Dear Jenny,
If there are many tiny bumps it may be some type of allergic reaction. If there is pus, swelling, redness or heat it may be an infection. I would call the facility where you received the piercing and check with them first. If you continue to have the problem or it gets worse contact your physician.

Good Luck,
Nurselady

Dear Melissa,

I have seen this problem several times. It seems that sometimes the bump goes away with warm compresses and other times there was a need for medical attention. I would recommend that you call the facility where you had the piercing done. If it is it red, warm, draining or painful, go see your physcian.

Nurselady

Dear Jennifer,

You are not the first to have this problem. Did the professional that did your piercing give you aftercare instructions. I have read that most people feel cleaning the area with a mild antiseptic soap twice a day and using seasalt or saline soaks two to three times daily are the best way to go. If the area becomes swollen, warm to touch, has a bad odor or greenish discharge I would recommend a doctors evaluation. If it becomes irritated because of rubbing against your pants some type of cover should be applied during the day but leave it open to air as much as possible.

Hope this was helpful.
Nurselady

Dear Kelsey,
It sounds like a possble allergic reaction to something, possibly the bactine. Stop using the bactine for a while and see if it goes away. Wash with an antibacterial soap and keep the area dry. If it does not go away, becomes worse, or you develop symptoms like swelling, pus or foul odor see your physician.

Nurselady

I just my naval pierced 3days ago and it’s sore and is red underneath of the ball of the ring is it infected or does it stay red and sore for a few days? If so how long will it take to stop being sore and red?

Dear Karlie,

Some people tend to have problems with naval piercings for much longer than 3 days. Did the professional that did your piercing give you aftercare instructions. I have read that most people feel cleaning the area with a mild antiseptic soap twice a day and using seasalt or saline soaks two to three times daily are the best way to go. If the area becomes swollen, warm to touch, has a bad odor or greenish discharge I would recommend a doctors evaluation. If it becomes irritated because of rubbing against your pants some type of cover should be applied during the day but leave it open to air as much as possible.
Hope this was helpful.

Nurselady

A sty is a bacterial infection of one of the sebaceous glands of the eyelid.

Symptoms:

Redness and swelling of the eyelid will occur and as the condition progresses a small pimple like abscess may appear.

How to treat:

Frequent warm wet compresses to the area will usually cause the sty to drain and heal. If there is no improvement a physician should be seen and most likely an ophthalmic antibiotic will be prescribed.

Dear Kelley,
Mono is a viral infection and boils are from a bacterial infection so I do not think there is a connection. The one area that may be related is that your immune system may have been weakened due to the mono. This result might have made you more suseptible to the bacterial infection. Hope this helped answer your question.
Nurselady

Ringworm appears as a circular, red scaly patch that spreads along the outer circumference, leaving the inner area of the circle clear. When found on the scalp the fungus causes patches of hair to break off or fall out. Ringworm of the body causes intense itching. An infected pet is a common source of infection.

A physician should see any student with a skin rash for proper diagnosis and treatment . If ringworm is diagnosed the physician will most likely prescribe a topical ointment or oral medication.

Students with ringworm should avoid close contact with others until treatment is successfully completed. Students should wear flip-flops if using a community shower, and caution students not to share towels

Well I know I turned twelve shades of red and then tried to hide my mortification at the thought of it. Once I gained composure I asked what his symptoms were? He replied it is red, swollen, hot and there is yellowish pus. I then asked if his parents were aware? He said no. I then asked where he had the piercing done? A friend he replied. I told him that I was going to have to tell his parents as he was sixteen and he needed to get to a doctor. I dreaded telling his mother as I dialed her number. I really must say she took it better than I did. She picked him up and off to he doctors they went.

Since that day I’ve seen more piercings than I care to and I want to forewarn anyone considering a piercing of the possible dangers. Extra care should be taken for the following:

1. Oral piercings- can cause gum damage and cracking of your teeth. Make sure you go to a professional as I have seen some pretty ugly scarred tongues. Allergic reactions often occur (watch for tongue swelling). Rinsing with an alcohol-free mouth rinse 4-5 times daily (especially after meals).

2. Piercing of the ear cartilage-If this area becomes infected seek medical attention immediately as there is no direct blood supply to the area and antibiotics often do not work. Infection can lead to cartilage damage and ear deformity.

3 .Naval piercings can take up to nine months to heal and often keloids (scar tissue) form. Infection is very common and many times I’ve seen students just take out the naval ring and let it heal.

4. Genital piercings-watch for any signs of infection-go to doctors immediately.

General care for piercings: Clean area with warm soap and water twice daily. Remove any crusting with a wet cotton swab. Most students come back to me with instructions to use Bactine twice a day. This works well for me as I have an order for Bactine.

As with tattoos choose the facility carefully when you are about to have a piercing done. Make sure they use clean (autoclaved) and fresh equipment. Ask to see the piercer’s certificate. Make sure they use hypoallergenic jewelry and avoid the use of a piercing gun. They are difficult to autoclave and can cause tissue damage.