Piercings become infected primarily due to three reasons: "bacterial infection," "metal allergy," and "insufficient care."If a pierced infection is left untreated, the infection can spread, requiring antibiotics, or even lead to severe complications such asperichondritis.
This article explains the "reasons why piercings are prone to infection" and "how to treat an already infected piercing,"categorized by symptoms.
Even if it starts as a mild inflammation, if left untreated, bacterial infection can spread deep into the tissue, prolonging healing or resulting in keloids (raised scars). It's common for people to think, "It should heal if I disinfect it," only for the pus to increase and the pain to worsen. If you experience pus, throbbing pain, warmth, or solidified pus, it's recommended to see a dermatologist promptly.
- Accurate identification of cause and severity through anamnesis, visual inspection, and bacterial culture testing.
- Treatment tailored to symptoms, including oral/topical antibiotics and disinfection.
- Can address complications after self-piercing.
- No appointment needed, same-day consultation OK | Open from 9 AM daily.
👉 Same-day consultations without an appointment are also possible. Please feel free to consult us first.
What is piercing pus/suppuration?
Piercing pus or 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 fully stable (healed). It typically takes 1-2 months for an earlobe piercing and 3-6 months for a cartilage piercing to heal.
Mild inflammation is a common reaction right after getting or changing a piercing, characterized by redness, slight swelling, and a small amount of clear to yellowish discharge. With proper care, it usually improves within a few days.
Suppuration (bacterial infection) occurs when bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus) multiply in the piercing hole, leading to symptoms like white to yellowish-green pus, severe pain, warmth, redness, and swelling. If left untreated, the infection can spread to deeper cartilage and subcutaneous tissues, developing into severe infections such as chondritis or cellulitis.
⚠️ See a doctor promptly if any of the following apply:
- Continuous discharge of white, yellow, or green pus.
- Throbbing pain or warmth around the piercing.
- Swelling is spreading or forming a hard lump.
- Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes.
- Excruciating pain or bleeding when moving the piercing.
- No improvement or worsening after more than a week of care.
- Severe swelling or pain in ear cartilage or body piercing areas.
- Problems have arisen after self-piercing.
Causes of piercing infection – why it becomes infected
A piercing hole is a wound created in the skin. During the period until the wound fully stabilizes (first piercing period),it is particularly susceptible to bacterial infections.
Cause ① Bacterial Infection
Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus invade the piercing hole, causing inflammation and suppuration.This can be caused by touching with unwashed hands, using unhygienic piercings, or insufficient cleaning.
Cause ② Metal Allergy
This is common with piercings made of materials containing nickel, cobalt, and chromium.Metal components ionized by sweat combine with proteins in the skin, causing an allergic reaction,leading to inflammation and then a secondary infection that results in pus.Changing to materials like titanium, pure gold, or surgical stainless steel is effective.
Cause ③ Excessive Disinfection/Irritation
Frequent use of disinfectants with the intention of "keeping it clean" can kill even beneficial skin bacteria,which can actually delay healing. Excessive use of alcohol-based disinfectants is counterproductive.
Cause ④ Tight earring back
If the earring back (clasp) is too tight, it can impede blood flow, leading to tissue necrosis and an increased risk of infection.Please leave a gap of about 1-2mm between the earring and your earlobe.
Cause ⑤ Weakened Immune System
Lack of sleep, fatigue, or poor health can weaken the immune system, making one more susceptible to infections from normally harmless bacteria.
How to distinguish between mild inflammation and suppuration (bacterial infection)
| Item | Mild Inflammation | Suppuration (Bacterial Infection) |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge Color | Clear to slightly yellow (lymph fluid) | White, yellow, or green pus |
| Discharge Amount | Small amount, forms a scab | Continuous discharge, reappears after wiping |
| Pain | Slight pain when touched | Throbbing pain, warmth |
| Swelling | Mild, only around the piercing | Spreads widely, hard lump |
| Redness | Pink to light red | Bright red to purplish red |
| Warmth | Almost none | Clearly warm to the touch |
| Healing Period | 2-5 days with care | Requires medical examination and treatment |
| Action | Continue cleaning and disinfecting at home | See a dermatologist promptly |
Severity Classification of Suppuration
The treatment approach for suppuration varies depending on its severity. If addressed in the early stages, it can heal quickly, but if it worsens, intravenous antibiotics or incision and drainage may be necessary.
| Category | 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, pus accumulation | Oral + incision and drainage, rarely IV treatment |
Correct action when a piercing becomes infected (by symptom)
Mild (small amount of white pus, slightly red around the area)
- Do not remove the piercing: Removing it during the initial piercing period may cause the hole to close.
