierced ear that is inflamed and infected is referred to as having an infected ear piercing. It can happen immediately after receiving a fresh piercing or after the first round of healing. Infections can occur for a number of reasons, including poor hygiene, unsterilized equipment, touching the piercing with unclean hands, or wearing cheap jewelry which can cause an allergic reaction. […] A piercing infection can result from a variety of sources. Here are a few typical reasons: […] The risk of infection can increase if the piercing is not cleaned often or if basic aftercare guidelines are not followed. To keep bacteria from entering the punctured region, it must be kept clean. […] The piercing site may become infected during the procedure if the piercing equipment being used, including needles or stud earrings, is not thoroughly sterilized or is contaminated.
  • #46 What Is Infected Ear Piercing? – Klarity Health Library
    https://my.klarity.health/what-is-infected-ear-piercing/
    A pierced ear that is inflamed and infected is referred to as having an infected ear piercing. It can happen immediately after receiving a fresh piercing or after the first round of healing. Infections can occur for a number of reasons, including poor hygiene, unsterilized equipment, touching the piercing with unclean hands, or wearing cheap jewelry which can cause an allergic reaction. […] A piercing infection can result from a variety of sources. Here are a few typical reasons: […] The risk of infection can increase if the piercing is not cleaned often or if basic aftercare guidelines are not followed. To keep bacteria from entering the punctured region, it must be kept clean. […] The piercing site may become infected during the procedure if the piercing equipment being used, including needles or stud earrings, is not thoroughly sterilized or is contaminated.
  • #47 How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/infected-ear-piercing-5184120
    An infected ear piercing is unlikely, as long as you get your piercing at a licensed salon and follow the recommended aftercare instructions. […] New piercings get infected because bacteria get transmitted (passed) to the wound before it has had the chance to heal. The bacteria most commonly associated with this is Staphylococcus aureus, commonly found in the nostrils, armpits, groin, and head. […] Common causes of infected ear piercings include: Getting pierced with non-sterilized equipment or in a non-sterile environment, such as a kitchen or bathroom. […] An infection of ear cartilage referred to as perichondritis can be more severe, in part because the reduced blood flow impedes healing and makes infections harder to fight. […] If not treated appropriately, a severe piercing infection can lead to: Keloids (hardened, raised scar tissues) and the destruction of ear cartilage (causing disfigurement of the ear). […] Infected piercings can be avoided by always washing your hands before touching your ear, washing the piercing with soap and water at least once daily, and leaving the earrings in until the wound is fully healed.
  • #48 Community Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections Associated with Contaminated Piercing Aftercare Solution, Australia, 2021 – Volume 29, Number 10—October 2023 – Emerging Infectious Diseases journal – CDC
    https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/10/23-0560_article
    We found microbiological, environmental, and epidemiologic evidence linking a single batch of aftercare solution to a piercing-related P. aeruginosa infection outbreak across NSW during April-June 2021. The distinct whole-genome sequence type shared by 27 isolates from various sources, including clinical specimens and aftercare solution samples (both client-used and unopened bottles), established a single common source for this outbreak. Therefore, we successfully used WGS to establish a causative link between an aftercare product and a piercing-related P. aeruginosa infection outbreak. […] Multiple outbreaks of P. aeruginosa infections from at least 2 continents have been caused by piercing aftercare products, suggesting that higher manufacturing standards might be required for such solutions.
  • #49 What Is Infected Ear Piercing? – Klarity Health Library
    https://my.klarity.health/what-is-infected-ear-piercing/
    A pierced ear that is inflamed and infected is referred to as having an infected ear piercing. It can happen immediately after receiving a fresh piercing or after the first round of healing. Infections can occur for a number of reasons, including poor hygiene, unsterilized equipment, touching the piercing with unclean hands, or wearing cheap jewelry which can cause an allergic reaction. […] A piercing infection can result from a variety of sources. Here are a few typical reasons: […] The risk of infection can increase if the piercing is not cleaned often or if basic aftercare guidelines are not followed. To keep bacteria from entering the punctured region, it must be kept clean. […] The piercing site may become infected during the procedure if the piercing equipment being used, including needles or stud earrings, is not thoroughly sterilized or is contaminated.
  • #50 How to Treat Ear Piercing Infections at Home
    https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-to-know-about-ear-piercing-infections
    While getting your ears pierced is pretty safe, there’s still a chance that your piercings could become infected. […] Most commonly, an infected ear piercing is caused by bacteria entering the wound, which can happen in several ways. […] Ear piercing infections are also common if you dont wash them often enough. […] Infections are more likely if you try to take out the earrings before the piercing has healed. […] Symptoms of an infected ear piercing typically include: Redness or swelling at the piercing site or redness that continues to expand past the piercing. […] Without proper treatment, ear piercing infections can spread to the rest of your body. This is called a systemic infection. The infection can also get worse or form an abscess. An abscess is an area of the skin that is swollen and filled with pus.
  • #51 Infected Nipple Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment, And Risks
    https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/infected-nipple-piercing/
    Systemic symptoms such as fever, body aches, chills, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue should not be overlooked as they may indicate a more severe infection. […] Improper hygiene practices or touching the pierced nipple with dirty hands may cause an infected nipple piercing. […] Signs of infection include redness, fever, abnormal discharge, and severe pain around the infected area. […] Cleaning the infected piercing twice a day with a mild antiseptic solution and using topical or oral antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to help manage the infection. […] An infected nipple piercing can cause physical and mental distress to the concerned individual. […] Here are some of the factors that may cause this issue: Improper or infrequent cleaning of the piercing site, Touching the piercing with unwashed hands, Use of non-sterile or sub-quality piercing jewelry materials, Tight clothing that may easily catch onto the piercing and irritate it further, Getting pierced in an unclean setting with dirty needles, Individuals with a weakened immune system may be at an increased risk of contracting infections during the recovery period.
  • #52 Infected Nipple Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment, And Risks
    https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/infected-nipple-piercing/
    Systemic symptoms such as fever, body aches, chills, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue should not be overlooked as they may indicate a more severe infection. […] Improper hygiene practices or touching the pierced nipple with dirty hands may cause an infected nipple piercing. […] Signs of infection include redness, fever, abnormal discharge, and severe pain around the infected area. […] Cleaning the infected piercing twice a day with a mild antiseptic solution and using topical or oral antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to help manage the infection. […] An infected nipple piercing can cause physical and mental distress to the concerned individual. […] Here are some of the factors that may cause this issue: Improper or infrequent cleaning of the piercing site, Touching the piercing with unwashed hands, Use of non-sterile or sub-quality piercing jewelry materials, Tight clothing that may easily catch onto the piercing and irritate it further, Getting pierced in an unclean setting with dirty needles, Individuals with a weakened immune system may be at an increased risk of contracting infections during the recovery period.
  • #53 What Is Infected Ear Piercing? – Klarity Health Library
    https://my.klarity.health/what-is-infected-ear-piercing/
    Naturally occurring bacteria, including both helpful and hazardous species, live on the surface of the skin. When the outer layer of skin is punctured, bacteria may get inside the wound and settle there, which can cause an infection. […] The development of a protective crust and the expansion of new tissue are both components of the healing process for piercings. However, several conditions can prevent a wound from healing properly, increasing the risk of infection at the piercing site. […] Certain people may experience adverse reactions to certain metals present in earrings, especially nickel. Skin inflammation and irritation brought on by allergic reactions might encourage bacterial colonization and infection. […] Excessive stroking, pulling, or turning the piercing’s jewelry might impede the wound healing correctly and result in minor skin rips or abrasions. These wounds serve as points of entrance for germs, raising the possibility of infection.
  • #54 What Is Infected Ear Piercing? – Klarity Health Library
    https://my.klarity.health/what-is-infected-ear-piercing/
    Naturally occurring bacteria, including both helpful and hazardous species, live on the surface of the skin. When the outer layer of skin is punctured, bacteria may get inside the wound and settle there, which can cause an infection. […] The development of a protective crust and the expansion of new tissue are both components of the healing process for piercings. However, several conditions can prevent a wound from healing properly, increasing the risk of infection at the piercing site. […] Certain people may experience adverse reactions to certain metals present in earrings, especially nickel. Skin inflammation and irritation brought on by allergic reactions might encourage bacterial colonization and infection. […] Excessive stroking, pulling, or turning the piercing’s jewelry might impede the wound healing correctly and result in minor skin rips or abrasions. These wounds serve as points of entrance for germs, raising the possibility of infection.
  • #55 Body Piercing: More Than Skin Deep
    https://www.skintherapyletter.com/bacterial-skin-infections/body-piercing/
    Although rare, systemic infections, such as infective endocarditis (IE) or sepsis, can also occur. […] These are thought to be “triggered either by normal flora at the puncture site, microorganism colonization around the jewelry, or by a localized site infection that stimulates episodes of transient bacteremia, that can seed various areas of the heart.” […] More than 25 IE cases in the past decade have come from tongue, navel, earlobe, lower lip, and nipple piercings. […] Prophylactic antibiotic regimens have been suggested since 1999, but the treatment is still being debated.
  • #56 Body Piercing: More Than Skin Deep
    https://www.skintherapyletter.com/bacterial-skin-infections/body-piercing/
    Although rare, systemic infections, such as infective endocarditis (IE) or sepsis, can also occur. […] These are thought to be “triggered either by normal flora at the puncture site, microorganism colonization around the jewelry, or by a localized site infection that stimulates episodes of transient bacteremia, that can seed various areas of the heart.” […] More than 25 IE cases in the past decade have come from tongue, navel, earlobe, lower lip, and nipple piercings. […] Prophylactic antibiotic regimens have been suggested since 1999, but the treatment is still being debated.
  • #57 Body Piercing: More Than Skin Deep
    https://www.skintherapyletter.com/bacterial-skin-infections/body-piercing/
    Although rare, systemic infections, such as infective endocarditis (IE) or sepsis, can also occur. […] These are thought to be “triggered either by normal flora at the puncture site, microorganism colonization around the jewelry, or by a localized site infection that stimulates episodes of transient bacteremia, that can seed various areas of the heart.” […] More than 25 IE cases in the past decade have come from tongue, navel, earlobe, lower lip, and nipple piercings. […] Prophylactic antibiotic regimens have been suggested since 1999, but the treatment is still being debated.
  • #58 Body Piercing: More Than Skin Deep
    https://www.skintherapyletter.com/bacterial-skin-infections/body-piercing/
    Although rare, systemic infections, such as infective endocarditis (IE) or sepsis, can also occur. […] These are thought to be “triggered either by normal flora at the puncture site, microorganism colonization around the jewelry, or by a localized site infection that stimulates episodes of transient bacteremia, that can seed various areas of the heart.” […] More than 25 IE cases in the past decade have come from tongue, navel, earlobe, lower lip, and nipple piercings. […] Prophylactic antibiotic regimens have been suggested since 1999, but the treatment is still being debated.
  • #59 Is my piercing infected? Here’s how to tell | UPMC HealthBeat
    https://share.upmc.com/2022/12/signs-my-piercing-is-infected/
    Any piercing can become infected. Piercings outside the earlobe in the ear cartilage, the belly button, or the nipple are at a higher risk of infection. […] Rarely, bacteria from a piercing infection can get into the bloodstream and threaten the heart or other organs in the body. […] If you have these signs of a more serious infection, you likely need medication to fight it off. If a serious skin infection goes untreated, it can spread to the blood in rare cases. A blood-borne infection can cause a person to feel very sick and can even lead to organ damage. […] Depending on the site of the piercing, and your symptoms, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for an infected piercing. The antibiotic may come in the form of a topical cream that you apply to the area with clean hands. To prevent the infection from spreading, your doctor may recommend antibiotics you take by mouth. […] Most infections happen in the first few weeks or months of having a piercing. An infection at the time of piercing could be from bacteria on the piercing tool, the jewelry, or the piercers hands. Bacteria can more easily enter a raw wound compared to healed skin.
  • #60 Is my piercing infected? Here’s how to tell | UPMC HealthBeat
    https://share.upmc.com/2022/12/signs-my-piercing-is-infected/
    Any piercing can become infected. Piercings outside the earlobe in the ear cartilage, the belly button, or the nipple are at a higher risk of infection. […] Rarely, bacteria from a piercing infection can get into the bloodstream and threaten the heart or other organs in the body. […] If you have these signs of a more serious infection, you likely need medication to fight it off. If a serious skin infection goes untreated, it can spread to the blood in rare cases. A blood-borne infection can cause a person to feel very sick and can even lead to organ damage. […] Depending on the site of the piercing, and your symptoms, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for an infected piercing. The antibiotic may come in the form of a topical cream that you apply to the area with clean hands. To prevent the infection from spreading, your doctor may recommend antibiotics you take by mouth. […] Most infections happen in the first few weeks or months of having a piercing. An infection at the time of piercing could be from bacteria on the piercing tool, the jewelry, or the piercers hands. Bacteria can more easily enter a raw wound compared to healed skin.
  • #61 What is an Infection? – Rogue Piercing
    https://roguepiercing.co.uk/2021/07/30/what-is-an-infection/
    We cannot stress how rare it is for an infection to be caused by a competent piercer using an aseptic technique. […] Infections can be caused by a number of things, including submerging the piercing in stagnant water, touching your piercing with unwashed hands, working in a dirty or contaminated environment, wearing dirty clothing or using unclean headphones or stethoscopes. Secondary infections like this are the most common form An infection introduced after the piercing has been performed, not by the piercing process itself. […] Infections can look different depending on the causative bacterium or fungus. An infection commonly looks like: Intense swelling and spreading redness across the ear, neck and face (or relevant body area). A thick, cottage-cheese textured liquid that may be white, yellow or brown, oozing from the piercing. This discharge is often foul-smelling. Flu-like symptoms including sweating, shivering, clamminess, and feeling unwell. A fever of 38 degrees or above. Swollen glands in your neck, armpits and groin. An infection will be obvious You will know what it looks like as an infection is a serious medical issue. […] Infections are rare, but with speedy diagnosis and treatment they can be solved and you can keep your piercing.
  • #62 Infected Ear Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21503-infected-ear-piercing
    Redness and swelling around your piercing are signs of an ear piercing infection. Signs of an ear piercing infection include redness and swelling around the piercing. An ear piercing is a hole through your earlobe or the cartilage in your middle or upper ear. Ear piercing infections may be red, swollen, sore, warm, itchy or tender. Sometimes, piercings ooze blood or white, yellow or green pus. A new piercing is an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal. During that time, any bacteria that enter the wound can lead to infection. If bacteria get into a new piercing, it can lead to infection. Leaving an infected piercing untreated can result in a more severe infection or an abscess (a swollen area filled with pus). Upper ear piercings are more likely to get infected. Left untreated, these infections can lead to a condition known as perichondritis. An infection can also spread into your body (systemic infection). With good care, most infections clear up within a few days. If your infected ear piercing isn’t improving, you should see a healthcare provider. Taking good care of your piercings is key to preventing infection.
  • #63 How to Treat Ear Piercing Infections at Home
    https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-to-know-about-ear-piercing-infections
    While getting your ears pierced is pretty safe, there’s still a chance that your piercings could become infected. […] Most commonly, an infected ear piercing is caused by bacteria entering the wound, which can happen in several ways. […] Ear piercing infections are also common if you dont wash them often enough. […] Infections are more likely if you try to take out the earrings before the piercing has healed. […] Symptoms of an infected ear piercing typically include: Redness or swelling at the piercing site or redness that continues to expand past the piercing. […] Without proper treatment, ear piercing infections can spread to the rest of your body. This is called a systemic infection. The infection can also get worse or form an abscess. An abscess is an area of the skin that is swollen and filled with pus.
  • #64 Industrial Piercing Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/infected-industrial-piercing
    An industrial piercing can describe any two pierced holes connected by a single barbell. It usually refers to double perforation on the cartilage at the top of your ear. Cartilage piercings particularly those high on your ear are more prone to infection than other ear piercings. […] If you do get an infection, it may or may not affect both holes. The hole thats closest to your head is the most vulnerable. […] In some cases, the redness and swelling can spread and enlarge. These could be early signs of an infection around the piercing. Other signs of infection include: uncomfortable swelling, persistent heat or warmth, severe pain, excessive bleeding, pus, bump at the front or back of the piercing, fever. […] If your piercing is new, one of your first impulses might be to play with the jewelry by twisting it back and forth. You should resist this urge, especially if youre already experiencing unwanted side effects. […] Moving the jewelry around can increase swelling and irritation, as well as introduce new bacteria into the holes. […] If you dont see improvement within a day or two, see your piercer for advice.
  • #65 Cartilage piercing bump: Scars, infections, and what to do
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326325
    It may be difficult to tell how serious an infection is from symptoms alone, and delaying treatment can lead to complications. Some infections may even cause the ear to become deformed, so people should speak to a doctor if they experience any symptoms. […] A person may have an infection if the bump is: discolored, swollen, painful, oozing pus.
  • #66 Infected piercings
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infected-piercings/
    An infected piercing can be serious if it’s not treated quickly. Get immediate medical help if you think your piercing is infected. […] Your piercing might be infected if: the area around it is swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour); there’s blood or pus coming out of it pus can be white, green or yellow; you feel hot or shivery or generally unwell. […] You may need antibiotics if your piercing is infected. This can be a cream, ointment, or tablets.
