Unlike traditional ear piercings that pierce dense tissue. Nipple piercings can be dangerous. As they pierce the delicate skin associated with the milk ducts of the breast. Puncture of the skin cuts off the first layer of the body’s defence against infection. It leads to the placement of a foreign body in the deep structures of the breast. This increases the risk of complications. Causes of infected nipple piercing.
Infected Nipple Piercing Symptoms
Irritation of piercings and infection in piercings are two different things. When nipple piercing. Inflamed tissues appear red and are sensitive to touch. Leaving the area alone can cause irritation relief. The irritation usually subsides within a few days without treatment.
Nipple inflammation can occur if irritation persists or if any of the following symptoms are observed
- The puncture site is hot to the touch
- The area is completely sensitive or painful to the touch
- Runny green, yellow or brown
- Swelling at the injection site
- Bad odour in the injection area
- Skin rash
- body pain
- Tired
- Fever
Cause of Infected nipple piercing ?
Infection is caused by repeated touching of the injection site. This can lead to bacteria entering the tissues. Which increases the risk of infection. Because of the injection site, tight clothing can irritate the injection site. Exposure of the injection site to saliva or other body fluids can increase the risk of infection.
Nipple piercing risk factors
The risk of infection is a long-term risk. The risk of infection does not end in the first days or weeks of the injection. But continues with the continuation of the injection, and the following complications can appear
- bleeding
- scars
- nerve damage
- rip
- Interfering with medical needs or operations
- Interfering with breastfeeding
Local infection around the injection area is most common. In rare cases, the infection can spread beyond the nipple. And breast and become more severe. These systemic infections can include:
- Inflammation of the heart valves in people with a history of abnormalities in the structure of the heart
- Infection in the bloodstream
Diagnosis of perforated nipple
A person’s ability to self-diagnose depends on symptoms. Some signs of infection may be obvious. So it is easy to notice an infection in a pierced nipple. For example, pus is a clear sign of infection.
If the person is not confident about the symptoms and whether they indicate irritation or infection. You should consult a doctor. Waiting too long for diagnosis and treatment can lead to an increase in infection time. This can increase the risk of complications.
Infected nipple treatment
If you notice symptoms of sore nipple, it must be treated immediately. This may prevent complications or discomfort. You should never cut the area in an attempt to drain the infection. Because this can lead to serious complications. There are some things that can be done in order to stop or clear the site of infection.
Area cleaning
Hands should be washed, then the area around the puncture site should be washed and dried. Soap designed for sensitive skin should be used. As it is less likely to irritate the affected area. You should avoid using:
- hydrogen peroxide
- ointments
- Alcohol
- Soaps or harsh detergents
Use a warm compress or soak it with sea salt
If the infection is small and localised. A person may be able to improve the drainage of the infection by placing a warm compress on the nipple. The nipple can also be soaked in warm water mixed with sea salt. These two things can be done for several minutes two to three times a day. After that, the hole can be gently cleaned, washed and dried.
Avoid over-the-counter creams or ointments
These products can trap bacteria in the piercing and under the skin and can exacerbate the infection. Only medical antibiotics prescribed by a doctor should be used
How to pierce the nipple safely
Make sure your nipple piercing is done by a professional in a clean location. You don’t have to pierce your nipple alone or have a friend do it.
When choosing a puncture site, care should be taken to:
- The puncture site must be clean
- That piercings and tattoos be done in separate places
- To ask the crew if the woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, and refuse to perform the piercing if she is.
- Puncture with sterile, disposable needles sealed in a box that is opened in front of you.
- That the staff wash their hands before and after the piercing procedure
- That the crew wear gloves when performing the piercing.
- To provide accurate information on how to care for the nipple position after piercing.
How to Control Pain?
There will be some pain when the nipple is pierced. In general, the area will harden for a week after the piercing. Bleeding, itching, or seeing swelling or oozing from the wound may also occur. A person may feel pain or irritation in the nipple for the next few months after the piercing.
How to care for a pierced Nipple
While the piercing area is healing, the piercing area must be kept clean in order to prevent infection:
- Hands should be washed with antimicrobial soap and warm water before touching or washing the nipple.
- If you notice any crusting or particles around the nipple, pat it dry with a clean towel.
- After washing the nipple, it should be dried with a clean towel.
- The nipple can also be soaked in a saline solution made of sea salt and warm water. The nipples can be left to air dry.
- The nipple ring should not stick to clothing, towels, or sheets, as this can rip the skin and cause infection.
- A thick padded or sports bra can be worn to protect your newly pierced nipple
Can the hole be closed
Some women remove the nipple rings in order to breastfeed. Milk can leak from the puncture site. But the foramen will become smaller and close after several weeks. A woman may pierce the nipple again after breastfeeding.
If the person closes the hole for any reason. They must go to a specialist in order to have the hole removed. You should not attempt to do this personally.
When should you see a doctor?
In the event that home remedies are not effective in order to get rid of symptoms within a day or two. You must see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
It can help the person who has had the piercing recognize the symptoms. In addition to knowing how to notice an infection. He or she is an expert on reactions that occur that do not require antibiotics. It can also help to choose jewelry that is suitable for sensitive skin or does not cause allergic reactions.
Nipple Piercing Alarm
Treatment for a pierced nipple depends on the severity of the symptoms of the infection. And how you follow your doctor’s instructions. Most people will be off antibiotics within two weeks. If the pierced nipple area is taken care of, it can be completely cured within this period. If this is not done. The infection can persist, or become chronic. This leads to difficulty in treating it.
