I received a message from a woman who was experiencing unusual discharge from a healed nipple piercing: 

Hello Elayne.

I had my nipples pierced when I was 18, took them out when I was 22.  I am now 32, my left nipple when pinched has a creamy white (normal) discharge like an ear, but my right nipple has a thin watery brown discharge.  I had no infection when I removed the jewelry, but its been 10 years and I still get a little brownish discharge sometimes.  There is no pain, no swelling, no extra sensitivity.  I clean the area daily, have a very healthy lifestyle, and was curious if there is anything I can do to stop it without going on antibiotics?

Thanks,

M

My reply:

M,

Have you ever tried a regimen of 2-3 daily saline soaks for 2 weeks or so? Sometimes that will dry up/clear up discharge issues with abandoned piercings.

Feel free to send a clear, close up photo or two if you like. That isn't something I have heard about or seen in my career. 

The coloration and consistency of the discharge don't seem consistent with infection, so you probably don't need antibiotics.

My "better safe than sorry" suggestion would be that you pay a visit to a piercing-friendly physician for input and advice.

Please keep me posted!

Dear Elayne,

Thanks for your response.  I have been using saline twice a day for the last week, and it has gone away almost completely.  Thanks so much for your help, I have been trying to get this to go away for 10 years.

Thanks again,

M