Tragus piercings are often called the trendiest ear piercings around, and they have exploded in popularity over the last few years. Unfortunately, an infection is a real possibility if you are not very careful.
Your tragus piercing can be a truly eye-catching look that you will enjoy for years. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about a tragus piercing infection and exactly what to do if one appears.
The tragus is the small flap of cartilage that sits right next to your ear canal.
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What Is a Tragus Piercing Infection?
Unfortunately, an infection is possible with any type of piercing, and tragus piercings are certainly no exception.
A tragus infection usually shows up in the hours and days right after the piercing is done, and it can bring a range of symptoms you can both see and feel.
What Causes a Tragus Piercing Infection?
Like all infections, the biggest cause is a lack of proper care. When people do not clean their piercings correctly, infections can set in easily.
Infections also happen when an inexperienced piercer performs the procedure and does not do it correctly. The tragus sits in an exposed spot that is hard to cover, so it is regularly exposed to dirt and germs, which only raises the risk.
Is My Tragus Piercing Infected? Signs and Symptoms
Infections are never good news, but the good news is that they are easy to spot and can be treated quickly. If you end up with an infection on your tragus piercing, you will be able to both see it and feel it.
Take a look at this 5 Stones Tragus Piercing.
Pain and swelling almost always happen when you get a new piercing, but if they last more than a few days after the procedure, there is probably a problem.
This is the moment to have your piercing checked, because lingering pain and swelling could be a sign of infection.
Visually, you will probably notice not only swelling but also other signs such as redness and inflammation. You may even see sores around your piercing or fluid leaking out.
Your pain level should not increase in the days after your piercing is finished. If it does, have your piercing examined right away.
How to Treat an Infected Tragus Piercing
Most people treat themselves on instinct, and that is not a good thing when you develop an infection.
It may feel like taking your jewelry out is a smart move once an infection develops, but if your piercing is still fresh, it can close up fast.
If your piercing closes, it will trap the infection inside and will not be able to heal properly. Check with your professional before you remove your jewelry.
What Happens After a Tragus Piercing Infection?
Make sure you have checked with your piercer about the steps to take. Follow the instructions you were given and do not do anything beyond that.
For example, do not go swimming, because chlorinated water often makes infections worse.
Many people with piercings believe that chlorinated water can help keep their piercings clean, but that is simply not the case.
How to Prevent Tragus Piercing Infections
Fortunately, preventing infections is not as hard as you might think. The key takeaway is to have your tragus pierced by an experienced professional.
- Real professionals know how to perform the piercing the right way, and they will give you the guidance you need for proper aftercare.
- A tragus piercing may cost a little more when it is done by an experienced professional, but that small extra charge is well worth it in the long run.
- The jewelry you choose also plays a big role in whether an infection develops. It is important to pick hypoallergenic materials so you do not develop one.
- Choose non-corrosive jewelry that fits well, since tight jewelry can cause discomfort and encourage infections.
- Finally, a regular cleaning and care routine is the most important thing of all. If you do not follow the care guidelines you were given, you needlessly expose yourself to a painful, annoying infection.
Conclusion: Tragus Piercing Infection
In the vast majority of cases, tragus piercing infections are uncommon and lead to no complications at all. That said, if you do not follow your care instructions, do not have your piercing done by an experienced professional, or do not react immediately to an infection by following your piercer's advice, you can raise your risk considerably.
In the end, it is up to you to take care of your tragus piercing and to keep infections from happening. If you do everything you are supposed to do and watch for the possible signs of an infection, you will be able to stop one before it starts.