  • #67 Infected Ear Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21503-infected-ear-piercing
    Redness and swelling around your piercing are signs of an ear piercing infection. Signs of an ear piercing infection include redness and swelling around the piercing. An ear piercing is a hole through your earlobe or the cartilage in your middle or upper ear. Ear piercing infections may be red, swollen, sore, warm, itchy or tender. Sometimes, piercings ooze blood or white, yellow or green pus. A new piercing is an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal. During that time, any bacteria that enter the wound can lead to infection. If bacteria get into a new piercing, it can lead to infection. Leaving an infected piercing untreated can result in a more severe infection or an abscess (a swollen area filled with pus). Upper ear piercings are more likely to get infected. Left untreated, these infections can lead to a condition known as perichondritis. An infection can also spread into your body (systemic infection). With good care, most infections clear up within a few days. If your infected ear piercing isn’t improving, you should see a healthcare provider. Taking good care of your piercings is key to preventing infection.
  • #68 How to Treat Ear Piercing Infections at Home
    https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-to-know-about-ear-piercing-infections
    While getting your ears pierced is pretty safe, there’s still a chance that your piercings could become infected. […] Most commonly, an infected ear piercing is caused by bacteria entering the wound, which can happen in several ways. […] Ear piercing infections are also common if you dont wash them often enough. […] Infections are more likely if you try to take out the earrings before the piercing has healed. […] Symptoms of an infected ear piercing typically include: Redness or swelling at the piercing site or redness that continues to expand past the piercing. […] Without proper treatment, ear piercing infections can spread to the rest of your body. This is called a systemic infection. The infection can also get worse or form an abscess. An abscess is an area of the skin that is swollen and filled with pus.
  • #69 Industrial Piercing Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/infected-industrial-piercing
    An industrial piercing can describe any two pierced holes connected by a single barbell. It usually refers to double perforation on the cartilage at the top of your ear. Cartilage piercings particularly those high on your ear are more prone to infection than other ear piercings. […] If you do get an infection, it may or may not affect both holes. The hole thats closest to your head is the most vulnerable. […] In some cases, the redness and swelling can spread and enlarge. These could be early signs of an infection around the piercing. Other signs of infection include: uncomfortable swelling, persistent heat or warmth, severe pain, excessive bleeding, pus, bump at the front or back of the piercing, fever. […] If your piercing is new, one of your first impulses might be to play with the jewelry by twisting it back and forth. You should resist this urge, especially if youre already experiencing unwanted side effects. […] Moving the jewelry around can increase swelling and irritation, as well as introduce new bacteria into the holes. […] If you dont see improvement within a day or two, see your piercer for advice.
  • #70 Cartilage piercing bump: Scars, infections, and what to do
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326325
    It may be difficult to tell how serious an infection is from symptoms alone, and delaying treatment can lead to complications. Some infections may even cause the ear to become deformed, so people should speak to a doctor if they experience any symptoms. […] A person may have an infection if the bump is: discolored, swollen, painful, oozing pus.
  • #71 Infected piercings
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infected-piercings/
    An infected piercing can be serious if it’s not treated quickly. Get immediate medical help if you think your piercing is infected. […] Your piercing might be infected if: the area around it is swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour); there’s blood or pus coming out of it pus can be white, green or yellow; you feel hot or shivery or generally unwell. […] You may need antibiotics if your piercing is infected. This can be a cream, ointment, or tablets.
  • #72 What is an Infection? – Rogue Piercing
    https://roguepiercing.co.uk/2021/07/30/what-is-an-infection/
    We cannot stress how rare it is for an infection to be caused by a competent piercer using an aseptic technique. […] Infections can be caused by a number of things, including submerging the piercing in stagnant water, touching your piercing with unwashed hands, working in a dirty or contaminated environment, wearing dirty clothing or using unclean headphones or stethoscopes. Secondary infections like this are the most common form An infection introduced after the piercing has been performed, not by the piercing process itself. […] Infections can look different depending on the causative bacterium or fungus. An infection commonly looks like: Intense swelling and spreading redness across the ear, neck and face (or relevant body area). A thick, cottage-cheese textured liquid that may be white, yellow or brown, oozing from the piercing. This discharge is often foul-smelling. Flu-like symptoms including sweating, shivering, clamminess, and feeling unwell. A fever of 38 degrees or above. Swollen glands in your neck, armpits and groin. An infection will be obvious You will know what it looks like as an infection is a serious medical issue. […] Infections are rare, but with speedy diagnosis and treatment they can be solved and you can keep your piercing.
  • #73 What is an Infection? – Rogue Piercing
    https://roguepiercing.co.uk/2021/07/30/what-is-an-infection/
    We cannot stress how rare it is for an infection to be caused by a competent piercer using an aseptic technique. […] Infections can be caused by a number of things, including submerging the piercing in stagnant water, touching your piercing with unwashed hands, working in a dirty or contaminated environment, wearing dirty clothing or using unclean headphones or stethoscopes. Secondary infections like this are the most common form An infection introduced after the piercing has been performed, not by the piercing process itself. […] Infections can look different depending on the causative bacterium or fungus. An infection commonly looks like: Intense swelling and spreading redness across the ear, neck and face (or relevant body area). A thick, cottage-cheese textured liquid that may be white, yellow or brown, oozing from the piercing. This discharge is often foul-smelling. Flu-like symptoms including sweating, shivering, clamminess, and feeling unwell. A fever of 38 degrees or above. Swollen glands in your neck, armpits and groin. An infection will be obvious You will know what it looks like as an infection is a serious medical issue. […] Infections are rare, but with speedy diagnosis and treatment they can be solved and you can keep your piercing.
  • #74 Infected Nipple Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment, And Risks
    https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/infected-nipple-piercing/
    Systemic symptoms such as fever, body aches, chills, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue should not be overlooked as they may indicate a more severe infection. […] Improper hygiene practices or touching the pierced nipple with dirty hands may cause an infected nipple piercing. […] Signs of infection include redness, fever, abnormal discharge, and severe pain around the infected area. […] Cleaning the infected piercing twice a day with a mild antiseptic solution and using topical or oral antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to help manage the infection. […] An infected nipple piercing can cause physical and mental distress to the concerned individual. […] Here are some of the factors that may cause this issue: Improper or infrequent cleaning of the piercing site, Touching the piercing with unwashed hands, Use of non-sterile or sub-quality piercing jewelry materials, Tight clothing that may easily catch onto the piercing and irritate it further, Getting pierced in an unclean setting with dirty needles, Individuals with a weakened immune system may be at an increased risk of contracting infections during the recovery period.
