An infected eyebrow piercing occurs when bacteria or fungi enter broken skin, leading to inflammation and discomfort. The site often becomes red, swollen, painful, and may have discharge. Understanding the signs and appropriate steps can help manage the situation, especially when considering whether to remove the jewelry.
Recognizing an Eyebrow Piercing Infection
Identifying an infected eyebrow piercing involves looking for specific signs that differ from normal healing. While a new piercing might show slight redness or tenderness, an infection presents more pronounced symptoms. Worsening or spreading redness, increased swelling after 48 hours, or sudden warmth at the site are key indicators.
Thick, colored pus (yellow, green, or brown) with an unpleasant odor is a clear sign of infection. Severe or throbbing pain, beyond mere tenderness, also suggests infection. Systemic symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes under the jaw can indicate a more widespread issue.
Should You Remove an Infected Eyebrow Piercing?
When an eyebrow piercing becomes infected, the jewelry should generally not be removed. Removing it can cause the piercing channel to close, trapping the infection inside the tissue. This can lead to severe complications, such as an abscess, a painful pocket of pus requiring surgical drainage.
The jewelry acts as a drainage channel, allowing pus and fluids to escape. Keeping it in place facilitates drainage and prevents the infection from becoming encapsulated. Jewelry removal should only occur under the direct guidance of a medical professional, who can assess the situation and determine if removal is necessary, often with antibiotic treatment.
Initial Steps for Managing the Infection
Managing a suspected eyebrow piercing infection begins with diligent hygiene. Always wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water before touching the piercing to prevent introducing more bacteria. The primary cleaning method involves using a sterile saline solution.
This can be a pre-made sterile saline spray or a homemade solution (a quarter teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 8 ounces of warm distilled water). Apply the saline solution to the piercing two to three times daily, soaking a clean cotton ball or gauze and holding it over the area for 5-10 minutes. This cleans the site and softens crusting for gentle removal with a cotton swab. Warm compresses can also reduce pain, swelling, and encourage drainage. Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments unless advised by a healthcare professional, as they can irritate the piercing and impede healing. Do not touch or twist the jewelry unnecessarily, as this worsens irritation and introduces more bacteria.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
While home care can manage minor piercing infections, certain signs indicate a need for professional medical attention. If redness, swelling, heat, or discharge worsen despite consistent home treatment, or if there’s no improvement after a few days, seek medical advice. Spreading redness, especially red streaks from the site, is a serious indicator.
Immediate medical care is necessary if you develop a fever, chills, or severe pain. A large, painful abscess or embedded jewelry requires prompt evaluation. Given the eyebrow piercing’s proximity to the eye, any vision changes or signs of infection spreading to the eye should be addressed by a doctor without delay.