How To Treat An Infected Eyebrow Piercing
Getting an eyebrow piercing is a popular choice for those who want to adorn their face with a trendy piece of jewelry. However, an infected piercing can quickly turn this stylish accessory into a painful and unpleasant experience. Here are some tips on how to treat an infected eyebrow piercing and prevent it from getting worse.
Recognizing the signs of an infected eyebrow piercing
Before you can treat an infected eyebrow piercing, you need to know what to look for. Signs of infection include:
- Pain and tenderness around the piercing
- Swelling
- Redness
- Yellow or green discharge
- A foul smell
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take action to treat the infection as soon as possible.
Clean the piercing regularly
The first step in treating an infected eyebrow piercing is to keep it clean. Use a saline solution to clean the area around the piercing twice a day. You can make your saline solution by mixing a quarter teaspoon of sea salt with eight ounces of warm water. Dip a cotton ball in the solution and gently dab it around the piercing.
Avoid using rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals to clean the area as they can irritate the piercing and make the infection worse.
Avoid touching the piercing
It is important to avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands or fingers, as this can introduce bacteria and cause the infection to spread. If you need to touch the piercing, make sure your hands are clean beforehand.
Avoid makeup and hair products around the piercing
Makeup and hair products can irritate an infected piercing and make the infection worse. Avoid using these products around the piercing until it has healed.
Don't remove the jewelry
It may be tempting to remove the jewelry to allow the piercing to heal, but this can actually make the infection worse. The jewelry helps to keep the piercing open and allows the infection to drain. If you remove the jewelry, the hole can close up and trap the infection inside.
Take pain relievers
If the infection is causing pain and discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
See a doctor if the infection doesn't improve
If the infection doesn't improve after a few days of home treatment, or if it gets worse, it is important to see a doctor. They can prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Preventing future infections
Once your eyebrow piercing has healed, there are steps you can take to prevent future infections:
- Clean the piercing regularly with a saline solution
- Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands
- Avoid using makeup and hair products around the piercing
- Don't remove the jewelry unless necessary
- Be careful when changing or removing the jewelry
By following these tips, you can enjoy your eyebrow piercing without the risk of infection.
Conclusion
An infected eyebrow piercing can be a painful and unpleasant experience, but with proper treatment and care, you can get it under control and prevent future infections. Remember to clean the piercing regularly, avoid touching it with dirty hands, and seek medical attention if the infection doesn't improve. With the right care, you can enjoy your eyebrow piercing without any complications.
