Buzz
Ear piercings are a popular form of self-expression, but occasionally the piercing can become infected. If you suspect an infection, the first thing to do is consult a doctor for advice. Keep the wound clean when you return home to speed up recovery. Piercings in the cartilage area are particularly prone to severe infections, which may leave unsightly scars. Therefore, it's important to see a doctor immediately if you suspect an infection. While healing, make sure not to disturb or irritate the infected area. Within a few weeks, your ear should return to normal.
Steps
Seek Medical Care
Visit a doctor immediately if you suspect an infection. Serious complications can arise from untreated infections. If your ear is painful, red, or leaking pus, make an appointment with a general physician.
- The piercing hole may appear red or swollen when infected. You may feel pain, tenderness, or warmth when touched.
- Any wounds that discharge fluid or pus should be checked by a doctor. The pus may be yellow or white.
- If you experience fever, see a doctor immediately. This is a much more concerning sign.
- Infections typically develop within 2-4 weeks after getting the piercing, though it's also possible to experience an infection years after the piercing was done.
Keep the earring in place unless your doctor instructs you to remove it. Removing the earring could interfere with the healing process or lead to an abscess. Instead, leave the earring in until you consult with your doctor.
- Avoid touching, twisting, or fiddling with the earring.
- Your doctor will tell you whether you can remove the earring. If it's necessary, they will assist with its removal. Do not reinsert the earring until your doctor gives you permission.
Apply antibiotic ointment to a mildly infected earlobe. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream or suggest an over-the-counter option. Follow your doctor’s instructions when applying the ointment.
- Common over-the-counter creams such as Neosporin, bacitracin, or Polysporin may be used.
Take prescribed medication if the infection is more severe. If you have a fever or the infection worsens, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics. Make sure to finish the full course of antibiotics as directed, even if the infection appears to heal.
- Oral antibiotics are often necessary when the piercing in the cartilage is infected.
Drain the abscess if one is present. An abscess is a pus-filled wound. If you have an abscess, your doctor will drain it. This is typically an outpatient procedure and can be performed on the same day of your visit.
- Your doctor may apply a warm compress to the ear to help drain the abscess, or they may make an incision to drain the pus.
Consider surgery for severe infections in the cartilage. Cartilage piercings generally carry more risks than earlobe piercings. If the piercing in the cartilage becomes infected, seek medical attention as soon as possible. In serious cases, surgery may be required to remove the infected cartilage.
- The cartilage is the thicker tissue located on the upper part of the outer ear, above the earlobe.
Use home remedies for treatment
Wash your hands before treating the wound. Your hands may carry dirt or bacteria that could worsen the infection. Before cleaning or treating the wound, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap.
Use a cotton swab to clean the pus around the ear. Dip the cotton swab in antibacterial soap or saline solution and gently clean off any pus or discharge. However, avoid removing the scab from the wound as it helps the healing process.
- Discard the cotton swab after use. If both ears are infected, use a separate swab for each ear.
Clean the wound with saline solution. Prepare the saline solution by mixing 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) of salt in 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water. Dip a sterile cotton ball or gauze into the solution and gently wipe both the front and back of the ear where the piercing is. Clean the wound twice a day to keep it free from infection.
- You may feel a slight sting when cleaning the wound with the saline solution, but it shouldn't be painful. If the pain is intense, consult a doctor.
- Avoid using alcohol or alcohol-based solutions on the infected area as it may cause irritation and delay healing.
- Gently pat the area dry with a paper towel or cotton ball. Avoid using a washcloth as it could irritate the ear.
- If both ears are infected, use a fresh cotton swab or gauze for each ear.
Apply a warm compress to the ear to alleviate pain. Soak a washcloth in warm water or saline solution. Press it against the ear for about 3-4 minutes. Repeat as needed throughout the day to reduce pain.
- Use a paper towel to gently blot the area dry after applying the warm compress.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can provide temporary pain relief. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.
Protect the wound
Avoid touching your ear or earring unless necessary. If you haven't cleaned the wound or removed the earring, refrain from touching the ear. Avoid wearing clothes or accessories that come too close to the infected ear.
- Don't wear headphones until the wound has fully healed.
- Keep the phone away from the infected ear. If both ears are infected, consider using the speakerphone.
- If you have long hair, tie it up or style it in a ponytail to prevent it from touching the infected ear.
- Try to avoid sleeping on the infected ear. Keep your sheets and pillowcases clean to avoid spreading germs.
Avoid swimming until the infection and piercing hole are fully healed. Generally, you should wait at least 6 weeks after getting a piercing before swimming. If the piercing becomes infected, wait until the infection clears and the hole heals completely before resuming swimming.
Wear jewelry made from hypoallergenic materials if you are sensitive to nickel. In some cases, you may be diagnosed with a nickel allergy rather than an infection. If so, opt for earrings made from pure silver, gold, surgical steel, or other materials that don't contain nickel, as these are less likely to cause irritation.
- Allergic reactions may appear as dryness, redness, or itching around the piercing.
- The risk of reinfection increases if you continue to wear nickel-based jewelry.
Warning
- If you experience an infection in the cartilage, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. Untreated cartilage infections may lead to scarring tissue over time.
- Avoid attempting to treat the infection at home without consulting a doctor first. Staphylococcal infections, the most common type of skin infection, can have serious consequences if not treated correctly.