- Wash with shower: Lather a mild soap well and gently apply it to the piercing shaft to clean.
- Rinse shampoo and conditioner thoroughly: Residue of oil can become a breeding ground for infection.
- Minimize disinfectant: Avoid alcohol; if using, opt for saline solution or a dedicated gel.
- Do not touch excessively: Washing once or twice a day is sufficient.
Moderate (swelling, pain, yellow-green pus)
Apply a small amount of over-the-counter antibacterial ointment (such as Terramycin or Dolmycin) to the affected area.If it does not improve within 2-3 days, please consult a dermatologist.
Severe / Signs to go to the hospital (if any of the following apply)
- The affected area is significantly swollen, warm, and severely painful.
- You have a fever.
- A large amount of pus is discharging, or the pus does not stop.
- The swollen area has become hard (suspicion of keloid or hypertrophic scar).
- The entire ear has become red and swollen (suspicion of perichondritis).
- Symptoms have not improved after more than one week.
If left untreated, perichondritis can deform the ear. Early medical attention is crucial.
By Location | When Cartilage, Navel, or First Piercings Become Infected
In cases of mild inflammation, at-home care can sometimes lead to improvement. The initial 48 hours are critical for preventing worsening of the condition.
If cartilage piercing gets infected
Cartilage piercings in the ear (helix, tragus, industrial, etc.) have less blood flow compared to earlobes, making infections harder to heal. If a cartilage piercing becomes infected, it is more likely to become severe than an earlobe piercing, so we strongly recommend consulting a dermatologist promptly.
It takes 3-6 months for a cartilage piercing to heal (1-2 months for an earlobe). During this time, do not remove the initial piercing and be careful to avoid pressure or snagging.
| Cartilage Piercing Infection: Characteristics | Purpose/Content |
|---|---|
| Difference from earlobe | Less blood flow makes healing difficult. Can lead to chondritis or cartilage necrosis if severe. |
| When to see a doctor | If swelling spreads, warmth, or throbbing pain occurs, see a doctor immediately. |
| Treatment policy | Oral antibiotics are standard. Incision and drainage or IV treatment for severe cases. |
| Precautions | Leaving it untreated, hoping it will heal naturally, is the most dangerous approach. Cartilage necrosis is irreversible. |
If a navel piercing gets infected
Navel piercings are prone to friction from clothing, sweat, body movement, and environments with many germs (like pools or soil), making them high-risk for infection. Many people suffer from "infected navel piercings" or "navel piercing suppuration."
| Navel Piercing Infection: Characteristics | Purpose/Content |
|---|---|
| Reasons for susceptibility to infection | Frequent irritation from clothing friction, sweat, and body movement. Takes 6 months to 1 year to heal. |
| When to see a doctor | If pus continues, redness spreads widely, or fever is present, see a doctor promptly. |
| Daily care | Choose breathable clothing, avoid pressure, and clean thoroughly after bathing. |
| Precautions | Removing the piercing can cause the exit to close, trapping pus inside and worsening the condition. |
If a first piercing gets infected
A first piercing is worn continuously from immediately after piercing until the hole heals. During this period, the hole is a "wound" and is at the highest risk of infection. If you feel your first piercing is infected, check the following:
- Clear to slightly yellowish discharge (lymph fluid) is a normal healing process. White, yellow, or green pus, severe pain, or warmth are signs of infection.
- Do not remove the first piercing on your own — 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 cleaning with soap and lukewarm water is the basic care.
- If symptoms do not improve or worsen after 3 days of care, see a dermatologist.
"A red bump has formed around my piercing hole," "I don't know if it's pus or granuloma" — a piercing granuloma is a different issue from an infection. It's important to differentiate correctly and treat appropriately.
Piercing Granuloma — Causes, How to Identify, and Treatment
What is a Granuloma?
A granuloma is a red to pink elevated bump (granuloma) that forms around a piercing hole. It is a condition where the body overreacts to external foreign body irritation (the piercing) and attempts to repair itself by proliferating tissue. This is different from suppuration caused by bacterial infection.
