How to Treat an Infected or Pustulated Navel Piercing | Causes, Symptoms, Cures, and Dermatological Treatments

"My piercing is infected," "My first piercing is festering," "My cartilage piercing is infected and swollen" - many people suffer from problems around their piercing holes.
Even if it starts with a mild inflammation, if left untreated, bacterial infection can spread deep, prolonging healing or leaving a keloid (raised scar). Many cases show that people thought "it should heal if I disinfect it" but then the pus increased and the pain became stronger.

If you have pus, throbbing pain, heat, or hardened pus, we recommend seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible.

• Accurate identification of cause and severity through anamnesis, visual examination, and bacterial culture test
• Treatment tailored to symptoms, such as oral antibiotics, topical agents, and disinfection
• Can address issues after self-piercing
• No appointment needed, same-day consultation available | Open from 9 am daily

👉 Same-day walk-in consultations are also possible. Please feel free to contact us first.

What is a piercing infection/suppuration?

A piercing infection/suppuration is a condition where bacteria enter the piercing hole and cause an infection. A piercing hole is a "wound" that penetrates the skin, and the risk of bacterial infection continues until it is completely stable (healed). The estimated time for healing is 1-2 months for earlobes and 3-6 months for cartilage piercings.

Mild inflammation is a common reaction right after getting a piercing or changing it. If it only involves redness, slight swelling, and a small amount of clear to yellowish discharge, it should improve within a few days with proper care.

Suppuration (bacterial infection) occurs when bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus) proliferate inside the hole, causing symptoms such as white to yellowish-green pus, severe pain, warmth, redness, and swelling. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the deeper cartilage or subcutaneous tissue, leading to severe infections such as chondritis or cellulitis.

⚠️ See a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:

• Continuous white, yellow, or green pus
• Throbbing pain or warmth around the piercing
• Spreading swelling or hard lumps
• Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes
• Severe pain or bleeding when moving the piercing
• No improvement or worsening after more than a week of care
• Severe swelling or pain in cartilage or body piercing areas
• Problems after self-piercing

Distinguishing between mild inflammation and suppuration (bacterial infection)

Item	Mild Inflammation	Suppuration (Bacterial Infection)
Discharge color	Clear to slightly yellowish (lymph fluid)	White, yellow, or green pus
Amount of discharge	Small amount, forms a scab	Continuous, recurs even after wiping
Pain	Slight pain when touched	Throbbing pain
Swelling	Only around the piercing, mild	Spreads widely, hard lump
Redness	Pink to light red	Bright red to purplish-red
Warmth	Almost none	Clearly warm to the touch
Time to improvement	2-5 days with care	Requires medical consultation and treatment
Action	Continue cleaning and disinfecting at home	See a dermatologist as soon as possible

Severity Classification of Suppuration

The treatment plan for suppuration varies depending on its severity. If treated while mild, it can heal in a short period, but if it becomes severe, intravenous antibiotics or incision and drainage may be necessary.

Classification	Condition	Main Symptoms	Treatment Guideline
Mild	Shallow infection on the hole surface	Small amount of pus, mild swelling, pain when pressed	Topical antibiotics, cleaning guidance for 1-2 weeks
Moderate	Infection of surrounding piercing tissue	Pus, severe swelling, warmth, throbbing pain	Oral antibiotics + topical for 2-3 weeks
Severe	Chondritis, cellulitis, abscess formation	Widespread swelling, fever, swollen lymph nodes, accumulation of pus	Oral + incision and drainage, rarely IV treatment

Causes of Piercing Infection

Cause	Common Situations
Infection immediately after piercing	Self-piercing, unsanitary conditions. Caused by bacteria entering the piercing hole.
Metal allergy	Inexpensive piercings containing nickel. Contact dermatitis can become chronic, sometimes leading to secondary bacterial infection.
Insufficient care/dirt	Accumulation of shampoo, hair products, sweat, sebum. Habit of touching with hands, leaving hair covering the piercing.
Early changing of first piercing	Changing the piercing before the hole is fully healed, causing re-injury and recurrent infection.
Trauma/snagging	Pressure while sleeping, snagging on clothes or hair, bumping during sports.
Cartilage/body piercings	Cartilage areas have poor blood flow and heal slowly. Navel, nipple, and lip piercings are in harsh bacterial environments.
Pools, hot springs, seawater	Exposure to bacteria, chlorine, or germs when entering water before the piercing is healed.
Poor health/weakened immunity	More susceptible to infection when immunity is lowered due to fatigue, lack of sleep, or diabetes.

