can i swim with a fresh piercing

Old Ear Piercing Infection Home Remedies: Tried and Tested Solutions

Have you noticed redness, swelling, and pus discharge around your old ear piercing? These are the telltale signs of an infected piercing. An infected ear piercing is a common problem that can occur when bacteria or other organisms enter the piercing site. While it’s best to have a medical professional treat severe infections, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate infection symptoms and prevent future occurrences.

In this article, we’ll share some effective old ear piercing infection home remedies that you can use to heal and prevent infection.

Infected Piercing Symptoms

Redness and Swelling: One of the earliest signs of an infection is redness and swelling around the piercing site. While some initial swelling is normal, if it worsens or persists beyond a few days, it may indicate an infection.

Pain and Tenderness: Mild discomfort is normal after getting a piercing, but increasing pain and tenderness, especially when touched or moved, can be a sign of infection.

Pus or Discharge: A clear or slightly white discharge is normal during the initial healing process. However, if you notice thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge, it’s likely a sign of infection.

Fever: Systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes are indicative of a more serious infection. If you develop a fever along with other symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Itching and Irritation: While some itching is normal during healing, excessive itching, especially if accompanied by the other symptoms mentioned here, can indicate infection.

Bleeding: Although a small amount of bleeding can occur during the initial piercing process, unexpected or prolonged bleeding beyond the first day could be a sign of infection.

Effective Home Remedies To Treat Infected Piercing

Saltwater Solution

A saltwater solution is a natural disinfectant that can help clean and heal an infected piercing. To make a saltwater solution, mix a half teaspoon of sea salt with eight ounces of distilled water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the infected area for five minutes twice a day.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce infection symptoms. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. Apply the mixture to the piercing using a cotton swab twice a day.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help reduce swelling and pain caused by an infected piercing. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool. Soak a cotton ball in the tea and apply it to the infected area for five minutes twice a day.

Garlic Oil

Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help fight infection-causing bacteria. Crush a garlic clove and mix it with olive oil. Apply the mixture to the infected area using a cotton swab twice a day.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can help reduce swelling and promote healing of an infected piercing. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the infected area twice a day.

Aloe Vera vs. Witch Hazel

Aloe vera and witch hazel both have anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can help reduce swelling and promote healing of an infected piercing. However, aloe vera is more hydrating and gentle on the skin, making it a better choice for people with dry or sensitive skin.

How to prevent Piercing infection

Preventing infection in a freshly pierced area is vital to ensure a smooth healing process and maintain your overall well-being. Begin by selecting a reputable piercing studio with experienced professionals who prioritize cleanliness and adhere to safety protocols. Their expertise can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Once you have your piercing, closely follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer. This typically involves daily cleaning with a saline solution to facilitate healing. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can irritate the skin. Additionally, refrain from prematurely removing the initial jewelry, as it can disrupt the healing process. Most piercings require several weeks to heal properly, and adhering to this timeline is crucial.

During this time, take extra care to protect the piercing from trauma, especially during physical activities. Regularly monitor the site for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or unusual discharge. If you notice these symptoms, consult a professional promptly to address the issue before it worsens.

Tips

While home remedies can be effective at treating minor infections, it’s important to seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using old ear piercing infection home remedies:

  • Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching an infected piercing
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing or jewelry that may irritate the infected area
  • Avoid swimming or submerging the infected area in water until it has healed
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system

FAQs

  1. How long does it take for an infected piercing to heal? The healing time for an infected piercing depends on the severity of the infection and your body’s immune response. Mild infections may clear up within a few days, while severe infections may take weeks to heal.
  2. Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my infected piercing? While rubbing alcohol is a common disinfectant, it can be too harsh on the skin and may delay the healing process of an infected piercing. It’s best to use a saltwater solution or other gentle home remedies to clean an infected piercing.
  3. Can I remove my earring if my ear piercing is infected? It’s not recommended to remove your earring if your ear piercing is infected as this can cause the infection to spread. 
  4. How can I prevent ear piercing infections? To prevent ear piercing infections, make sure to:
  • Clean your piercing regularly with a saltwater solution or other gentle disinfectant
  • Avoid touching your piercing with dirty hands
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing or jewelry that may irritate the piercing site
  • Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water until your piercing has fully healed
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system
  1. Can I re-pierce my ear after an infection? It’s best to wait until your ear piercing has fully healed before considering re-piercing the same area. Make sure to choose a reputable piercer and follow proper aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of infection.