How to distinguish from suppuration (pus)
|
Comparison Item |
Granuloma |
Suppuration (Bacterial Infection) |
|---|---|---|
|
Appearance |
Red to pink raised bump. Smooth surface |
White, yellow, or green pus. Accompanied by swelling and redness |
|
Pain |
Slight pain when touched. Dull ache when pressed |
Throbbing pain, warmth |
|
Discharge |
Clear to pale red exudate (lymph fluid) |
White to yellow pus |
|
Fever/Systemic Symptoms |
None |
Fever and swollen lymph nodes in severe cases |
|
Cause |
Physical irritation, allergy, piercing material, size |
Bacterial infection (Staphylococcus aureus, etc.) |
Reasons Granulomas are Prone to Form
-
Piercing shaft is too thin or too thick (ill-fitting size)
-
Metal allergy (piercings containing nickel)
-
Piercing's inner diameter is too short, compressing the skin
-
Moving the piercing too much before the hole has healed
-
Repeated irritation from trauma or snagging
-
Body predisposition (individuals with keloid predisposition are prone to forming granulomas/keloids)
Treatment
|
Treatment |
Content |
|---|---|
|
Change piercing material |
Switch to materials less likely to cause metal allergies, such as titanium, surgical stainless steel, or 14K gold or higher. |
|
Check piercing size |
If the inner diameter is too short, pressure on the skin can cause granulomas. Change to a piercing with the correct gauge and inner diameter. |
|
Avoid pressure and irritation |
Avoid headphones, mask straps, and pressure during sleep. |
|
Do not touch or move |
Do not unnecessarily touch or rotate the granuloma. |
|
Soap cleansing |
Gently wash with mild soap 1-2 times a day. |
|
Consult a dermatologist |
If it does not improve, grows larger, or if you have a keloid predisposition, treatment with topical steroids or injections at a dermatologist is effective. |
⚠️ Granulomas and keloids are different. Granulomas often improve once the cause is removed, but keloids require specific treatment. If it continues to grow, is hard, or painful, please see a dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do piercing granulomas heal naturally?
Mild granulomas may improve within several weeks to months by removing the cause (material, size, pressure). If it continues to grow, causes severe pain, or does not improve after more than 3 months, please consult a dermatologist.
Should I remove my piercing if a granuloma forms?
We do not recommend removing it on your own. Removing the piercing can cause the hole to close, trapping the granuloma inside and worsening the condition. Whether to remove it depends on the condition of your symptoms, so please consult a dermatologist first.
Beware of these symptoms (when to see a doctor)
We answer the question, "What happens if a piercing gets infected?" If an infection is left untreated, it can worsen as follows, even if it starts mildly.
| Stage | Symptoms | Risk if Left Untreated |
|---|---|---|
| Initial (Mild) | Small amount of pus, mild swelling, pain when pressed | Recovers in 1-2 weeks with proper care, but can progress to moderate stage if left untreated. |
| Moderate | Continuous white to yellow pus, widespread swelling, warmth, throbbing pain | Will not heal without antibiotics. Can lead to keloids if prolonged. |
| Severe (Chondritis, Cellulitis) | Widespread redness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, pus accumulation (abscess) | May require hospitalization, intravenous treatment, and incision and drainage. Risk of cartilage necrosis. |
If any of the following apply, see a dermatologist promptly:
- Continuous discharge of white, yellow, or green pus.
- Throbbing pain or warmth around the piercing.
- Swelling is spreading or forming a hard lump.
- Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes.
- Severe swelling or pain in ear cartilage or body piercing areas.
- No improvement or worsening after more than a week of care.
- Problems have arisen after self-piercing.
First aid for infected piercings
In cases of mild inflammation, at-home care can sometimes lead to improvement. The initial 48 hours are critical for preventing worsening of the condition.
| Treatment | Content and Precautions |
|---|---|
| Keep hands clean | Always wash hands thoroughly with soap before touching the piercing. Unwashed hands are the biggest source of infection. |
| Gently wash with foam | Lather a mild soap well and wash around the piercing 1-2 times a day. Do not scrub; gently cover with foam. |
| Rinse with lukewarm water | Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Use lukewarm water gently. Hot water is not recommended. |
| Dry cleanly | Pat dry with a clean cotton pad or tissue. Do not rub. A low setting on a hairdryer is also acceptable. |
| Do not remove the piercing | Even if it's infected, removing it on your own can cause the pus exit to close, trapping pus inside and worsening the condition. Seek medical advice. |
| Avoid strong disinfectants | Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are irritating and can damage healthy tissue, delaying healing. |
Do not attempt to forcibly remove your earrings, continuously apply Makiron, or squeeze out pus before your appointment. This can worsen the infection or cause the pus to spread into the subcutaneous tissue, leading to a more severe condition. Please avoid "touching it because it bothers you" as much as possible.
