When a body piercing becomes infected, the first thing you should do is inspect the infected area. The severity of the infection will determine whether you need professional assistance. Here are a few basic signs to look for:

• Redness and tenderness extending more than half an inch from the wound.
• Unusual warmth to the touch.
• Dead or extremely discolored tissue.

If any of these describe your piercing, it is most likely suffering cellulitis, a term meaning that the body can no longer contain the infection locally. This can be treated with a doctor�s visit and a round of antibiotics. In extreme cases this can lead on to a systemic infection, meaning an infection that has spread to the body at large. A systemic infection is very serious and warrants immediate attention by a medical professional. Symptoms include fever and/or chills, aching joints or muscles near the site of infection, and a typically large amount of discharge. If you experience these extreme symptoms, the emergency room should be your next stop.

For everyone else, a piercing infection is obnoxious more than dangerous, and can, if left unattended, lead to rejection or necessary removal of the piercing. Almost all bacterial infections of a piercing site are the result of contamination through the skin, with contaminations stemming from the piercing studio being somewhat rarer. Mild, local swelling, redness, and pussy or discolored discharge are usually symptomatic of a simple piercing infection.

Such an infection is best treated by resuming proper piercing care, including a regular antibacterial wash and the application of moist heat, such as a warm sea-salt solution. If necessary, place a bandage over the area to prevent re-contamination, changing it regularly. Make a concerted effort to use fresh clothes and linens and to avoid excesses (such as alcohol and nicotine) which may constrain circulation to the region.

If you do feel the need to see a physician, come educated: body jewelry does not usually need to be removed from an infection site. Only when the tissue is heavily damaged will the removal of the jewelry aid significantly in healing, and the presence of the jewelry may help the wound to drain itself, though this may require a step up in gauge (smaller jewelry). If your physician thinks that removing the jewelry is absolutely necessary, however, he or she may be right. Be sure to take the risks of your infection seriously, and be willing to lose your forty-dollar piercing fee when your health is at stake. You may also be able to find online lists of �piercing-friendly� physicians or nurse practitioners. These people tend to be especially versed in piercing care and dealing with the infections associated with body piercing, and they will not remove your jewelry unnecessarily.

Most importantly, prevent infection or re-infection by caring for your piercing from the start. Use a hypoallergenic anti-bacterial wash, and take special care to avoid likely sources of infection, like swimming pools and lakes. Stay informed of the risks and avoid them whenever possible.