Swelling following body piercing

You will have some slight swelling and tenderness around the site of a body piercing. This is expected. Gradual swelling that develops slowly over 6 to 12 hours or longer usually does not indicate a severe problem. In most cases, home treatment is all that is needed to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Piercing with a large needle can damage larger blood vessels, nerves, and other deep tissues. Rapid swelling immediately after a piercing may indicate bleeding or an injury that has caused deep tissue damage.

Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: September 14, 2006
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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