Uncontrolled Nipple Piercing Infection: Strategies for Management and Treatment
In the world of body modifications, nipple piercings have grown increasingly popular. However, like any form of body modification, they come with their own set of risks, particularly infections and skin cancer.
An infection occurs when bacteria finds its way into your piercing, while piercing rejection occurs when the body tries to push a piercing out. Nipple piercing infections can be caused by various factors, including germs from dirty needles, improper handling, lack of cleaning, swimming in public pools, gym use, or exposure to saliva.
Symptoms of an infected nipple piercing include painful swelling, skin that is hot to the touch, very red, purple, or darkened skin, blood or pus in a range of colours, a nasty odour, nausea, and fatigue. If symptoms worsen or you develop a fever, nausea, or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately. It's also crucial to be aware of potentially serious complications, such as scarring, nerve damage, formation of large, hard skin lumps (keloids), difficulty breastfeeding or chestfeeding, and potentially life-threatening conditions like sepsis and skin cancer.
Prevention is always better than cure. The best way to deal with an infected nipple piercing is to avoid the problem in the first place. This can be achieved by going to a reputable piercer, checking the tools and materials they use, and following aftercare instructions. Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your piercing, regularly rinse off crusties with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel, wear loose clothing to avoid snags, and soak your nipple in half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water twice a day.
In the event of an infection, treat the piercing with cleanliness, salt water soaks, and letting the piercing air out. It's important to note that only medication that's been approved for you by doctors should be taken. Do not take out a nipple piercing if it's infected as it could trap the bacteria in the skin. Over-the-counter ointments should also be avoided.
In Germany, recognised experts for the treatment and prevention of infections related to nipple piercings include dermatologists and specialists in hygiene and microbiology such as Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Meinertz (heart specialist emphasising infection risks related to skin cancer) and Oliver Kurzai (head of Hygiene and Microbiology at the University of Würzburg).
While nipple piercings can be a fashionable accessory, it's essential to prioritise safety and proper aftercare to ensure a healthy healing process. If you experience any symptoms of an infected nipple piercing, seek medical attention promptly to prevent any potential long-term issues.
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