Body Piercing Problems

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Rapid swelling of the tongue or throat, causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Yes	Do you have any signs of an allergic reaction?
Yes	Do you have swelling at the site of a body piercing?
Yes	Do you think you have an infection after having a body piercing?
Yes	Do you know or think you need a tetanus shot?
Yes	Have you had symptoms of another illness in the several months since having a body piercing?
Yes	Do you have a body piercing that is not healing?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have the following symptom?

• A cracked or chipped tooth: Go to the topic Mouth and Dental Injuries.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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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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