Body Piercing Problems: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have swelling at the site of a body piercing?

See significance of swelling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Is swelling so severe that it cuts off blood flow below the site of the body piercing, making the area cool, clammy, or painful?

Yes

Do you have severe, rapid joint swelling near the site of the body piercing?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Has gradual swelling developed over a joint area after having a body piercing?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has swelling that is not in a joint area gotten worse after 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Do you continue to have mild to moderate swelling after 48 hours of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 04, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer