Q:Out of curiosity, what should I do? I got my second lobe piercing done about 5 weeks ago and it's infected. It's red, swollen, and leaking puss. Today while cleaning it with a q-tip there was blood on the q-tip. I've left the earring in because it's hard to get off and I dont want to snag it and make the infection worse and have it become trapped.

whatisamegan

Riight. Is it three or more of the following:

  • Incredibly swollen
  • Bright red/purple around the piercing site
  • Oozing a green/dark yellow/red/brown thick substance?
  • Does it smell awful?
  • Is it very hot to touch?

If it’s three or more of those, go to the doctor and ask for a broad spectrum antibiotic asap. Do not remove the jewellery, even if they say to, as this prevents the infection from forming abscesses and other nasties.
If it’s just irritated, then follow my recipe for fail proof salt soaks:1) When you go to a hospital with a wound, it’ll be washed with what’s known as a saline solution. This is a simple mix of salt (NaCl) and distilled water. This has powerful healing qualities, and is the only thing that you should be cleaning a piercing with.
2) So, you need salt, not just any salt, but SEA SALT. Why sea salt, I hear you ask? Well, other salts, such as table salt have other chemicals such as potassium and carbon added to add desirable properties. They might be ‘desirable’ for your cooking, but not for your piercing! A prime example of rough sea salt is Maldon Sea Salt, which is found in virtually all supermarkets.
3) You’ve got your sea salt. Now what to do? Fill a mug with HOT water that has been boiled. Obviously, you don’t want to scold the piercing with boiling water, but hot water will help draw out the nasties. Add 1/4th of a teaspoon of sea salt. Any more than this, and you’ll dry out the skin around the piercing.
You can also add a chamomile teabag, as this has ultra soothing properties and helps it out.
Hope this helped sweetie!
-Emily