From the Guidelines
If you have an infected piercing, you should see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment, and they may prescribe oral antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, as these are effective against the most common pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S aureus, and S pyogenes 1.
Key Considerations
- Infected piercings can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S aureus, and S pyogenes 1.
- The most common pathogens involved in infected piercings often respond well to fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin 1.
- For mild infections, topical antibiotics like mupirocin or bacitracin ointment applied 2-3 times daily may be sufficient, but oral antibiotics may be necessary for more severe infections 1.
Treatment Options
- Ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin are recommended as first-line treatment options for infected piercings due to their effectiveness against the most common pathogens 1.
- Alternative options, such as clindamycin, ceftazidime, and cefepime, may be considered in cases where the pathogen is resistant to fluoroquinolones or in patients with severe infections 1.
Important Notes
- It is essential to seek medical attention if you develop fever, significant swelling, red streaks extending from the site, or pus discharge, as these indicate a more serious infection 1.
- While waiting for medical care, clean the area gently with saline solution and avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands to prevent further infection 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Antibiotics for Infected Piercings
- The choice of antibiotic for infected piercings depends on the type of infection and the causative bacteria 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- For methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections, penicillinase-resistant penicillins (flucloxacillin, dicloxacillin), first generation cephalosporins (cefazolin, cephalothin, and cephalexin), clindamycin, lincomycin, and erythromycin are effective 2.
- For methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid, and quinupristin/dalfopristin are effective 2, 4, 6.
- For less serious MRSA infections, such as skin and soft tissue infections, lincosamides (clindamycin, lincomycin) or cotrimoxazole are the antibiotics of choice 2.
- Cefdinir and cephalexin are also effective for mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, including those caused by MRSA 5.
- Oral antibiotics, such as clindamycin, doxycycline, and linezolid, are effective for soft tissue and bone infections caused by MRSA 4, 6.
Specific Antibiotics
- Cefdinir: effective for mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, including those caused by MRSA 5.
- Cephalexin: effective for mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, including those caused by MRSA 5.
- Clindamycin: effective for less serious MRSA infections, such as skin and soft tissue infections 2, 4, 6.
- Linezolid: effective for MRSA infections, including skin and soft tissue infections 2, 4, 6.
- Vancomycin: effective for serious MRSA infections 2, 4.