Eyebrow Ring Infections

Keep piercings clean and healthy.

Eyebrow rings are a popular form of body piercing for both men and women. A simple hoop through the brow is a fun and stylish way to create a unique look, but such piercings can become infected even with proper care. It's important for anyone with an eyebrow ring to be able to prevent as well as identify and treat any infections which may occur.

Preventing Infections from the Start

A piercer should wear latex gloves during the procedure.

Preventing eyebrow ring and other body piercing infection needs to begin before the procedure is performed. Make sure a piercing studio is clean, new needles are used for every customer, and that the piercing professional has washed, gloved hands. Also make sure the piercing studio is licensed with the local board of health, meaning they operate according to legal standards for safety and cleanliness. An eyebrow piercing performed under such sterile and regulated conditions is less likely to become infected than one done otherwise.

Maintainence

Wash the eyebrow ring with antibacterial soap.

After having an eyebrow ring piercing performed, follow the piercer's instructions for keeping it clean. Most piercing professionals will recommend an eyebrow ring be washed with antibacterial soap to prevent infection, but make sure hands are clean and washed before coming into contact with the piercing. The Mayo Clinic advises that peroxide and alcohol based solutions be avoided, as they can dry the skin, as well as lotions and ointments, which can prevent air from reaching the piercing.

Saline Assistance

A saline mixture can help prevent infection.

To prevent an infection, an eyebrow ring piercing will also need to be treated with a saline solution, according to the Association of Professional Piercers, who advise using a "packaged sterile saline solution with no additives" or a homemade "non-iodized sea salt mixture" made with 1/4 tsp. of iodine-free sea salt mixed in a cup of warm distilled water. Keep in mind, a more potent mix is not better, as too much salt can cause irritation instead of helping prevent infection.

Identifying an Infection

Germs can infect an eyebrow ring.

Sometimes, despite cleaning and maintaining a piercing, an eyebrow ring can still become infected. The piercing site will most likely become red, irritated and sore. Yellow, white or green pus may weep from the area as the body builds up white blood cells to fight the infection. Apply a saline compress to the area and do not remove the piercing, as it can further irritate the infection and skin. If the infection worsens, the affected person may exhibit flu like symptoms, including fever and body ache.

Seek Medical Treatment

See a doctor if the piercing is infected.

Do not try and take care of an eyebrow ring infection at home, and be sure to seek medical attention promptly. Ignoring or ineffectively self-treating the infection can result in the condition worsening, leading to more dangerous symptoms like a high fever, or could lead to scarring at the piercing site. A doctor will examine the infected area and come up with the best course of action which may involve prescription antibiotics.

References

• Safe Piercing: Piercing Aftercare
• Mayo Clinic: How to Prevent Piercing Complications
• Piercings Body: Piercing Infections

Resources

• Happy News: Eyebrow Ring Information and Care