Healing a piercing can be tricky and sometimes there are bumps along the road. The most common reasons folks run into problems are:
-Physical trauma: catching, snagging, being slept on, buildup of dried discharge
-Chemical trauma: irritation due to use of alcohol, peroxide, bactine, hygeine products, hair dyes
-Bacterial trauma: irritation or infection from transfer of germs from hair, hats, touching, bedding
-Poor Jewlery Quality
-Non-ideal Piercing Placement/Angle
-Migration or Rejection: The piercing “pushes itself out” caused by any combination of the above
Without an in-person consultation its difficult for us to trouble-shoot other than recommending a normal aftercare routine
Treating the piercing as though it is fresh, and clean once a day. Be sure to dry with sterile gauze anytime the piercing gets wet and refraining from touching or sleeping on things until you can get in for a checkup appointment.
Troubleshooting an Existing Piercing
If you experience the signs/symptoms of infection listed below we suggest you see your PCP for medical care:
Deep redness that radiates from the piercing site, or streaking
Piercing site is hot to the touch
Cloudy, thick, gray-green, foul-smelling discharge
Developing a fever after being pierced or piercing becomes problematic
Substantial and or increasing pain/discomfort
We can not remove or change jewelry on a piercing that presents with the signs/symptoms of a true bacterial infection (irritation and infection can look similar).
Removing your jewelry can trap fluids/bacterial inside the body and infection can build/spread and lead to abscessing.
If you are experiencing a bacterial infection you welcome to follow up with us after seeing your physician for a checkup or jewelry removal as long you as infection has resolved or you bring a written okay from your Dr. office letterhead or they can email us directly at decorumgr@gmail.com