How to Get Rid of an Infected Piercing

Last Updated: March 5, 2023

A lot of people struggle with infected piercings and don't really know what to do. This article is mainly for oral piercings (lip, tongue, etc), but you can still read up and get new ideas.

Steps

1
Look at your piercing. Is it red, extremely swollen, or thick yellow or green pus oozing from it? If so, it's infected. Please note that in the normal healing process of a piercing it will be somewhat crusty, and it will ooze white pus, but it will not be thick.^{[1]
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2
If it has any of the symptoms above, you should never take a piercing out as it can lead to further complications.

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3
You need to flush out any of the pus or bacteria you possibly can with a syringe and fresh cold water.
4
To flush out your piercing, fill your syringe up by making sure the tip of it is fully submerged in water. Then, slowly pull the top part up. Your syringe is ready to go. You want to line the tip of the syringe correctly with the hole of your piercing. Now squirt the water through, it doesn't matter how fast or slow you do it to be honest. Just make sure water goes through your piercing.
5
Spit the water out after it goes through the hole, it contains pus and bacteria that you don't want to ingest.
6
After you've flushed your hole, swish a few teaspoons of sea salt and warm water OR non-alcohol mouthwash around your mouth. This is just to be careful and to remove any other bacteria and to help the healing process.^{[2]
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7
Talk to your parents about the infection if you are under 18. Ask them to take you to the doctor so it can be looked at, it can be more dangerous than it sounds!^{[3]
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Research source} The doctor might prescribe you an antibiotic that will kill the bacteria that caused the infection.

Community Q&A

Question

I've had a lip piercing for years, and about 8 months ago, I got another one. I had no problems until yesterday when my lip suddenly swelled up. What do I do?

Community Answer

H2ocean is a saltwater spray made specifically for piercings. You can see if your piercer sells it, or order it on Amazon for about $6. Spray the infected piercing a few times a day and it will clear up. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol because they are too harsh and will kill the good bacteria. In the meantime, use unscented antibacterial soap and warm water to clean it daily and since it is on your lip, try to rinse the piercing after eating.
Question

I recently got my lip pierced and the piercing has almost sunk into my lip, what should I do?

Community Answer

Take it out, or consult your piercer or doctor. You don't want it to get infected.
Question

My lip piercing healed, but then I woke up to a swollen lip with pus. What should I do?

Community Answer

See your doctor for advice. It sounds like you may have an infection.