NG Actions to Avoid
| NG Action | Reason |
| Forcibly squeezing out pus | Pushes bacteria deeper, worsening the condition |
| Frequent alcohol disinfection | Damages normal tissue and hinders healing |
| Twirling earrings | Repeatedly damages healing tissue |
| Excessive use of over-the-counter Makiron | Highly irritating and kills beneficial skin bacteria |
| Swimming in a pool while infected | Worsens condition due to double irritation from bacteria and chlorine |
How to Differentiate Lymph Fluid from Pus
Not all fluid draining from a piercing hole is "pus."
| Fluid | Color/Characteristics | Meaning |
| Lymph fluid | Clear to pale yellow, thin consistency | Normal healing reaction. No problem. |
| Pus | White to yellow-green, viscous | Sign of bacterial infection |
| Blood-tinged fluid | Red to pink | Small amount is normal. Large or continuous amounts require attention. |
Clear, thin fluid is often lymph fluid and is a normal part of the healing process.If the fluid is cloudy, yellowish-green, or viscous, there is a possibility of infection.
Self-Care at Home (for mild cases)
For mild inflammation, the following self-care may help, but if there is no improvement after 3 days or if it worsens, please seek medical attention immediately.
- Clean 1-2 times a day: Gently wash with foamed soap while showering. Excessive washing is counterproductive.
- Do not move the piercing: Do not forcibly twist or remove a new piercing that is not yet fully healed.
- Avoid pressure while sleeping: If you sleep on your side, switch to the other side or use a donut-shaped pillow.
- Do not cover with hair: Tie up long hair or keep it away from your ears.
- Prevent sweat and hair products from adhering: Cleanse the area around the piercing after exercise or using hair products.
- Avoid pools and hot springs: Refrain from immersion until completely healed.
- Do not use over-the-counter ointments without consulting a doctor: Misusing steroids or strong ointments can worsen the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. There's solidified pus. What is it?
Yellow to white solidified matter around the piercing hole is dried lymph fluid or pus. While a scab of lymph fluid is a normal part of healing, if solidified pus (a pus plug) repeatedly forms, smells foul, or is accompanied by swelling, it's a sign of infection. Do not try to forcibly squeeze it out 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 you have a bacterial infection. First, gently wash the area with soap and lukewarm water, and do not remove the piercing on your own. Overuse of alcohol disinfectants can be counterproductive. If it doesn't improve after 3 days of care, 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 earring if it's infected?
If you remove an infected piercing on your own, 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 forming an abscess (a pocket 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 earlobe piercings, making infections more likely to worsen. Self-care similar to an earlobe piercing may delay treatment. If your cartilage piercing is infected, we strongly recommend seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible for antibiotic treatment. Leaving it untreated can lead to chondritis or cartilage necrosis.
Q. Are there any warning signs before a first piercing gets infected?
After getting a first piercing, if you experience any of the following signs, be wary of potential infection: the area around the piercing feels hot and throbbing, sharp pain when touched, discharge color changing from clear to yellow or white, or persistent swelling. These are signs that a bacterial infection has started. At this stage, perform appropriate care (soap cleansing, don't touch the affected area), and if it doesn't improve, seek medical attention promptly.
Q. It's been a week since I got my piercing. I have pus-like discharge, is it an infection?
It's common to have a small amount of clear to slightly yellowish lymph fluid discharged during the first 1-2 weeks after getting a piercing, which is a normal part of the healing process. If you have thick white, yellow, or green pus, severe pain, warmth, or 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 exit of the hole may close, causing pus to accumulate internally and worsen the condition. Whether or not to remove it depends on the symptoms, so please consult a doctor.
Q. Can I disinfect with Makiron or hydrogen peroxide?
Alcohol-based disinfectants and hydrogen peroxide (Oxycel) are irritating and can damage healthy tissue, delaying healing. Gentle cleansing with soap and lukewarm water is generally recommended. If disinfection is necessary, please use a disinfectant prescribed by a doctor.
Q. My piercing is infected, but I want to keep the hole. Is that possible?
In mild to moderate cases, it's often possible to preserve the piercing hole with antibiotic treatment. However, if the infection is severe and requires incision and drainage, or if it recurs frequently, we may consider closing the hole and repiercing later. Please discuss this during your consultation.
Q. My self-piercing is infected. Can you treat it?
Of course. We also handle problems arising from self-piercing at our clinic. After treatment, we will advise you on future care methods if you wish to keep the piercing hole.
Q. I don't know if I have a metal allergy. How can I tell?
If you experience recurrent infections in the same area, worsening symptoms each time you change earrings, or severe itching, you may have a metal allergy. We can perform patch tests to diagnose this, so please consult us.
