What are the tell-tale signs that your body piercing is infected?

Infected/inflammed: Red, hot, swollen and drainage (inflammation) are normal signs of healing and in fact, not bad but are integral to healing. If infected, the wound should not improve, the patient have fevers, chills, and other systemic signs of infection. Culture of the wound should never be with a swab on the surface but a simple tissue biopsy. Routine use of antibiotics is to be condemned due to the risks.

Infections: Check for signs of infection: ^'ed redness, warmth, swelling. ^'ed tenderness, pus, red streaking, swollen lymph nodes or fever. Recommend keeping piercing in place unless directed by Dr (if removed – drainage tract will close up w ^'ed risk of abscess formation). Call Dr for medical evaluation. Your Dr may prescribe oral antibiotics or antibiotic ointments to apply to piercing site.