An Infected Piercing: Should You Take the Jewelry Out?
SkinArticleSeek medical help promptly and let a doctor advise on the jewelry.
Get immediate medical help if you think your piercing is infected. NHS1 guidance advises an urgent GP appointment or urgent-care advice. Do not wait for the problem to settle before seeking help.1
Taking it out is not the first step
NHS1 guidance says to leave the jewelry in unless a doctor tells you to remove it. That instruction belongs alongside prompt assessment, not instead of it.1
Tell the clinician what you notice
Possible infection signs include swelling, pain, heat, very red or dark skin, blood or pus, or feeling hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell. These are reasons to seek help, not a way to diagnose yourself.1
Try: “My piercing has changed like this. I need advice about possible infection and whether the jewelry should stay in.”1
Have the doctor explain the recommended care. Do not assume a jewelry change will treat an infection.1
Skin, Head to Toe includes a visit script. Use it to organize the questions you want answered. Explore the skin playbook.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
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