Increasing redness around the piercing
Swelling that gets worse instead of better
Warmth around the pierced area
Throbbing or worsening pain
Yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
Thick pus coming from the piercing
Crusting with unusual color or odor
Skin that feels hot to the touch
Bleeding that keeps happening
A bump that is painful, enlarging, or filled with fluid
Fever
Chills
Red streaks spreading from the piercing
Tenderness that extends beyond the piercing site
Jewelry that feels too tight because of swelling
The piercing not improving after several days of care