Final Takeaway

An infected ear piercing can be painful and uncomfortable, but there are several effective old ear piercing infection home remedies that you can try to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. While home remedies can be effective for minor infections, it’s important to seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen. Follow proper aftercare instructions and take steps to prevent future infections to keep your piercings looking and feeling great.

Will My Septum Piercing Close up Overnight?

Septum piercing has become popular over the years, and many people have opted for this piercing. It’s an attractive way to express individuality, but what happens when you leave your septum piercing out for an extended period? Will it close up overnight? Many questions surround this topic, so keep reading to find out your answer

What Is a Septum Piercing?

A septum piercing is a type of nose piercing placed through the thin tissue between the nostrils. Unlike other nose piercings, the septum piercing does not damage cartilage or bone. Instead, the piercing needle passes through the soft tissue known as the nasal septum.

Septum piercings have become increasingly popular due to their versatility in allowing for different jewelry styles. The most common types of jewelry used in septum piercings are horseshoe rings, circular barbells, and captive bead rings.

These piercings are common among various cultures worldwide, including Native Americans, Nepalese, and Tribes of the Amazon. The age range for septum piercings varies, and some people may get them as young as 16, while others wait until they’re older to make the decision.

How Long Does A Nose Piercing Take to Close?

The time it takes for a nose piercing to close varies from person to person. In general, if a nose piercing is well-established and fully healed, it may take several weeks or even months for the hole to close completely. However, during the initial healing period (which typically lasts 2 to 4 months), the piercing hole lasts a matter of hours rather than a matter of days if the jewelry is removed for an extended period. Be cautious with your nose piercing and avoid removing the jewelry unnecessarily, especially during the healing process, to prevent premature closure. If you have concerns about your piercing, consult with a professional piercer for guidance.

So, your septum piercing will close up overnight if you get a fresh piercing. Generally, the longer you’ve had the piercing for, the longer it’ll take to close up.

How to Take Care of Your Septum Piercing?

Septum piercings require proper aftercare to prevent infections and promote healing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take care of your septum piercing:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the piercing.
  • Clean the piercing twice a day using saline or sea salt solution recommended by your piercer.
  • Avoid touching or twisting the jewelry, as this can cause irritation.
  • Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash after meals to prevent bacteria buildup.
  • Avoid swimming or soaking in hot tubs for at least two weeks.
  • Wear loose clothing that doesn’t rub against the piercing.
  • Avoid makeup and facial products that may irritate the piercing.

Tips for Maintaining an Open Septum Piercing

  • Wear jewelry regularly: Wearing jewelry in the piercing helps prevent the hole from closing up.
  • Massage the piercing site: Gently massaging the piercing site can help promote circulation and prevent scar tissue from forming.
  • Avoid irritants: Try to avoid things that can irritate the piercing, such as facial products or particle-filled environments.
  • Keep it clean: Proper aftercare is essential for maintaining an open piercing.

The Best Jewelry Options 

  • Horseshoe rings: These are circular rings with a little space in the middle, giving them the appearance of a horseshoe.
  • Circular barbells: These are similar to horseshoe rings, but they have balls on either side instead of a gap in the middle.
  • Captive bead rings: These are circular rings with a small ball or bead that sits in the gap, holding the ring in place.

Ultimately, the best jewelry option for you comes down to personal preference and comfort. It’s essential to choose high-quality jewelry to prevent infections and irritation.

Conclusion

Septum piercings are a popular way to express individuality, but many people wonder if they will close up overnight after removal. While the closure time frame varies from person to person, septum piercings tend to close up faster than other types of body modifications. By following proper aftercare, you can promote healing and prevent infections. And if you decide to remove your septum piercing, it’s important to do so safely to avoid complications.

FAQs

  1. How painful is getting a septum piercing? Getting a septum piercing is relatively painless compared to other types of nose piercings.
  2. Can I wear makeup with a septum piercing? It’s best to avoid makeup and facial products that may irritate the piercing during the healing process.
  3. How long does it take for a septum piercing to heal? Healing times vary from person to person, but it typically takes six to eight weeks for a septum piercing to heal fully.
  4. How do I know if my septum piercing is infected? Signs of infection include redness, swelling, discharge, and increased pain or tenderness.
  5. Can I stretch a septum piercing? Yes, septum piercings can be stretched, but it’s essential to do so slowly and carefully to avoid complications.