What should I do if my cartilage is infected?

What should I do if my cartilage is infected?

As long as your infection is minor, you may be able to take care of it at home. If you’ve had a cartilage piercing and it seems infected, seek medical treatment. These types of infections are harder to treat and may require oral antibiotics. Significant infections of the cartilage can require hospitalization.

Should I take my piercing out if it’s infected?

When to remove a piercing If a new piercing is infected, it is best not to remove the earring. Removing the piercing can allow the wound to close, trapping the infection within the skin. For this reason, it is advisable not to remove an earring from an infected ear unless advised by a doctor or professional piercer.

Can you put antibiotic cream on an infected piercing?

Gently pat dry the affected area with clean gauze or a tissue. Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. Turn the piercing jewelry a few times to prevent it from sticking to the skin.

How long does a nose piercing infection last?

Some inflammation and irritation are common after a nose piercing, but these symptoms should improve within a week. If there is no improvement after 2 weeks, a person should go back to the piercer to seek advice and check that they are giving the piercing the correct aftercare.

What happens if my nose piercing gets infected?

If a nasal piercing becomes infected, it will take longer to heal. Infections may also cause complications, such as scarring and nose bumps. If a person thinks that their nose piercing may have become infected, they should consult a doctor, who can prescribe antibiotics.

Why is my cartilage piercing red and swollen?

A cartilage piercing creates an open wound. As it heals, it may look swollen, lumpy, or like a bump. In the days immediately following a cartilage piercing, the body’s immune system triggers inflammation and swelling to heal the wound, sometimes leading to a cartilage bump.

Should I pop the bump on my cartilage piercing?

Remember: This is not a pimple, so please don’t pop it like one. Since it’s not actually acne, there’s nothing to squeeze out of the bump. In fact, doing so could potentially cause an infection, which is much worse than some overgrown scar tissue.

Can I put Neosporin on nose piercing?

To maintain a nose piercing: Don’t apply over-the-counter antiseptics, including Neosporin. If you think your piercing is getting infected, continue your saline rinses and see your piercer for advice. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide — this will cause irritation in the piercing.

Is Neosporin good for infected piercing?

DO NOTapply any ointment such as Bacitracin, Neosporin or any other “triple antibiotic” ointment on your piercing. These prevent oxygen from reaching the wound and form a sticky residue, which can cause complications. They are NOT designed for use on healing piercings.