Steps on How To Treat Infected Cartilage Piercing

According to research, body piercing infections are commonly caused by the transfer of bacteria from dirty hands to the piercing site. Aside from the hands, microorganisms which can cause infection may come into contact with the pierced area through bodily fluids or unsanitary water.

Piercing Infections Are High

The information about the cartilage piercing infection is not a shock actually. Most people already know that dirt and other unsanitary materials can cause infection. However, not everyone takes a heed out of this common knowledge and use it in order to prevent infections. So, if ever you find yourself suffering from an infection due to carelessness or something actually inevitable, here are the steps to help you initially treat it.

If you are still unsure whether or not your piercing has an infection, the usual symptoms are smelly pus, redness, swollen and tender area, and pain in the pierced area. For the steps written below, you will be needing the following items: an antibacterial or antimicrobial soap, some cotton swabs, a sterile gauze, a sea salt solution (either buy one at your nearest drug store or make one at home), and paper towels.

Treating infections at its inception can save you from a bigger headache of dealing with possible bigger medical condition.

Clean hand is the key

Before you do some treating, you have to make sure that your hands are clean. Since infections are almost always caused by dirt, it is logical to clean your hands first before you treat the infection.

With an antibacterial or antimicrobial soap, wash and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Washing avoids the introduction of new bacteria to the pierced area.

Soak with saline solution

Next, make a saline solution by dissolving a tablespoon of non-iodized sea salt in 8 ounces of warm distilled water. This solution will be used for salt soaks, i.e. the infected area will be soaked in the sea salt solution for about three to five minutes.

When soaking the pierced area, you can actually use a small cup or if it is uncomfortable, a soaked sterile gauze or cotton swabs will do. If you will be using the latter, make sure to apply generous amounts to the pierced area and onto the cartilage piercing jewelry . Although, try not to rotate it too much.

Lastly, rinse the infected area with clean and warm water. Dry it off with a paper towel. Hand towel or wash cloths can harbor germs because of the materials they are made of so it is best to use a paper towel.

Make it a habit

This cleaning regimen should be done at least once a day until the infection clears. Bear in mind that this cleaning procedure should be done when the infection is at the initial stage only. If you neglect doing this immediately at the first signs of infection, cleaning it alone will not be enough anymore.

Aside from cleaning it, you should also have it checked. For a more severe infection, see your physician for any prescription such as oral or topical antibiotics.