HomeAnswersInternal MedicineinfectionI have an infected nose piercing. Please help.

Can cleansing with salt water solution and antibiotics help overcome infection?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At February 5, 2024
Reviewed AtFebruary 5, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had an infected nose piercing for four days now, 12 days after getting pierced. I was cleaning it twice daily. However, now I am using a salt solution and antiseptic creams. However, the area is red, and yellow pus comes out. It also dries crusty too.

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am very sorry about your medical condition. Do not worry; I am here to take care of you.

Here are a few general tips you can follow:

  1. Cleanse with a saline solution: Use a saltwater solution (saline) to cleanse the piercing and promote healing. Prepare the saline solution by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 8 ounces of distilled or sterile water. Gently clean the piercing with a cotton ball or sterile gauze soaked in the saline solution. Avoid using harsh antiseptics or alcohol, as they can further irritate the piercing.
  2. Avoid touching or twisting the jewelry: Minimize touching the piercing to prevent introducing more bacteria and potentially worsening the infection. Avoid twisting or rotating the jewelry, as this can cause further irritation.
  3. Maintain good hygiene: Keep the area around the piercing clean by washing your hands thoroughly before touching it. Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers directly on the piercing, as they can disrupt the healing process.
  4. Avoid removing the jewelry: Removing the jewelry from an infected piercing can lead to the closure of the hole, trapping the infection inside and potentially causing an abscess. Only remove the jewelry under the guidance of a healthcare professional if it's necessary for treatment.

I suggest you take a tablet Amoxicillin 625 mg. It is commonly prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent.

Thanks for using icliniq, and have a nice day.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vandana Andrews
Dr. Vandana Andrews

General Practitioner

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