It often happens that the hole in the earlobe becomes infected, especially when it was done recently. In most cases, it heals within a week or two, as long as it is cleaned twice a day. Soak a cotton ball or Q-tip in a saline or antimicrobial soap solution to cleanse the site of the infection, then pat it dry with a disposable paper towel. Avoid using denatured alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, as these can impair healing. See your doctor if the infection spreads, if it doesn't improve within two days, or if you develop a fever. Always wash your hands before touching the piercing and make sure it doesn't get infected again by avoiding swimming and cleaning your phone thoroughly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Clean the Infected Hole Yourself
Step 1. Wash your hands before touching the piercing
Always wash them carefully before touching the hole, especially if it is recent or infected. Use antimicrobial soap and warm water. Avoid handling the earrings and only touch them when you need to clean them.
Step 2. Do not remove the earring if you have recently pierced the earlobe
If the piercing is new, leave the earring for at least 6 weeks, even if an infection develops. Although you have been recommended to shoot it, avoid doing it for 1-2 weeks.
If it's been more than 6 months or you are wearing a permanent earring, remove it to cure the infection
Step 3. Clean the piercing with a cotton swab dipped in saline or soap
Soak a cotton ball or Q-tip in a saline or mild antimicrobial soap solution. Dab it around the affected area, then pat it dry with a disposable paper towel.
- If the shop where you pierced your earlobe gave you saline, use it to clean your ears. Alternatively, you can buy one at the pharmacy or make a saline solution by mixing 2 teaspoons of salt with 1 liter of warm water.
- If you use soap, choose one without perfume and alcohol.
- Clean the infected hole 2 times a day. Meanwhile, you can turn the earring when you apply the saline solution or soap.
Step 4. Use antibiotic ointment
Once you've cleaned and dried your piercing, you can apply an antibacterial ointment to help promote healing. Dab a small amount with a cotton ball, spreading a thin layer over the infected area.
If the infection is wet or producing secretions, avoid the ointment
Step 5. Do not use denatured alcohol and hydrogen peroxide
These two substances tend to dehydrate the infected area and kill the cells needed for the healing process. By eliminating white blood cells, you risk making the infection worse. So, don't apply denatured alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, and make sure any products you use to cleanse the affected area are alcohol-free.
Part 2 of 3: See Your Doctor
Step 1. See your doctor if your infection doesn't improve after two days
Start cleaning the infected area twice a day. After 48 hours, you should see some signs of improvement, including a noticeable reduction in redness or swelling. If the situation gets worse or you don't notice any progress, go to your doctor or dermatologist.
Step 2. See your doctor if the infection spreads or you have a fever
Check your ear regularly on the first day. See your doctor if the infection begins to spread beyond the affected area or if your body temperature rises. These symptoms could indicate worsening that requires antibiotic treatment.
Step 3. Ask your doctor to examine the cartilage piercing if it is infected
Be very careful when the infection affects the cartilage or the top of the ear. It is better not to take any chances and to undergo a medical examination as soon as possible. When an infection develops from a hole made in this area, it could worsen causing a permanent injury that tends to deform the shape of the auricle, such as that of "cauliflower ears".
Step 4. Ask your doctor if you need to take antibiotics
During your visit, he or she will likely prescribe a culture of the secretions produced by the infection. This way he will be able to identify the bacterial strain that caused it.
- Ask him, "Can you tell me any antibiotics to fight this infection? Which type of antibiotic is most effective against this bacterial infection?"
- Do not wash or clean the piercing at least 24 hours before the visit. Your doctor will prescribe an infected ear swab to identify the cause, so cleaning it may compromise the test result.
Step 5. Ask your doctor if you need to undergo allergy tests
Redness, swelling, itching, and other symptoms of infection can also be caused by an allergy. If the culture test is negative, ask if allergy tests are needed.
- If you've never pierced your earlobes before, you may find you're allergic to metal. Avoid skin reactions by choosing nickel-free earrings, since it is the most common metal allergen.
- Your doctor may recommend a visit to an allergist who can carry out more specific tests that will allow him to diagnose your allergy.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing a Reinfection
Step 1. Do not swim after drilling the earlobe
When the piercing is recent, avoid swimming for at least two weeks. During this time, stay away from swimming pools, lakes and the sea and clean the piercing with a saline solution after each shower.
This recommendation applies even more if you need to treat a lobe infection
Step 2. Remove the hair from the piercing
If you have long hair, tie it back so it doesn't touch the infected area or hole. Wash them more often than you normally would.
Prevent hairspray or gel from coming into contact with the piercing and be careful that your hair does not get caught in the earring when you comb it
Step 3. Disinfect your phone every day
Your cell phone is a repository for bacteria that could cause infections, so disinfect it regularly even if no ear infection has developed. Remove the case and clean it with the phone using a disinfectant cloth or paper towel dipped in a cleaning solution.
- Also, don't neglect to sanitize any other phones you use.
- You can also activate the speakerphone when someone calls you. This will reduce the contact with the ear.
Step 4. Sleep without earrings once the hole has become permanent
If you have recently had the piercing, you must keep the same earring for six weeks and, subsequently, change it but wear another earring for six months to prevent the hole from closing. After this period, the piercing will become permanent. At this point, you can remove the earrings at night so that the hole gets air and does not become infected.
Step 5. Rely on qualified professionals when you want a new piercing
The cleaner the store, the lower the risk of infection. Before choosing, read the reviews on tattoo and piercing businesses in your city. Make sure they have the necessary permissions. When you want an ear piercing, make sure staff wear latex gloves and ask if they have machinery suitable for sterilizing the equipment.
- It is not a good idea to rely on those who practice this activity in the night markets or during a holiday abroad.
- Don't ask a friend to pierce your earlobes as they won't be able to properly sterilize the tools they have to use.
