Eyebrow Piercing: Infection vs. Rejection
Your eyebrow piercing is most likely infected rather than rejecting, and you need to start treatment immediately to prevent serious complications. Redness and pain at one opening are classic signs of infection, which is far more common than rejection in facial piercings 1, 2.
Why This Is Probably Infection
- Infection is the most common complication of body piercings, occurring in up to 77% of piercing complications, while rejection is less frequent 1
- Eyebrow piercings have a 6-8 week healing time, and infections typically occur within the first month after piercing, especially during warm weather 1
- Localized redness and pain at one opening strongly suggests bacterial infection rather than rejection, which typically presents with jewelry migration forward or the piercing appearing shallower over time 1, 2
- Facial piercings (nose, eyebrow, lips) are prone to infection due to their location and exposure 3, 4
Critical Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
You need to see a doctor urgently if you develop any of these:
- Spreading redness or swelling beyond the immediate piercing site 5
- Fever, chills, or feeling systemically unwell 6
- Increasing pain or swelling of the eyelid or cheek 3, 4
- Vision changes or eye pain 6
- Pus or abscess formation 1, 2
These complications can be vision-threatening or life-threatening. There are documented cases of orbital cellulitis, brain abscesses, and even Lemierre syndrome (internal jugular vein thrombosis) following eyebrow piercing 6, 4.
Immediate Management Steps
Remove the jewelry immediately to prevent embedding and allow proper drainage 5. This is critical—leaving jewelry in place during an active infection can trap bacteria and worsen the infection 5.
Start cleaning the area with antiseptic solution or oral rinse like Listerine twice daily 1.
See a healthcare provider within 24-48 hours for antibiotic therapy. Facial piercing infections require antibiotics that cover common pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1, 5.
What Rejection Actually Looks Like
Rejection presents differently than what you're describing:
- The jewelry migrates forward or appears to be sitting more shallow than when first pierced 1
- The piercing channel becomes progressively shorter over weeks to months 1
- The jewelry may eventually be pushed out or sit on the surface of the skin 1
- Rejection is typically not acutely painful like infection—it's more of a gradual process 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not delay removing the jewelry thinking it will help keep the piercing open—this is the most common mistake and can lead to abscess formation 5.
Do not apply tea compresses or home remedies alone without proper antibiotic treatment, as documented cases show this approach has led to severe complications requiring surgery 4.
Do not assume it will resolve on its own. While minor infections can sometimes resolve spontaneously, facial piercings near the eye carry too high a risk of serious complications to take chances 3, 6.
If You Need Antibiotics
Your doctor will likely prescribe fluoroquinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin) because they effectively cover Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a common pathogen in piercing infections 1, 5, 2.
If symptoms don't improve within 48 hours of starting antibiotics, return immediately for reassessment, as you may need surgical drainage or stronger treatment 5.
Future Considerations
Wait at least 6-8 weeks after complete resolution before considering repiercing 5.
Choose a qualified professional if you decide to repierce—piercings done in body-piercing shops had infection rates of 18.4% compared to 1.9% elsewhere 1, 7.