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.
Credits
| Author | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | September 14, 2006 |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