By Area | If Cartilage, Navel, or First Piercings Become Infected

In cases of mild inflammation, home care may lead to improvement. The first 48 hours of response are key to preventing worsening.

If a cartilage piercing becomes infected

Cartilage areas of the ear (helix, tragus, industrial, etc.) have less blood flow compared to earlobes, making infections harder to heal when they occur. If a cartilage piercing becomes infected, it is more likely to become severe than an earlobe piercing, so we strongly recommend seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible.
The healing period for a cartilage piercing is 3-6 months (1-2 months for an earlobe). During this time, do not remove the first piercing and be careful to avoid pressure or snagging.

Cartilage piercing infection - Characteristics	Purpose/Content
Difference from earlobe	Less blood flow, harder to heal. Can develop into chondritis or cartilage necrosis in severe cases.
When to seek medical attention	If swelling spreads, warmth, or throbbing pain occurs, see a doctor immediately.
Treatment policy	Oral antibiotics are fundamental. Incision and drainage or IV treatment for severe cases.
Important note	Leaving it untreated with the thought "it will heal naturally" is the most dangerous. Cartilage necrosis is irreversible.

If a navel piercing becomes infected

Navel piercings are highly susceptible to infection due to friction from clothing, sweat, body movement, and exposure to germ-rich environments (pools, soil, etc.). Many people experience issues with "infected belly button piercing" or "belly button piercing festering."

Navel piercing infection - Characteristics	Purpose/Content
Reason for susceptibility to infection	Frequent irritation from clothing friction, sweat, and body movement. Takes 6 months to 1 year to heal.
When to seek medical attention	If pus persists, redness spreads widely, or fever is present, see a doctor promptly.
Daily care	Choose breathable clothing, avoid pressure, thorough cleaning after bathing.
Important note	Removing the piercing can cause the opening to close, trapping pus inside and worsening the condition.

If a first piercing becomes infected

A first piercing is worn from immediately after piercing until the hole is completely healed. During this period, the piercing hole is an "open wound," and the risk of infection is highest. If you feel your first piercing is infected, please check the following:

• Clear to slightly yellow discharge (lymph fluid) is a normal part of the healing process. White, yellow, or green pus, severe pain, and warmth are signs of infection.
• Do not remove the first piercing on your own judgment – removing it can cause the hole to close, trapping pus inside and worsening the condition.
• Do not use alcohol disinfectant or hydrogen peroxide – they can damage healthy tissue and delay healing.
• Gentle washing with soap and lukewarm water is the basic care.
• If care for 3 days does not improve or worsens, see a dermatologist.
  

Warning signs (when to see a doctor)

We answer the question, "What happens if a piercing gets infected?" If pus is left untreated, even if it starts mildly, it can worsen as follows:

Stage	Symptoms	Risk if left untreated
Early (mild)	Small amount of pus, mild swelling, pain when pressed	Recovers in 1-2 weeks with proper care, but progresses to moderate if left untreated
Moderate	Persistent white-yellow pus, widespread swelling, warmth, throbbing pain	Will not heal without antibiotics. Prolonged infection can lead to keloids.
Severe (chondritis, cellulitis)	Widespread redness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, pus collection (abscess)	May require hospitalization, IV antibiotics, incision and drainage. Risk of cartilage necrosis.

If any of the following apply to you, please see a dermatologist as soon as possible:

• Continuous white, yellow, or green pus
• Throbbing pain or warmth around the piercing
• Spreading swelling or hard lumps
• Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes
• Severe swelling or pain in cartilage or body piercing areas
• No improvement or worsening after more than a week of care
• Problems after self-piercing

First Aid for Piercing Infections

In cases of mild inflammation, home care may lead to improvement. The first 48 hours of response are key to preventing worsening.

Treatment	Contents and Precautions
Keep hands clean	Always wash hands thoroughly with soap before touching the piercing. Dirty hands are the biggest source of infection.
Gently clean with foam	Lather a mild soap well and wash around the piercing 1-2 times a day. Do not rub; gently envelop with foam.
Rinse with lukewarm water	Rinse thoroughly without leaving any soap residue. Use lukewarm water gently. Hot water is not allowed.
Dry thoroughly	Gently pat dry with a clean cotton pad or tissue. Do not rub. Weak blow dryer setting is also acceptable.
Do not remove the piercing	Even if it's infected, removing it on your own can cause the pus to become trapped inside and worsen the condition. Seek a doctor's advice.
Avoid strong disinfectants	Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are irritating and can damage healthy tissue, delaying healing.

