Hello, I just got my tongue pierced 2 weeks ago and my tongue was doing fine, I cleaned it after everything I ate and it's swelling back up again and secreting sticky fluid, I found out really early this morning and started crying because I'm so scared and know the results of not getting it healed, but should I take it out, try to clean it out and keep it, or go to the doctors? I'm 17 and new to body piercing. Also, one of my friends is a professional piercer and he told me to squeeze my tongue to see if the discharge was sticky or not, I don't know if this could also affect why it's swollen, well it is sticky and I have no clue what means, but it's white and I thought that meant it was in the healing process.

Here some information for you.


Warning signs of a tongue piercing infection

September 03, 2004
By: Lori Wilkerson

All body piercings need careful attention, but with tongue piercing, you should be especially aware of certain risks that aren't present with most other body modifications.

Because of the unusual placement of a tongue piercing and the fact that the tongue is such a sensitive part of the body, you want to watch for some very specific things in the days and weeks following the insertion of a new tongue ring.

Any of these symptoms means you should immediately seek the advice of your piercing professional or a medical professional:

* Yellow or green discharge (a whitish or clear discharge is normal drainage) from the tongue piercing
* Scarring or thickened tissue that builds up and darkens around the piercing hole
* Bleeding or tearing after the initial healing of the tongue piercing
* A low-grade fever that is persistent in the days following your tongue piercing
* Red streaks and painful tenderness radiating out from the piercing hole

It is important to remember that even if you have any of these symptoms, do not remove your tongue jewelry before consulting your piercer. A tongue piercing can close up in a matter of only a few minutes to a few hours, so it is best to see of the infection can be successfully treated without removing the jewelry. In most cases, this can be done with no problem.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tickle

Here some information for you.


Warning signs of a tongue piercing infection

September 03, 2004
By: Lori Wilkerson

All body piercings need careful attention, but with tongue piercing, you should be especially aware of certain risks that aren’t present with most other body modifications.

Because of the unusual placement of a tongue piercing and the fact that the tongue is such a sensitive part of the body, you want to watch for some very specific things in the days and weeks following the insertion of a new tongue ring.

Any of these symptoms means you should immediately seek the advice of your piercing professional or a medical professional:

* Yellow or green discharge (a whitish or clear discharge is normal drainage) from the tongue piercing
* Scarring or thickened tissue that builds up and darkens around the piercing hole
* Bleeding or tearing after the initial healing of the tongue piercing
* A low-grade fever that is persistent in the days following your tongue piercing
* Red streaks and painful tenderness radiating out from the piercing hole

It is important to remember that even if you have any of these symptoms, do not remove your tongue jewelry before consulting your piercer. A tongue piercing can close up in a matter of only a few minutes to a few hours, so it is best to see of the infection can be successfully treated without removing the jewelry. In most cases, this can be done with no problem.

---

Thank you, I was looking around on the internet about using hydrogen peroxide and listerine, I mixed them and it worked, my swelling went down that I had caused(or friend) and I really need reassurance that my tongue isn't infected

I can't tell you over the net if you tongue is infected or not. Have someone who knows about tongue piercings look at it. I know for sure though that if your gums are sore, your tongue is infected.

Rinsing your mouth with sea salt and water is a good cleanser. Use about a tsp of sea salt in an 8 oz. glass of water, stir to dissolve properly and swish in your mouth and spit out.

Hydrogen peroxide 3% (medicinal) is good for a short term but done use it on a constant basis, it will destroy tissue.

Tick

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tickle

I can't tell you over the net if you tongue is infected or not. Have someone who knows about tongue piercings look at it.

Rinsing your mouth with sea salt and water is a good cleanser. Use about a tsp of sea salt in an 8 oz. glass of water, stir to dissolve properly and swish in your mouth and spit out.

tick

---

I could take a pick of it? And also, I have to wait till my dad's awake ><

Just because your gums are sore does not mean that your tongue is infected. Your gums can be sore from over cleaning or using products that dry out your mouth. Listerine is one of the worst possible mouth washes to use for a tongue piercing due to the high alcohol content. Use Biotene or Oral B. They moisturize your mouth as well as clean it.

Ive had my tongue pierced for a few years now.. and it hurts by the pierced spot a lot and especially when I move my tongue or eat and drink its very painful.. does that mean its infected or what?