This list of health-specific issues provides general information. The resources cited are just suggestions and are not endorsed by Boston College. If you cannot find the topic you are looking for here, you can also find additional educational resources through the Center for Student Wellness.
Please contact us if you have questions. Anyone who drinks might want to cut down on their consumption or quit completely for many reasons, including improving your health and your relationships with family and friends. Thomas More Road —— Campus Ministry McElroy, Room —— The piercing salon may sell an ear care antiseptic for you to use for cleansing. The active ingredient is usually benzalkonium chloride, which is the same active ingredient in Bactine. Harsh full-strength solutions, such as peroxide or Bactine, not only kill germs, but can also destroy new healing tissue, so be sure that you dilute these solutions with three parts water to one part antiseptic solution.
Alcohol is usually not recommended for cleansing new piercings because it is too harsh and can destroy new healing tissue. It might cause deafness or blindness. There are several precautions you can take to prevent infection of the pierced area and encourage healing:. If signs of infection increased redness, tenderness, heat, swelling occur in a piercing that is through cartilage, immediately seek medical treatment.
An infection of a piercing in cartilage may form a permanent swollen lump keloid on the ear. Mild infections of the ear lobe soft tissue may be treated with proper cleansing and the local use of antibiotic ointment daily for one to two weeks. Jewelry should be left in to allow drainage of exudate. If no improvement, medical evaluation and treatment is recommended. If you have a nasal piercing and signs of infection increased redness, tenderness, heat, swelling occur, you must seek medical care immediately.
Infection of nasal piercings can spread to the brain and cause serious complications. If you think you may have a problem, please talk to someone at University Health Services —— or University Counseling Services —— Do you or someone you know need a confidential online assessment?
