When you’re done, dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel.
If you’re having a bad reaction to the nipple jewelry you’ve chosen, then your doctor may recommend changing the piercing. This way, your piercing will stay open so it can drain. If your doctor recommends this, go back to your piercer to get the nipple ring changed.
You can buy a saline rinse over-the-counter, or you can make one by adding 1 teaspoon (5 g) of salt to 1 cup (240 mL) of purified water. The best time to clean and care for your piercing is after a shower. [4] X Research source
You can use a warm compress every 2-3 hours as you desire. After you use the rag, put it in the laundry. Use a fresh, clean rag every time you use a compress. Avoid using cotton balls for this purpose or for cleaning your piercing, since the fibers can get caught in the piercing and make the infection worse. [6] X Research source
You can use your cold compress every 2-3 hours, as needed. If you experience any discomfort, remove the cold compress and let your skin return to room temperature. Always place a towel or a piece of clothing between the ice and your skin. Otherwise, you may accidentally damage your skin with the ice.
Do sea salt baths twice a day for about 3 days. If your infection doesn’t improve, visit your doctor for more treatment options. Only use sea salt for your salt bath. Never use table salt, which contains iodine.
If you typically wear a bra, try to use a camisole instead, as bras can be very tight over your nipple piercing. If you absolutely must wear a bra, choose one that has soft, breathable cups that aren’t too binding.
Talk to your doctor before putting any medication on your nipple, including over-the-counter options.
Swelling and redness around your piercing that grows worse or increases. Increasing pain or sensitivity. A severe throbbing or burning sensation. Warm skin around the piercing. A foul smell coming from the piercing. A rash around your piercing. Yellow or green discharge. Body aches. Fatigue. Fever.
Your doctor may recommend using a warm compress to soften the cyst or abscess to help it drain out on its own. This is more likely to happen if the cyst or abscess is small and just formed. If the cyst or abscess is large or partially hardened, your doctor may decide to drain it, which may cause discomfort. After numbing the area, your doctor will make a tiny incision over the lump so the fluids will drain. Then, they’ll likely give you an antibiotic to help the wound heal. [14] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
If you stop taking your medication too early, your infection can return, and it may be stronger than before. Your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic cream for a minor infection. However, you may need an oral antibiotic for a severe infection.
Similarly, don’t let anyone else touch your piercing. If you do need to touch your piercing while cleaning or caring for it, always wash and dry your hands first.
Be sure to wash your piercing any time you get sweaty. Sweat and bacteria can cause or worsen an infection.
Say, “My piercing is still healing, so please leave it alone. ”
Body lotion or cream Body butter Sunscreen Soap or body wash with fragrances Tanning oil