  • #75 How Do I Treat an Infected Nose Piercing? 8 Tips
    https://www.medicinenet.com/how_do_i_treat_an_infected_nose_piercing/article.htm
    When it comes to nose piercings, getting it done in a hygienic setting and doing proper aftercare are important. Reasons a nose piercing may get infected include: […] If there is very severe throbbing pain or burning sensation, foul-smelling discharge, and heavy crusting, seek immediate medical help. These symptoms indicate that the infection may be spreading to other areas. An infection can even spread to cartilage in the nose, causing perichondritis (infection of cartilage) in rare cases. […] An infected nose piercing can also cause fever, headache, nausea, etc. due to the systemic response to infection taking place inside of the body.
  • #76 What is an Infection? – Rogue Piercing
    https://roguepiercing.co.uk/2021/07/30/what-is-an-infection/
    We cannot stress how rare it is for an infection to be caused by a competent piercer using an aseptic technique. […] Infections can be caused by a number of things, including submerging the piercing in stagnant water, touching your piercing with unwashed hands, working in a dirty or contaminated environment, wearing dirty clothing or using unclean headphones or stethoscopes. Secondary infections like this are the most common form An infection introduced after the piercing has been performed, not by the piercing process itself. […] Infections can look different depending on the causative bacterium or fungus. An infection commonly looks like: Intense swelling and spreading redness across the ear, neck and face (or relevant body area). A thick, cottage-cheese textured liquid that may be white, yellow or brown, oozing from the piercing. This discharge is often foul-smelling. Flu-like symptoms including sweating, shivering, clamminess, and feeling unwell. A fever of 38 degrees or above. Swollen glands in your neck, armpits and groin. An infection will be obvious You will know what it looks like as an infection is a serious medical issue. […] Infections are rare, but with speedy diagnosis and treatment they can be solved and you can keep your piercing.
  • #77 Infected Nipple Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment, And Risks
    https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/infected-nipple-piercing/
    Systemic symptoms such as fever, body aches, chills, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue should not be overlooked as they may indicate a more severe infection. […] Improper hygiene practices or touching the pierced nipple with dirty hands may cause an infected nipple piercing. […] Signs of infection include redness, fever, abnormal discharge, and severe pain around the infected area. […] Cleaning the infected piercing twice a day with a mild antiseptic solution and using topical or oral antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to help manage the infection. […] An infected nipple piercing can cause physical and mental distress to the concerned individual. […] Here are some of the factors that may cause this issue: Improper or infrequent cleaning of the piercing site, Touching the piercing with unwashed hands, Use of non-sterile or sub-quality piercing jewelry materials, Tight clothing that may easily catch onto the piercing and irritate it further, Getting pierced in an unclean setting with dirty needles, Individuals with a weakened immune system may be at an increased risk of contracting infections during the recovery period.
  • #78 How Do I Treat an Infected Nose Piercing? 8 Tips
    https://www.medicinenet.com/how_do_i_treat_an_infected_nose_piercing/article.htm
    When it comes to nose piercings, getting it done in a hygienic setting and doing proper aftercare are important. Reasons a nose piercing may get infected include: […] If there is very severe throbbing pain or burning sensation, foul-smelling discharge, and heavy crusting, seek immediate medical help. These symptoms indicate that the infection may be spreading to other areas. An infection can even spread to cartilage in the nose, causing perichondritis (infection of cartilage) in rare cases. […] An infected nose piercing can also cause fever, headache, nausea, etc. due to the systemic response to infection taking place inside of the body.
  • #79 How Do I Treat an Infected Nose Piercing? 8 Tips
    https://www.medicinenet.com/how_do_i_treat_an_infected_nose_piercing/article.htm
    When it comes to nose piercings, getting it done in a hygienic setting and doing proper aftercare are important. Reasons a nose piercing may get infected include: […] If there is very severe throbbing pain or burning sensation, foul-smelling discharge, and heavy crusting, seek immediate medical help. These symptoms indicate that the infection may be spreading to other areas. An infection can even spread to cartilage in the nose, causing perichondritis (infection of cartilage) in rare cases. […] An infected nose piercing can also cause fever, headache, nausea, etc. due to the systemic response to infection taking place inside of the body.
  • #80
    https://solacejewellery.com/blogs/news/is-your-piercing-infected-irritated-or-causing-an-allergic-reaction
    IS YOUR PIERCING INFECTED, IRRITATED OR CAUSING AN ALLERGIC REACTION? The first question youre likely to ask when a new piercing becomes unusually painful or swollen is is my piercing infected? […] Infections are caused by bacteria and other contaminating substances getting into the wound. This can mostly be avoided by following basic hygiene rules and using a trusted piercer. The tissue surrounding an infected piercing will become swollen, red, painful and hot when you touch it. Its likely it will also have a discharge thats dark yellow or green in colour. It may also appear slightly bloody or smell unpleasant. In short, it will look pretty gross. […] If you do think your piercing is infected, you should go and see a doctor as a precaution as they may wish to prescribe you antibiotics depending on how serious the infection is.
  • #81
    https://solacejewellery.com/blogs/news/is-your-piercing-infected-irritated-or-causing-an-allergic-reaction
    Just like infections, an irritated piercing can cause pain, swelling and redness. But it shouldnt cause the horrible discharge that comes with an infection. Other symptoms of irritation include a solid (non-fluid filled) lump around the hole or some slight peeling. […] There are countless ways that a piercing can become irritated but they more or less have one thing in common: physical trauma. […] Allergic reactions are caused when your body rejects something. In this case it could be the metal used in your piercing or something in the cleaning solution youre using. You can identify an allergic reaction by a rash, itchiness and redness. […] You are more likely to experience an allergic reaction to metals like gold and silver than you are with hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel.
