Dermal piercing has become a popular style symbol in recent times. It is also known as micro dermal piercing or dermal anchoring. It is a permanent piercing technique which differs from traditional body piercings. Dermal piercing has only one visible end on skin surface, because the piercing does not pass through and through from skin and other tissues to make it a hole as it is done in traditional piercing techniques.
In dermal piercing, an anchor is passed through the open end and it is lodged just under the surface of skin in the subcutaneous tissue. The anchor plate is lodged through a needle or dermal punch. The metal plate has two holes wherein the fat tissue enters gradually to keep the plate stable. The outer portion or the stud is just at the level of skin surface.
The decorative jewelry is screwed or inserted in it. Since it becomes a permanent piercing, it can be removed only with surgery. Most people prefer dermal piercing in neck, ear lobes, chest, wrist and fingers, lower back, nipples and genitals.
Symptoms Of Infected Dermal Piercing
Dermal piercing like traditional piercing has always associated risk of infection. Contaminated piercing instruments, unhealthy living practice, often lead to infection at the piercing site. It is usually bacterial infection. The healing of normal wound takes one to three months. During this period, person should take utmost care to prevent infection. Some of the signs and symptoms of infected dermal piercing are:
- Pain and swelling at the site of piercing.
- The piercing site becomes extremely red and inflamed.
- Bleeding from site for long period.
- Formation and discharge of pus.
- Change in skin color around the pierced site.
- The area feels hot when touched in comparison with the adjacent skin.
- Infection if remains unchecked may spread to nearby skin and subcutaneous tissue leading to a condition called cellulitis.
- Itching and bad smell from the discharge.
Prevention Of Dermal Piercing Infection
In most cases, a proper hygienic care after dermal piercing will prevent infection. Here are few important tips to prevent infection of dermal piercing.
- Place a bandage on the jewelry for one or two days after piercing. Bandage helps to build up pressure which is necessary to hold the plate inside the skin in its place.
- Avoid touching, twisting the jewelry as it facilitates easy entry for the bacteria living on the skin surface.
- Clean the dried accumulated blood around the jewelry with antibacterial solution or a sterile damp pad. Before touching the piercing, clean your hands with soap water. Once you have cleaned the area, pat it dry with a sterile tissue paper.
How To Treat Infected Dermal Piercing?
Sometimes even after following thorough care and hygienic measures, infection can occur in the dermal piercing. The primary symptom is fiery red area with pain and swelling at the site. Small amount of pus may ooze out from the piercing hole.
In some cases, even jewellery can trigger an infection if it is contaminated. The basic steps are to clean the wound, facilitate easy drainage of pus, warm application which helps to promote circulation and enhance the healing process.
- Clean the wound with warm salt water solution. Put one or two teaspoons of non iodized sea salt in warm water. Let it get dissolved. Clean dry blood, pus and dirt at the site with sea salt warm water. Sea salt has antibacterial properties which help in curtailing infection.
- After cleaning pat dry the area with paper napkin and apply antibiotic ointment.
- Cover the area with band aid. It helps to put pressure on the site and reduces swelling.
- Follow the procedure regularly for few days until healing process has begun.
- Your doctor may recommend oral antibiotics depending on the severity of infection.
- Eat nutritious diet as it helps to strengthen the immune system.