Increasing redness that spreads beyond the piercing site
Swelling that worsens instead of improving
Warmth around the piercing
Throbbing or increasing pain
Yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
Thick pus
Crusting with discharge that keeps returning
Bleeding that continues or starts after the first few days
The jewelry feels too tight because of swelling
Skin around the piercing looks shiny, very irritated, or inflamed
Fever
Chills
Swollen lymph nodes
Red streaks extending from the piercing
The piercing is not healing and keeps getting more irritated
The area is tender to touch and getting worse over time