Antibiotics for an infected nose piercing

A clinician should assess worsening pain, warmth, spreading redness, marked swelling or thick discharge. Treatment may be local or oral, and a collection of pus sometimes needs drainage.

Mild tenderness, limited redness and a small amount of pale crust can occur while a new piercing heals. Infection is more concerning when discomfort intensifies, the skin feels hot, redness expands, or cloudy, foul-smelling discharge develops.

An itchy rash or persistent irritation where metal touches skin may reflect sensitivity rather than bacteria. A bump can also arise from friction, pressure or scar tissue, so its appearance alone does not determine whether antibiotics are useful.

Wash your hands before contact, clean the site gently with sterile saline, and pat it dry. Avoid twisting the jewellery, picking crusts, applying harsh antiseptics, or covering the area with makeup while it is inflamed.

Leave jewellery decisions to a clinician or experienced piercer: removing it without guidance may allow the opening to close while infection remains trapped, but embedded or overly tight jewellery needs prompt attention. Use a prescribed antibiotic for the stated course and do not substitute leftovers.

Get same-day medical advice for redness spreading across the nose or face, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, fever, red streaks, or feeling generally unwell. Assessment is also important if jewellery is sinking into the skin or discharge and swelling continue despite careful cleaning.

Call emergency services for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness or confusion, including symptoms that begin after an antibiotic dose.

Clarify whether the finding is infection, irritation or metal sensitivity; whether the jewellery can remain in place; how the site should be cleaned; and when lack of improvement should prompt reassessment.