Increasing redness that spreads beyond the piercing site
Swelling that gets worse instead of better
Warmth around the piercing
Throbbing or worsening pain
Yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
Thick pus
Bleeding that keeps happening
Skin that feels hard or very tender around the piercing
Fever or chills
Red streaks coming from the piercing
The jewelry feels stuck because of swelling
The piercing site looks unusually hot or inflamed
Symptoms that worsen after the first few days instead of improving