Infections usually develop when the area of the piercing is tender and fresh. Bacteria and fungi build up at the area and lead to an infection. The body tries to resist this infection by building up white blood cells. Many times, redness and swelling is seen at the area along with soreness. There might be pus drainage from the area that is grey, green or white in color. The situation can be helped by using compresses; however, only in the initial stages. The user may require antibiotic treatment if the infection is not controlled. In case of an infection, the removal of jewelry should be avoided as this may ensnare the infection within the body and infect various organs and tissue. For instance, if a cartilage piercing becomes infected, the infection can extend to several layers of cartilage and might even lead to damage to the cartilage and disfigurement of the shape of the ear. Similarly, if infection takes place in the nipple piercing of a female, it may extend to the mammary glands and give rise to mastitis. This could cause the breast to become inflammated and painful and there might also be swelling and a sheen over the area. Sometimes, pus may drain out of the nipple. Some commonly found symptoms of piercing infection are similar to that of flu, that is high temperature, shuddering, aches in the muscles, nausea and throwing up. If the piercing is done following a proper procedure, there are negligible chances of infection occurring. However, when such an infection occurs, it should be treated immediately because if left uncared for, it might lead to problems with breastfeeding. It is better to know about the signs and symptoms of infection so that they can be recognized and treated when they occur. However, it would be ideal if such a situation is avoided in the first place. Moreover, incomplete information about these symptoms would only lead to confusion and trouble. Many times, customers have been noted to come to the store flustered because someone told them that they might have an infection, only to have a healthy piercing with no problems. There might have been certain changes occurring at the area because the body is adjusting to the piercing and the process of healing is taking place. Some customers routinely cleanse the area of the piercing with a strong cleansing solution, which would prevent an infection from occurring, but it may damage the tissue and slow down the process of healing.