  • #82
    https://solacejewellery.com/blogs/news/is-your-piercing-infected-irritated-or-causing-an-allergic-reaction
    IS YOUR PIERCING INFECTED, IRRITATED OR CAUSING AN ALLERGIC REACTION? The first question youre likely to ask when a new piercing becomes unusually painful or swollen is is my piercing infected? […] Infections are caused by bacteria and other contaminating substances getting into the wound. This can mostly be avoided by following basic hygiene rules and using a trusted piercer. The tissue surrounding an infected piercing will become swollen, red, painful and hot when you touch it. Its likely it will also have a discharge thats dark yellow or green in colour. It may also appear slightly bloody or smell unpleasant. In short, it will look pretty gross. […] If you do think your piercing is infected, you should go and see a doctor as a precaution as they may wish to prescribe you antibiotics depending on how serious the infection is.
  • #83
    https://solacejewellery.com/blogs/news/is-your-piercing-infected-irritated-or-causing-an-allergic-reaction
    Just like infections, an irritated piercing can cause pain, swelling and redness. But it shouldnt cause the horrible discharge that comes with an infection. Other symptoms of irritation include a solid (non-fluid filled) lump around the hole or some slight peeling. […] There are countless ways that a piercing can become irritated but they more or less have one thing in common: physical trauma. […] Allergic reactions are caused when your body rejects something. In this case it could be the metal used in your piercing or something in the cleaning solution youre using. You can identify an allergic reaction by a rash, itchiness and redness. […] You are more likely to experience an allergic reaction to metals like gold and silver than you are with hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel.
  • #84
    https://solacejewellery.com/blogs/news/is-your-piercing-infected-irritated-or-causing-an-allergic-reaction
    Just like infections, an irritated piercing can cause pain, swelling and redness. But it shouldnt cause the horrible discharge that comes with an infection. Other symptoms of irritation include a solid (non-fluid filled) lump around the hole or some slight peeling. […] There are countless ways that a piercing can become irritated but they more or less have one thing in common: physical trauma. […] Allergic reactions are caused when your body rejects something. In this case it could be the metal used in your piercing or something in the cleaning solution youre using. You can identify an allergic reaction by a rash, itchiness and redness. […] You are more likely to experience an allergic reaction to metals like gold and silver than you are with hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel.
  • #85 Body Piercing Infections | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/38402
    Potential complications of piercing infections are relatively minor when identified early and treated with appropriate antimicrobials. A delay in the presentation can lead to increased severity of local skin and soft tissue infections such as abscess formation, nasal septal perforation, airway compromise with as in cases of Ludwig angina, or possible dissemination to distant sites such as endocarditis. Lastly, complications of antimicrobial use have the known risk of Clostridium difficile colitis.
  • #86 Body Piercing Infections | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/38402
    Potential complications of piercing infections are relatively minor when identified early and treated with appropriate antimicrobials. A delay in the presentation can lead to increased severity of local skin and soft tissue infections such as abscess formation, nasal septal perforation, airway compromise with as in cases of Ludwig angina, or possible dissemination to distant sites such as endocarditis. Lastly, complications of antimicrobial use have the known risk of Clostridium difficile colitis.
  • #87 How to Treat Ear Piercing Infections at Home
    https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-to-know-about-ear-piercing-infections
    While getting your ears pierced is pretty safe, there’s still a chance that your piercings could become infected. […] Most commonly, an infected ear piercing is caused by bacteria entering the wound, which can happen in several ways. […] Ear piercing infections are also common if you dont wash them often enough. […] Infections are more likely if you try to take out the earrings before the piercing has healed. […] Symptoms of an infected ear piercing typically include: Redness or swelling at the piercing site or redness that continues to expand past the piercing. […] Without proper treatment, ear piercing infections can spread to the rest of your body. This is called a systemic infection. The infection can also get worse or form an abscess. An abscess is an area of the skin that is swollen and filled with pus.
  • #88 How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/infected-ear-piercing-5184120
    An infected ear piercing is unlikely, as long as you get your piercing at a licensed salon and follow the recommended aftercare instructions. […] New piercings get infected because bacteria get transmitted (passed) to the wound before it has had the chance to heal. The bacteria most commonly associated with this is Staphylococcus aureus, commonly found in the nostrils, armpits, groin, and head. […] Common causes of infected ear piercings include: Getting pierced with non-sterilized equipment or in a non-sterile environment, such as a kitchen or bathroom. […] An infection of ear cartilage referred to as perichondritis can be more severe, in part because the reduced blood flow impedes healing and makes infections harder to fight. […] If not treated appropriately, a severe piercing infection can lead to: Keloids (hardened, raised scar tissues) and the destruction of ear cartilage (causing disfigurement of the ear). […] Infected piercings can be avoided by always washing your hands before touching your ear, washing the piercing with soap and water at least once daily, and leaving the earrings in until the wound is fully healed.
  • #89 Signs of an Ear Piercing Infection & How to Treat an Infected Cartilage or Ear Bump in Draper, UT – Century Medical & Dental Center
    https://www.centurymedicaldental.com/signs-of-an-ear-piercing-infection-how-to-treat-an-infected-cartilage-or-ear-bump-in-draper-ut/
    Cartilage infection can result in perichondritis, an inflammation of the skin tissue surrounding the cartilage. If perichondritis is left untreated, it can develop into a systemic infection that can turn severe, and affect the whole body. […] Lack of care can lead to complications, and the infection can spread to the rest of the body. The infection can also worsen or develop an abscess or pus, which becomes painful and takes longer to heal. […] Your ear piercing must be treated as a fresh wound, and you must keep the area clean and care for it to ensure it heals timely.