Before your appointment, absolutely do not forcefully remove your piercing, apply Makiron continuously, or squeeze out pus. This can worsen the infection or spread pus into the subcutaneous tissue, leading to severe complications. "Touching it because it's bothering you" is the behavior we most want you to avoid.

Self-care at home (for mild cases)

In cases of mild inflammation, the following self-care may lead to improvement, but if there is no improvement or worsening after 3 days, please see a doctor without fail.

• Wash 1-2 times a day: Gently wash with foamed soap in the shower. Overwashing is counterproductive.
• Do not move the piercing: Do not forcibly twist or remove the piercing before it is healed.
• Avoid pressure during sleep: If you sleep on your side, sleep on the opposite side or use a donut-shaped pillow.
• Do not cover with hair: Tie up long hair or keep it away from the ear.
• Avoid sweat and hair products: After exercise or using hair products, clean the area around the piercing thoroughly.
• Avoid pools and hot springs: Avoid entering water until completely healed.
• Do not use over-the-counter ointments on your own judgment: Misusing steroid or strong ointments can worsen the condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My pus is hardened. What is this?

The hardened yellow-to-white substance around the piercing hole is dried lymph fluid or pus. If it's just a lymph fluid scab, it's a normal part of healing, but if hardened pus (pus plug) repeatedly forms, has a foul odor, or is accompanied by swelling, it's a sign of infection. Do not forcefully squeeze or rub it; gently wash it away with soap. If it doesn't improve, we recommend seeing a doctor.

Q. Pus is coming out of my piercing hole. How can I treat it?

If pus is coming out of your piercing hole, it's highly likely that a bacterial infection has occurred. First, gently clean it with soap and lukewarm water, and do not remove the piercing on your own. Overuse of alcohol disinfectants is counterproductive. If care for 3 days does not improve, or if the pus increases or swelling spreads, please see a dermatologist. In most cases, it will recover with topical or oral antibiotics.

Q. Why shouldn't I remove my piercing even if it's infected?

If you remove a piercing on your own when it's infected, the exit of the hole may close, causing pus to accumulate inside the skin and worsen the condition. While you might think "it will heal if I remove it," closing the hole eliminates the drainage route for pus, increasing the risk of abscess formation (a sac of pus). Whether or not to remove it depends on the severity of the symptoms, so please consult a doctor first.

Q. My cartilage piercing is infected. Is the care the same as for an earlobe piercing?

Cartilage piercings have less blood flow than earlobes and are more prone to severe infections. Self-care similar to earlobe piercings may delay appropriate treatment. If your cartilage piercing is infected, we strongly recommend seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible for antibiotic treatment. Leaving it untreated carries the risk of developing chondritis or cartilage necrosis.

Q. Are there any precursors to a first piercing becoming infected?

After getting a first piercing, if you notice the following signs, be careful of progression to infection: the area around the piercing feels hot, there is sharp pain when touched, the color of the discharge changes from clear to yellow or white, or the swelling does not subside. These are signs that a bacterial infection has begun. At this stage, provide appropriate care (washing with soap, not touching the affected area), and if it does not improve, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Q. I got my piercing 1 week ago. There's some pus-like discharge, is it an infection?

In the first 1-2 weeks after getting a piercing, it's common to have a small amount of clear to slightly yellowish lymph fluid, which is a normal part of the healing process. If you have thick white, yellow, or green pus, severe pain, warmth, and spreading swelling, it's highly likely an infection, and we recommend seeing a doctor.

Q. Should I remove my piercing if it's infected?

Please avoid removing it on your own. If you remove the piercing, the opening of the hole may close, causing pus to accumulate inside and worsen the condition. Whether or not to remove it depends on your symptoms, so please consult a doctor.

Q. Is it okay to disinfect with Makiron or hydrogen peroxide?

Alcohol-based disinfectants and hydrogen peroxide can be irritating and may damage healthy tissue, delaying healing. Gentle cleaning with soap and lukewarm water is generally recommended. If disinfection is necessary, use a disinfectant prescribed by a doctor.

Q. I have an infection, but I want to keep the piercing hole. Is that possible?

In mild to moderate cases, it is often possible to preserve the piercing hole with antibiotic treatment. However, if the infection is severe and requires incision and drainage, or if infections recur, we may consider closing the hole and repiercing it later. Please consult us during your examination.

