Eyebrow piercings can sometimes lead to complications like infection during healing. Recognizing the signs of an infected eyebrow piercing and knowing how to care for it promotes healthy healing and prevents further issues. This article outlines appropriate cleaning methods and helps identify infection.
Identifying an Infected Eyebrow Piercing
Distinguishing a normal healing piercing from an infected one involves observing specific symptoms. During initial healing, some redness, mild swelling, and clear or whitish discharge that forms a crust around the jewelry are typical. These generally subside as the piercing matures.
An infection, however, often presents with a worsening of these signs. An infected piercing may exhibit persistent redness that expands beyond the immediate piercing site. Swelling might increase significantly, and the area could feel unusually warm to the touch. A common indicator of infection is thick, discolored discharge, which can appear yellow, green, or dark and may have an unpleasant odor. Increased pain, throbbing, or tenderness around the piercing that does not improve over time also suggests an infection.
Cleaning Your Infected Piercing
Before touching the piercing, thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This prevents introducing additional bacteria to the compromised site and reduces the risk of worsening the infection.
The recommended cleaning agent is a sterile saline solution, which can be purchased in pre-packaged spray bottles or as a wound wash. This solution contains 0.9% sodium chloride, mirroring the body’s natural fluid balance, making it gentle and effective for wound care. Avoid using homemade salt water solutions, as their sterility and precise saline concentration cannot be guaranteed, potentially irritating the piercing or fostering bacterial growth.
To clean the piercing, gently spray the sterile saline solution directly onto the front and back of the piercing, allowing it to saturate the area. Alternatively, you can soak a clean, non-woven gauze pad in the saline solution and gently apply it as a compress to the piercing for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps to loosen any crusted discharge and cleanse the wound. After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a fresh, clean paper towel or gauze to prevent moisture buildup, which can promote bacterial growth. Perform this cleaning process two to three times daily until the infection shows signs of improvement.
Practices to Avoid During Healing
Refrain from touching the piercing unnecessarily, especially with unwashed hands, as this can introduce more bacteria and prolong the infection. Do not rotate, twist, or remove the jewelry from the piercing. Manipulating the jewelry can further irritate the wound, push bacteria deeper into the tissue, and disrupt the healing process. Removing the jewelry prematurely can cause the piercing channel to close, trapping the infection inside.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or substances like rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptic washes on the piercing. These agents can be overly drying, irritate the delicate healing tissue, and destroy beneficial cells necessary for recovery. Do not apply antibiotic ointments, creams, or petroleum jelly to the piercing. These products can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, creating an environment conducive to infection, and may also block the piercing channel. It is advisable to avoid swimming in communal bodies of water, such as pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans, until the infection has fully resolved, as these environments often harbor bacteria that can worsen the condition.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
If infection signs worsen despite consistent cleaning for a few days, or if new, more severe symptoms develop, consult a healthcare professional. Worsening symptoms might include spreading redness or red streaks emanating from the piercing site, which can indicate cellulitis, a more serious bacterial skin infection.
A persistent or high fever, accompanied by chills or body aches, suggests the infection may be spreading systemically and needs immediate medical evaluation. If the piercing discharges thick pus, particularly if it is abundant or foul-smelling, or if there is severe, throbbing pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, professional intervention is needed. A doctor can properly diagnose the extent of the infection and prescribe appropriate antibiotics or other treatments. Consulting a professional piercer can also be beneficial for assessing the situation and offering advice, though medical treatment should be prioritized for severe infections.