  • #90 Infected Nipple Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment, And Risks
    https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/infected-nipple-piercing/
    The risk for infection does not end months after the piercing has healed. Improper hygiene practices may increase the risk of developing it quickly. […] If left untreated, it may lead to the following potential complications: Nipple-piercing infections may lead to systemic issues such as sepsis or other blood-borne infections, Untreated infections may progress to abscesses requiring surgical drainage and medical intervention, Some individuals may also develop allergic reactions or allergic dermatitis to the piercing metals, increasing the risk of a soft-tissue infection, Chronic infections can cause scar tissue, keloids, bleeding, and nerve and tissue damage. […] Diagnosis involves keeping a lookout for symptoms like persistent redness, swelling, and tenderness around the piercing site, accompanied by abnormal discharge and a foul odor.
  • #91 How to Treat Ear Piercing Infections at Home
    https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-to-know-about-ear-piercing-infections
    While getting your ears pierced is pretty safe, there’s still a chance that your piercings could become infected. […] Most commonly, an infected ear piercing is caused by bacteria entering the wound, which can happen in several ways. […] Ear piercing infections are also common if you dont wash them often enough. […] Infections are more likely if you try to take out the earrings before the piercing has healed. […] Symptoms of an infected ear piercing typically include: Redness or swelling at the piercing site or redness that continues to expand past the piercing. […] Without proper treatment, ear piercing infections can spread to the rest of your body. This is called a systemic infection. The infection can also get worse or form an abscess. An abscess is an area of the skin that is swollen and filled with pus.
  • #92 How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/infected-ear-piercing-5184120
    An infected ear piercing is unlikely, as long as you get your piercing at a licensed salon and follow the recommended aftercare instructions. […] New piercings get infected because bacteria get transmitted (passed) to the wound before it has had the chance to heal. The bacteria most commonly associated with this is Staphylococcus aureus, commonly found in the nostrils, armpits, groin, and head. […] Common causes of infected ear piercings include: Getting pierced with non-sterilized equipment or in a non-sterile environment, such as a kitchen or bathroom. […] An infection of ear cartilage referred to as perichondritis can be more severe, in part because the reduced blood flow impedes healing and makes infections harder to fight. […] If not treated appropriately, a severe piercing infection can lead to: Keloids (hardened, raised scar tissues) and the destruction of ear cartilage (causing disfigurement of the ear). […] Infected piercings can be avoided by always washing your hands before touching your ear, washing the piercing with soap and water at least once daily, and leaving the earrings in until the wound is fully healed.
  • #93 Signs of an Ear Piercing Infection & How to Treat an Infected Cartilage or Ear Bump in Draper, UT – Century Medical & Dental Center
    https://www.centurymedicaldental.com/signs-of-an-ear-piercing-infection-how-to-treat-an-infected-cartilage-or-ear-bump-in-draper-ut/
    Cartilage infection can result in perichondritis, an inflammation of the skin tissue surrounding the cartilage. If perichondritis is left untreated, it can develop into a systemic infection that can turn severe, and affect the whole body. […] Lack of care can lead to complications, and the infection can spread to the rest of the body. The infection can also worsen or develop an abscess or pus, which becomes painful and takes longer to heal. […] Your ear piercing must be treated as a fresh wound, and you must keep the area clean and care for it to ensure it heals timely.
  • #94 Infected Nipple Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment, And Risks
    https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/infected-nipple-piercing/
    The risk for infection does not end months after the piercing has healed. Improper hygiene practices may increase the risk of developing it quickly. […] If left untreated, it may lead to the following potential complications: Nipple-piercing infections may lead to systemic issues such as sepsis or other blood-borne infections, Untreated infections may progress to abscesses requiring surgical drainage and medical intervention, Some individuals may also develop allergic reactions or allergic dermatitis to the piercing metals, increasing the risk of a soft-tissue infection, Chronic infections can cause scar tissue, keloids, bleeding, and nerve and tissue damage. […] Diagnosis involves keeping a lookout for symptoms like persistent redness, swelling, and tenderness around the piercing site, accompanied by abnormal discharge and a foul odor.
  • #95 Signs of an Ear Piercing Infection & How to Treat an Infected Cartilage or Ear Bump in Draper, UT – Century Medical & Dental Center
    https://www.centurymedicaldental.com/signs-of-an-ear-piercing-infection-how-to-treat-an-infected-cartilage-or-ear-bump-in-draper-ut/
    Cartilage infection can result in perichondritis, an inflammation of the skin tissue surrounding the cartilage. If perichondritis is left untreated, it can develop into a systemic infection that can turn severe, and affect the whole body. […] Lack of care can lead to complications, and the infection can spread to the rest of the body. The infection can also worsen or develop an abscess or pus, which becomes painful and takes longer to heal. […] Your ear piercing must be treated as a fresh wound, and you must keep the area clean and care for it to ensure it heals timely.
  • #96 Body Piercing Infections – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK537336/
    Complications arising from body piercing infections are rare, and antibiotic treatment along with incision and drainage of an abscess is the cornerstone of therapy. […] Potential complications of piercing infections are relatively minor when identified early and treated with appropriate antimicrobials. […] A delay in the presentation can lead to increased severity of local skin and soft tissue infections such as abscess formation, nasal septal perforation, airway compromise with as in cases of Ludwig angina, or possible dissemination to distant sites such as endocarditis. […] For these reasons, it is necessary to identify and treat the localized infections to prevent severe and life-threatening complications.
  • #97 Body Piercing Infections | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/38402
    Potential complications of piercing infections are relatively minor when identified early and treated with appropriate antimicrobials. A delay in the presentation can lead to increased severity of local skin and soft tissue infections such as abscess formation, nasal septal perforation, airway compromise with as in cases of Ludwig angina, or possible dissemination to distant sites such as endocarditis. Lastly, complications of antimicrobial use have the known risk of Clostridium difficile colitis.
