Lip piercings are a popular form of body modification, but like any new wound, they require careful attention during the healing process. It can be difficult for new piercing owners to tell the difference between typical healing and a developing problem. Understanding the signs of both can help you respond appropriately and maintain the health of your piercing.
Normal Healing vs. Concerning Signs
During the initial healing phase of a lip piercing, which can take approximately 6 to 8 weeks, some symptoms are expected. You might experience mild swelling, particularly in the first week, along with some soreness and redness around the piercing site. A clear or whitish discharge that forms a crust around the jewelry is also normal; this is lymph fluid, indicating your body is working to heal the wound.
As healing progresses, by the second or third week, swelling and redness should begin to subside. Tenderness should also decrease, and any initial bleeding should have stopped. Clear or whitish fluid discharge may continue.
Certain signs indicate a potential issue. If swelling persists or increases beyond the first few days, or if redness spreads outward from the piercing site, these are early indicators of a problem. Localized pain that worsens rather than improves, or if the area feels persistently warm to the touch, also suggests a problem. These symptoms can indicate irritation or the beginning of an infection.
Recognizing Infection Symptoms
When a lip piercing becomes infected, symptoms are more pronounced and distinct from normal healing. A key indicator is thick, discolored pus, which can appear yellow, green, or dark. This discharge is different from the clear or whitish lymph fluid seen during healthy healing.
Infections cause severe and throbbing pain that worsens over time, rather than subsiding. The area around the piercing may become red, hot to the touch, and swollen. Systemic symptoms can also develop, such as red streaks extending from the piercing site, a fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. These signs suggest a more serious infection.
Steps to Address an Infection
If you suspect your lip piercing is infected, take immediate action. Begin by gently cleaning the area two to three times daily using a sterile saline solution. You can purchase pre-made saline solutions or create one by mixing 1 teaspoon of sea salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Apply the solution with a clean cloth or sturdy paper towel, avoiding cotton balls or tissues that can leave fibers.
It is recommended to keep the jewelry in place, as removing it from a new piercing can cause the hole to close, potentially trapping bacteria and leading to an abscess. Avoid touching or twisting the jewelry, as this can worsen irritation and introduce more bacteria. If the infection is mild and localized, applying a warm compress with saline solution may help promote drainage.
Seek professional medical attention if symptoms do not improve within two to three days or if they worsen. Consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:
A fever
Red streaks emanating from the piercing
Excessive bleeding or pus
Difficulty eating
Difficulty speaking
A healthcare provider can assess the infection and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Preventing Piercing Complications
Maintaining good hygiene and following proper aftercare routines prevent lip piercing complications. Clean the exterior of your piercing with sterile saline solution twice daily. For the inside of your mouth, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash or saline solution after every meal and after drinking anything other than water.
Avoid touching your piercing with unwashed hands, as this can introduce bacteria. Also avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy or overly salty foods during the initial healing period, as these can irritate the piercing. Using a new, soft-bristled toothbrush and regularly checking your jewelry for tightness can also contribute to healthy healing.