Q. I did a self-piercing and it's infected. Can I get it checked?

Of course. We can address issues after self-piercing at our clinic. After treatment, we will advise you on future care methods, including how to preserve your piercing hole if you wish.

Q. I don't know if I have a metal allergy. How can I tell?

If you have recurrent infections in the same area, if the condition worsens every time you change your piercing, or if you experience severe itching, you might have a metal allergy. We offer patch testing for diagnosis, so please consult us.

Q. I have a keloid (raised scar). Can it be treated?

If a keloid is detected early, it may be improved with topical steroids or local injections. Since it can grow if left untreated, please see a doctor as soon as you notice it. For severe cases, we can also refer you to a specialized plastic surgery hospital.

Q. Which department should I consult?

Dermatology is appropriate. Our clinic handles all types of piercing problems as part of our dermatology services. If you have an "infection," "pain," or "can't remove your piercing," please come to our clinic first.

To prevent recurrent infections

A piercing site that has been infected once tends to relapse. Addressing the root cause is key to preventing recurrence.

• Choose medical-grade piercings: Use pure titanium, pure gold (18K or higher), medical-grade stainless steel, or medical-grade plastic.
• Keep piercings clean: Disinfect the piercing itself regularly. Avoid long-term use of inexpensive piercings.
• Get tested for metal allergies: If the causative metal can be identified, you can choose appropriate materials.
• Be cautious if you have a keloid tendency: If you have had a keloid before, avoid piercing in the same area.
• Do not remove your first piercing until healed: 1-2 months for earlobes, 3-6 months or more for cartilage.
• Move the piercing regularly: After healing, move it back and forth once a week to prevent adhesion.
• Maintain good health: Manage sleep, nutrition, and stress to maintain immunity.

And, piercing in a clean environment is the first step in prevention. For safe piercing methods at a clinic, see the article below ▼

【Doctor's Commentary】To those considering ear piercing｜A guide to safe piercing at a dermatology clinic

Our Clinic's Examinations and Treatments

Examination/Procedure	Purpose/Content
Medical interview, visual examination, palpation	Assess onset, care routine, piercing material, pain, swelling, and discharge to determine severity.
Bacterial culture test	Collect bacteria from pus to identify causative organisms and effective antibiotics (if necessary).
Metal allergy patch test	Diagnose if recurrent infection is due to metal allergy (upon request).
Prescription of antibiotics	Prescribe topical agents (e.g., Gentamicin, Aquacim) or oral medications (e.g., cephalosporins) for moderate to severe cases.
Disinfection/cleaning procedure	Remove pus and scabs, and clean the affected area.
Incision and drainage	If an abscess (collection of pus) has formed, incise and drain the pus under local anesthesia.
Guidance on piercing removal/replacement	Advise on removing piercings or replacing them with medical-grade materials based on symptoms and recovery stage.
Keloid treatment	If a raised scar (keloid) remains, treat with topical steroids or injections.

Flow of Consultation

1. WEB reservation or walk-in
   If you have severe pain or fever, please call us. We will guide you through the consultation process.
2. Reception and filling out the medical questionnaire
   Please fill in when, which area, what symptoms, the material of the piercing you are using, and any past piercing troubles.
3. Doctor's examination
   The doctor will assess the extent and severity of inflammation through visual examination and palpation. A bacterial culture test will be performed if necessary.
4. Treatment and prescription
   Depending on the severity, treatments such as topical/oral antibiotics, disinfection, and incision and drainage will be performed.
5. Home care guidance
   We will thoroughly explain cleaning methods, disinfection methods, whether to remove the piercing, and precautions in daily life.
6. Payment and departure
   We will provide guidance on when to visit next and advice for preventing recurrence.

Clinic Hours and Access

Item	Content
Clinic Name	Jujo Station Haru Internal Medicine and Dermatology Clinic
Consultation Hours	Monday to Sunday, open from 9 AM daily. Open until 8 PM on Wednesdays, 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 PM on Sundays.
Closed Days	None (irregular holidays)
Location	J&MALL 1F, 2-27-1 Kami-Jujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0034
For those coming by train/walk	Approximately 1-2 minutes walk from JR Saikyo Line "Jujo Station", J&MALL 1F
For those coming by bus	Right in front of Kokusai Kogyo Bus "Jujo Station" bus stop
For those coming by car	Please use nearby coin parking lots
Contact Us	TEL: 03-6698-2509 ／ Official LINE:https://lin.ee/AL0fp3z