Tongue piercings are a popular body modification. Like any piercing, they require diligent care to prevent complications. Understanding the signs of normal healing versus infection is important for anyone with a tongue piercing. This knowledge promotes safe and effective healing.
Key Signs of an Infected Tongue Piercing
One common sign is significant redness and swelling that extends beyond the immediate piercing site. While some initial swelling is normal, infection causes it to become intense and persistent, potentially making it difficult to speak or swallow. A clear indicator of infection is the presence of pus, which typically appears as a thick, yellow or green discharge oozing from the puncture site. This discharge may also be accompanied by a foul odor emanating from the piercing.
Pain is another prominent symptom of an infected piercing, manifesting as severe or worsening soreness and throbbing around the site. Unlike the mild discomfort of normal healing, infected pain tends to increase over time. Systemic symptoms, such as a fever or chills, can also indicate a spreading infection. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck may develop, signaling the body’s immune response to the infection.
Distinguishing Normal Healing from Infection
Immediately after a tongue piercing, some soreness, minor swelling, and slight throbbing are typical. The tongue may also produce a clear or whitish fluid, which is part of the normal healing and not indicative of pus. This initial swelling can last for about three to five days, with pain gradually decreasing over the first month.
Infection signs include redness or swelling spreading beyond the piercing area, persisting over a week. Pain worsens, often with severe throbbing. Yellow or green pus, unlike normal clear or whitish discharge, indicates infection. Other concerning signs are the piercing sinking into the tongue or red streaks radiating from the site.
Steps to Take for a Suspected Infection
If a tongue piercing is suspected of being infected, take immediate steps. Rinsing the mouth with a saline solution, made by mixing a quarter teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 8 ounces of warm water, can help cleanse the area. This should be done multiple times daily, especially after eating. Sucking on ice chips or drinking cold water can also help reduce swelling and provide some relief.
It is important to avoid removing the jewelry from a suspected infected piercing, as this can trap bacteria inside and worsen the infection. Avoid using harsh antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter antibiotic creams, as these can be counterproductive and irritate the healing tissue.
If symptoms do not improve within two to three days of diligent home care, or if they worsen, seeking professional medical attention becomes necessary. A doctor should be consulted immediately if there is intense swelling that impedes breathing, a persistent high fever, chills, severe pain, or red streaks extending from the piercing. These symptoms can indicate a more serious infection that may require prescription oral antibiotics or, in rare cases, a drainage procedure.
Preventing Future Infections
Consistent aftercare prevents tongue piercing infections. Regular oral hygiene practices include brushing teeth twice daily with a new, soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily. Rinsing the mouth after every meal or drink with a saline solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash is also recommended to reduce bacteria buildup around the piercing.
Certain foods and activities should be avoided during the healing period to minimize irritation and infection risk. This includes steering clear of hot, spicy, acidic, and crunchy foods, as they can irritate the wound or get lodged in the piercing. Alcohol and tobacco consumption can also delay the healing process and increase the likelihood of infection, so abstaining from these is advisable.
It is important to avoid playing with the jewelry, as this can introduce bacteria and prolong healing. Once the initial swelling subsides, returning to the piercer to downsize the jewelry is recommended to reduce the risk of accidental biting or dental issues.