Ear piercing is a great way to express your personality, but sometimes unwanted side effects, such as an infection, occur. If you think your ear hole is infected, the first thing you should do is contact your doctor for advice. Keep the affected area clean to promote quick healing. Even if it is getting better, avoid injuring or further irritating the infected site. After a few weeks it will return to normal.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Wash your hands before touching the infected area
Hands can spread dirt and bacteria, which can make the infection worse. Before cleaning or treating the affected area, wash it with warm water and antibacterial soap.
Step 2. Remove the pus from the ear with a cotton swab
Moisten the tip with an antibacterial soap or saline solution. Gently wipe away any leaking liquid or thick pus. Do not remove the scabs as they could promote healing of the infected site.
Throw the cotton swab away when you're done. If the infection affects both ears, use a different ear for each earlobe
Step 3. Clean the affected area with a saline solution
To make it, mix 1/2 teaspoon (3g) of salt into 240ml of warm water. Moisten a sterile cotton ball or gauze with the solution and gently wipe both sides of the pierced earlobe. Do this twice a day to keep the area clean.
- The site may sting slightly when you apply the solution. However, it shouldn't be unbearable. If not, contact your doctor.
- Avoid using denatured alcohol or an alcohol-based solution as it may irritate the area and delay healing.
- Afterwards, gently blot with a paper towel or cotton swab. Do not use the towel, otherwise it may irritate the ear.
- If both ears are infected, use a cotton swab or clean gauze for each ear.
Step 4. Apply a warm compress to relieve pain
Dip a washcloth in warm water or warm saline solution. Hold it on your ear for 3-4 minutes. Repeat if necessary to ease the pain throughout the day.
Next, gently blot the earlobe by dabbing it with a napkin or paper tissue
Step 5. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Ibuprofen (Brufen) or acetaminophen (Tachipirina) allows you to temporarily relieve pain. Take it according to the instructions in the package insert.
Part 2 of 3: Contact the Doctor
Step 1. See your doctor as soon as you suspect an infection
If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. See your primary care physician if your ear is sore, red, or producing pus.
- An infected piercing can become red or swollen in the surrounding area. It may be sore, throbbing, or hot to the touch.
- If it produces discharge or pus, you should see your doctor. The exudate can be yellow or white.
- If you have a fever, see your doctor right away. This symptom could indicate a more serious infection.
- This type of infection usually develops within 2-4 weeks, although it can occur a few years after ear piercing.
Step 2. Do not remove the earring unless otherwise directed by your doctor
Otherwise, you risk hindering healing or causing an abscess to form. Rather, leave it until you visit your doctor.
- Avoid touching, bending or playing with the earring if you still wear it.
- Your doctor will tell you if you can take it off or not. If it decides you need to remove it, it will do it for you. Don't put on any more earrings until you get her permission.
Step 3. Apply antibiotic cream if it is a mild earlobe infection
Your doctor may prescribe a specific cream or recommend one over the counter. Apply it to the infected site following its instructions.
Some over-the-counter ointments or creams you can use are bacitracin or polymyxin based b
Step 4. Get systemic therapy for more severe infections
If you have a fever or the infection is quite severe, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic. Take it following his instructions and finish the therapy even if the infection seems to disappear.
Usually, antibiotics need to be taken by mouth when the infection spreads to the cartilage
Step 5. Undergo drainage of the abscess
The abscess is a wound that produces a huge amount of pus. When it forms, the doctor is able to drain it. This is an outpatient procedure that can be performed on the same day as the visit.
Your doctor may apply a warm compress to your ear to drain the abscess or cut it
Step 6. Undergo surgery to remove a severe cartilage infection
Cartilage piercings are riskier than earlobe piercings. If the hole becomes infected, see your doctor immediately. Should the infection worsen, surgical removal of the cartilage is required.
Cartilage is an elastic tissue found in the upper part of the outer ear, above the lobe
Part 3 of 3: Protect the Ear
Step 1. Stop touching your ear or piercing if you don't need to
Avoid touching yourself if you don't need to clean the wound or remove the earring. Also, be careful not to put pressure on the infected area with clothing or accessories.
- Do not wear earphones until you have recovered from the infection.
- Avoid placing your cell phone on the affected area. If both ears are affected by the infection, use the speakerphone.
- If you have long hair, make a bun or ponytail so it falls over your ears.
- If possible, avoid sleeping by leaning on your infected ear. Use clean sheets and pillowcases to avoid spreading the infection.
Step 2. Don't go swimming until your earlobe has healed
Generally, after getting the piercing done, you shouldn't swim for 6 weeks. If you have an infection, wait until it has healed completely and the lobe has healed.
Step 3. Use hypoallergenic earrings if you are allergic to nickel
Your doctor might diagnose a nickel allergy rather than an infection. In this case, choose earrings composed of sterling silver, gold, surgical steel, or other nickel-free material. They are less likely to cause a reaction.
- Allergies can cause dryness, redness, or itching around the hole.
- If you continue to wear nickel jewelry when you are allergic, the risk of another infection is higher.
Warnings
- If cartilage is infected, see your doctor immediately. It could develop scar tissue if it is not treated promptly.
- Do not cure the infection on your own without consulting your doctor first. Staph infections (which are the most common skin infections) can have serious consequences if not treated properly.
