What is the treatment for infected eyebrow piercing (supraorbital body piercing)?

From the Guidelines

If you have an infected eyebrow piercing, clean it twice daily with saline solution and apply a warm compress for 5-10 minutes to help draw out infection, as this approach is supported by the most recent and highest quality study on blepharitis treatment 1.

Treatment Approach

To manage an infected eyebrow piercing, consider the following steps:

• Clean the piercing twice daily with saline solution (1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt in 8 ounces of warm distilled water) or purchase premade sterile saline.
• Gently remove any crust with a clean cotton swab after soaking.
• Apply a warm compress for 5-10 minutes to help draw out infection, as sustained warmth can be achieved by using hot tap water on a clean washcloth, over-the-counter heat pack, or homemade bean/rice bag that can be heated in the microwave 1.

Additional Considerations

• Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments as these can irritate the piercing.
• Don't twist, turn, or remove the jewelry unless advised by a professional, as this can trap bacteria inside the wound.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) if needed for pain and inflammation.
• Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands and sleeping on the affected side.

Seeking Medical Attention

If the infection shows signs of worsening (increasing redness, swelling, pain, pus discharge, fever), seek medical attention promptly as you may need prescription antibiotics, such as those with good coverage against Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus species 1. Most minor infections will improve within 2-3 days with proper care, but continue treatment for at least a week to ensure complete healing.

From the FDA Drug Label

Directions adults and children 2 years of age and older: clean the affected area apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor For the treatment of an infected eyebrow piercing, the drug label for bacitracin (TOP) suggests:

• Cleaning the affected area
• Applying a small amount of bacitracin (TOP) to the area 1 to 3 times daily
• The area may be covered with a sterile bandage 2

From the Research

Treatment for Infected Eyebrow Piercing

• The treatment for infected eyebrow piercing typically involves antibiotic therapy, with the choice of antibiotic depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection 3.
• For staphylococcal infections, which are common in skin and soft tissue infections, antibiotics such as cephalexin and dicloxacillin have been shown to be effective 4.
• Combination antimicrobial therapy may also be considered for the treatment of serious infections, including those caused by Staphylococcus spp. 5.
• First-generation oral cephalosporins, such as cephalexin, have been traditionally considered second-line treatment options, but may be reconsidered as a viable option in the era of increasing antibiotic resistance 6.
• Recent studies have also shown that shorter durations of antibiotic therapy may be effective for common infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, which could be applicable to infected eyebrow piercings 7.

Antibiotic Options

• Cephalexin: a first-generation oral cephalosporin that has been shown to be effective against staphylococcal infections 4, 6.
• Dicloxacillin: a semisynthetic penicillin that has been shown to be effective against staphylococcal infections 4.
• Other antibiotics, such as vancomycin, ristocetin, and kanamycin, may also be considered for the treatment of serious staphylococcal infections 3.

Considerations

• The choice of antibiotic should be based on the results of culture and sensitivity testing, as well as local susceptibility patterns 3, 5.
• Combination antimicrobial therapy should be considered for the treatment of serious infections, but should be used judiciously to minimize the risk of adverse effects and the development of antibiotic resistance 5.
• Shorter durations of antibiotic therapy may be effective for common infections, but should be individualized based on the specific infection and patient factors 7.