To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• Who did the body piercing?
• When was the piercing done?
• Where on the body was the body piercing done?
• Were sterile instruments and jewelry used?
• What type of jewelry was inserted? What was the jewelry made of?
• Do you have other body piercings? If so, did these piercings cause problems?
• What home treatment measures have you used to clean or treat the piercing site? Be sure to include any nonprescription ointments or creams you have applied to the wound.
• What prescription and nonprescription medicines do you take?
• When was your last tetanus shot?
• Do you have any health risks?