  • #98 Infected Nipple Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment, And Risks
    https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/infected-nipple-piercing/
    The risk for infection does not end months after the piercing has healed. Improper hygiene practices may increase the risk of developing it quickly. […] If left untreated, it may lead to the following potential complications: Nipple-piercing infections may lead to systemic issues such as sepsis or other blood-borne infections, Untreated infections may progress to abscesses requiring surgical drainage and medical intervention, Some individuals may also develop allergic reactions or allergic dermatitis to the piercing metals, increasing the risk of a soft-tissue infection, Chronic infections can cause scar tissue, keloids, bleeding, and nerve and tissue damage. […] Diagnosis involves keeping a lookout for symptoms like persistent redness, swelling, and tenderness around the piercing site, accompanied by abnormal discharge and a foul odor.
  • #99 Body Piercing Infections – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK537336/
    Complications arising from body piercing infections are rare, and antibiotic treatment along with incision and drainage of an abscess is the cornerstone of therapy. […] Potential complications of piercing infections are relatively minor when identified early and treated with appropriate antimicrobials. […] A delay in the presentation can lead to increased severity of local skin and soft tissue infections such as abscess formation, nasal septal perforation, airway compromise with as in cases of Ludwig angina, or possible dissemination to distant sites such as endocarditis. […] For these reasons, it is necessary to identify and treat the localized infections to prevent severe and life-threatening complications.
  • #100 Body Piercing Infections | Treatment & Management | Point of Care
    https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/38402
    Potential complications of piercing infections are relatively minor when identified early and treated with appropriate antimicrobials. A delay in the presentation can lead to increased severity of local skin and soft tissue infections such as abscess formation, nasal septal perforation, airway compromise with as in cases of Ludwig angina, or possible dissemination to distant sites such as endocarditis. Lastly, complications of antimicrobial use have the known risk of Clostridium difficile colitis.
  • #101 Infected Nipple Piercing: Symptoms, Treatment, And Risks
    https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/infected-nipple-piercing/
    The risk for infection does not end months after the piercing has healed. Improper hygiene practices may increase the risk of developing it quickly. […] If left untreated, it may lead to the following potential complications: Nipple-piercing infections may lead to systemic issues such as sepsis or other blood-borne infections, Untreated infections may progress to abscesses requiring surgical drainage and medical intervention, Some individuals may also develop allergic reactions or allergic dermatitis to the piercing metals, increasing the risk of a soft-tissue infection, Chronic infections can cause scar tissue, keloids, bleeding, and nerve and tissue damage. […] Diagnosis involves keeping a lookout for symptoms like persistent redness, swelling, and tenderness around the piercing site, accompanied by abnormal discharge and a foul odor.
  • #102 Teen says she is lucky to be alive after infected piercing left her in hospital | Daily Mail Online
    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3070144/I-pain-throwing-Teen-says-lucky-alive-badly-infected-piercing-left-hospital-cost-ear.html
    Bianca Hart, 19, was left with a painful infection after getting her upper ear pierced which grew so bad, she almost lost the body part entirely. […] When she finally did decide to get medical help, the sepsis was so widespread, surgeons warned she was at risk not only of losing her ear but of dying had the infection spread to her brain. […] The infection was so harsh, it actually disintegrated part of my cartilage. […] Speaking to Mrs Hart afterwards, the same surgeon revealed that had the infected ear been left any longer, a potentially life-threatening brain infection could have set in – and the ear would have been totally destroyed.
  • #103 A teenager with auricular infection secondary to piercing | The BMJ
    https://www.bmj.com/content/380/bmj-2022-071715
    A teenage girl presented with persistent ear pain after an uneventful piercing of her right auricle to place an earring. […] Five days after the piercing, she noticed otalgia adjacent to the piercing, and pain in the right side of her neck. […] Before presentation she had received a course of intravenous antibiotics and had undergone incision and drainage of the affected area, but her symptoms persisted. […] On examination, she had a swollen, mildly fluctuant pinna. […] A complete blood count showed a white cell count of 12.63109/L (normal range 4.0-10.0109/L).
  • #104 Auricular perichondritis by piercing complicated with pseudomonas infection | Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
    https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-brazilian-journal-otorhinolaryngology-english-edition–497-articulo-auricular-perichondritis-by-piercing-complicated-S180886941531034X
    Perichondritis is a slow evolving infection, located on the ear cartilage. They result from lacerations, blunt trauma, surgeries and other affections. Ear piercing induced pinna perichondritis is a frequent affection among the young population. The most commonly found etiologic agent is Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its inoculation caused by pinna cartilage and pericondrium exposure during or after the piercing procedure. […] The description of a first Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing perichondritis after piercing is somewhat recent. It usually happens in warm months, when body sweating is excessive, impairing healing and predisposing the site to infections. The risk of developing an infection is higher in the ear cartilage than it is in the ear lobe. […] The most commonly found etiologic agent is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and this affection is less commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
  • #105 Auricular perichondritis by piercing complicated with pseudomonas infection | Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
    https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-brazilian-journal-otorhinolaryngology-english-edition–497-articulo-auricular-perichondritis-by-piercing-complicated-S180886941531034X
    A broad surgical incision and necrotic tissue removal is Paramount for the healing process to take place, aiming at precluding deformities. Clinical treatment is based on the use antimicrobial agents such as cephalosporin and quinolone, in order to eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa. […] The pinna cartilage piercing has a greater risk of infection, and in pinna chondritis Pseudomonas aeruginosa must be considered as the probable cause of the disease. Although post-treatment results are good, cosmetic deformities may happen, and are more evident the later proper treatment is installed.
  • #106 Auricular perichondritis by piercing complicated with pseudomonas infection | Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
    https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-brazilian-journal-otorhinolaryngology-english-edition–497-articulo-auricular-perichondritis-by-piercing-complicated-S180886941531034X
    A broad surgical incision and necrotic tissue removal is Paramount for the healing process to take place, aiming at precluding deformities. Clinical treatment is based on the use antimicrobial agents such as cephalosporin and quinolone, in order to eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa. […] The pinna cartilage piercing has a greater risk of infection, and in pinna chondritis Pseudomonas aeruginosa must be considered as the probable cause of the disease. Although post-treatment results are good, cosmetic deformities may happen, and are more evident the later proper treatment is installed.