Q. I have a keloid (raised scar). Can it be treated?
Keloids can potentially be improved with topical steroids or local injections if treated early. Since they can grow larger if left untreated, please see a doctor as soon as you notice one. For severe cases, we can 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. Please visit us first if you have an infection, pain, or if your earring is stuck.
To Prevent Recurrent Infections
A piercing site that has been infected once is prone to recurrence. Addressing the root cause is key to preventing recurrence.
- Choose medical-grade earrings: Use pure titanium, pure gold (18K or higher), medical-grade stainless steel, or medical-grade plastic.
- Keep earrings clean: Disinfect the earring itself regularly. Avoid long-term use of inexpensive earrings.
- Get tested for metal allergies: If the causative metal is identified, you can choose appropriate materials.
- Individuals with keloid predisposition should be cautious: Avoid piercing the same area if you have previously developed a keloid.
- Do not remove the first piercing until fully healed: 1-2 months for earlobes, 3-6 months or more for cartilage.
- Move the piercing regularly: Once healed, move it back and forth once a week to prevent adhesion.
- Maintain good health: Manage sleep, nutrition, and stress to maintain immunity.
And most importantly, piercing in a clean environment is the first step in prevention. For safe piercing methods at a clinic, see the article below ▼
Our Clinic's Examinations and Treatments
| Examination/Procedure | Purpose/Content |
|---|---|
| Interview, visual inspection, palpation | Confirm onset, care status, earring material, pain, swelling, discharge, and assess severity. |
| Bacterial culture test | Collect bacteria from pus to identify the causative organism and effective antibiotics (if necessary). |
| Metal allergy patch test | Diagnose if recurrent infection is due to metal allergy (upon request). |
| Antibiotic prescription | Prescription of topical medications (e.g., Gentamicin, Aquatim) and oral medications (e.g., cephalosporins) for moderate to severe cases. |
| Disinfection and cleaning procedure | Remove pus and scabs, and clean the affected area. |
| Incision and drainage | If an abscess (collection of pus) has formed, incise under local anesthesia to drain the pus. |
| Earring removal/replacement guidance | Provide guidance on earring removal or replacement with medical-grade materials, depending on symptoms and recovery stage. |
| Keloid management | Manage remaining raised scars (keloids) with topical steroids or injections. |
Flow of Consultation
-
WEB reservation or walk-in
If you have severe pain or fever, please call us. We will guide you through the consultation process. -
Reception and completion of medical questionnaire
Please fill in when, where, what symptoms, what material of piercing you are using, and your past history of piercing problems. -
Doctor's examination
The doctor will visually inspect and palpate to determine the extent and severity of the inflammation. A bacterial culture test will be performed if necessary. -
Treatment and prescription
Depending on the severity, treatment such as topical or oral antibiotics, disinfection, or incision and drainage will be performed. -
Guidance on home care
We will thoroughly explain washing methods, disinfection methods, whether to remove the piercing, and precautions for daily life. -
Payment and departure
We will inform you of the estimated time for your next visit and advice for preventing recurrence.
Flow of Consultation
-
WEB reservation or walk-in
If you have severe pain or fever, please call us. We will guide you through the consultation process. -
Reception and completion of medical questionnaire
Please fill in when, where, what symptoms, what material of piercing you are using, and your past history of piercing problems. -
Doctor's examination
The doctor will visually inspect and palpate to determine the extent and severity of the inflammation. A bacterial culture test will be performed if necessary. -
Treatment and prescription
Depending on the severity, treatment such as topical or oral antibiotics, disinfection, or incision and drainage will be performed. -
Guidance on home care
We will thoroughly explain washing methods, disinfection methods, whether to remove the piercing, and precautions for daily life. -
Payment and departure
We will inform you of the estimated time for your next visit and advice for preventing recurrence.
Clinic Hours and Access
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Clinic Name | Jujo Station Haru Internal Medicine and Dermatology Clinic |
| Consultation Hours | Monday - Sunday, open every morning from 9 AM. Wednesdays until 8 PM, Fridays and Saturdays until 9 PM, Sundays until 7 PM. |
| Closed | None (irregular holidays) |
| Location | 〒114-0034 J&MALL 1F, 2-27-1 Kamijujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo |
| Access by Train/Foot | Approximately 1-2 minutes walk from JR Saikyo Line "Jujo Station", J&MALL 1st floor |
| Access by Bus | Directly in front of the Kokusai Kogyo Bus "Jujo Station" bus stop |
| Access by Car | Please use nearby coin parking facilities |
| Contact Us | TEL: 03-6698-2509 ／ Official LINE:https://lin.ee/AL0fp3z |
