Undoubtedly, a tragus piercing is different from those traditional ear piercings. It is loved by youngsters for different reasons. But here it is worth noticing that you will be dealing with cartilage instead of simply flesh. As your tragus cartilage is thicker, this would require more pressure than any other standard piercing. It might be little painful but that can be sorted out using a NumbSkin cream.

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As you plan to head off for the piercing parlor, apply a thick layer of this cream 45 minutes beforehand. This will desensitize your skin and the process will become painless. Besides pain, there is one more thing which calls for your attention. You’ll certainly feel more pressure during the piercing, but other than that, you’ll experience the basic sting of a needle and not much else.

If you have recently got tragus pierced you must keep an eye out for the signs and symptoms of an infection. This will help you treating the same on time.

How to Identify Tragus Piercing Infection?

While pain or discomfort are said to be a clear indication of any infection, there are few conditions you are likely to experience.

• Heat radiating from the area
• Throbbing and discomfort around the area
• Redness around the freshly pierced skin
• Clear or light yellow seepage from the wound

Now these are typical symptoms of the healing a wound. And it can be quite confusing whether your piercing is well or not. Usually, these symptoms last for somewhere around 2 weeks. But it this continues for long, your tragus is not well. In such a case, you might experience:

• Swelling that does not go down
• An unpleasant odor
• Heat or warmth that gets more intense
• Inflammation and redness which continues to appear after 2 weeks
• Intense pain and excessive bleeding
• Yellow or dark pus seeping from the wound
• A bump which might appear either at the front or back of the piercing site

If you are suspecting any of these, you may have an infection and must talk to a healthcare professional.

How to Avoid an Infected Tragus?

Here are few things to keep in mind if you wish to keep your skin healthy and piercing safe. Checkout:

Choose wisely: First thing comes first; you must ensure that the piercing studio is reputable. Look for a licensed and professional artist who follows good hygiene practices.

Be patient: Of course, you want to experiment with your piercing. But not so early! Do not remove or change the jewelry unless it is fully healed. Also avoid products which cause irritation to the new wound.

Avoid touching: The new piercing has to be kept away from touch of your dirty hands. Even when you have to clean it, thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap.

Clean the piercing: Keeping it clean is really essential. So make it a habit to clean the piercing regularly using a saline solution. Your piercers will provide information on how to keep it clean properly.

Keep out of water: For few days you must resist from swimming pools, beaches, saunas, and even long showers. This might lead to increase in infection.

Even after being extremely careful if the piercing tends to get infected here are some treatments to try.

How to Treat Infected Tragus Piercings?

Warm compress: This can be very soothing on fresh piercing. While it helps reducing redness and swelling, it also boosts the healing speed. For this you can use a clean towel soaked in warm water. Or you can also make a warm compress from chamomile tea bags. Both are effective and easy.

Antibacterial cream: This is quite common. You have to use a mild antibacterial cream. A gentle application will help kill off the bacteria which cause infection.

In worst case, consult an expert and get it treated.