HOW TO TELL IF A HELIX PIERCING IS INFECTED??

Question

HOW TO TELL IF A HELIX PIERCING IS INFECTED??

Answer 1

Swelling, redness, or pus.  Those are clear cut signs of infection.  

Answer 2

Swelling and redness could be normal signs of healing (particularly if the piercing is very new, like within the first couple of weeks). Pus, if it is whitish might also be lymph, and is what you body pushes out when it's healing - this is also good.

However, pus that is odorous or a colour such as green indicates infection. Pain in a piercing that is not relatively new is also indicative of such.

Ways to prevent an infection is using sea salt soaks. Use 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodised sea salt in 250ml of warm boiled water and soak for 15-20 min, twice a day. If you're worried however, it's always advisable to go back to your piercer (or if you got pierced with a gun - any reputable piercing studio) and ask them to take a look at it and then can then advise a further course of action.

Good luck!