Infection is a mild risk associated with virtually all newly pierced ears, but it can become more serious if associated with unsanitary practices or inappropriate treatment following the piercing. Fortunately, most infections caused by ear piercings can be easily treated with simple home methods. Read on to learn how to deal with the infection and how to prevent future infections.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Treating a New Infection
Step 1. Recognize an infection by swelling and redness
Most ear piercing infections are annoying but, if you act in time, they are never a serious problem. Although you may feel a slight and persistent pain in recently pierced ears that can last for days or weeks, a real infection involves redness, swelling and irritation. If your piercing exhibits these symptoms, you probably have a mild infection. Don't worry, as most infections clear up after a few days of home care.
Step 2. Wash your hands
Most infections are caused by the introduction of external bacteria into the piercing. Sources can be different, although the most common are tools, earrings and dirty hands. In the following steps you will need to touch your ears with your hands, so before you begin, wash your hands with antibacterial soap to make them as clean and sterile as possible.
If you are overly concerned about the germs on your hands, you can choose to wear sterile gloves while performing the treatment
Step 3. Remove the earrings and clean the infected holes
With clean hands carefully remove the earrings from the infected holes. Use cotton swabs to apply antibacterial disinfectant to both sides of the piercing.
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You have a large selection of disinfectants. Some earrings have a disinfectant associated with them, or most of those on the market (especially those containing benzalkonium chloride) will do.
Some medical sources recommend blotting with alcohol, while others advise against it
Step 4. Clean the earring closure before inserting it again
Then clean the earring closure (the part that is in contact with the ear) with the same disinfectant you used for the ear. Then apply a thin layer of antibacterial lotion or ointment to the closure; it will help kill any bacteria inside the piercing once the earring has been inserted again. Finally put on the earring.
Step 5. Repeat this operation 3 times a day
Perform this procedure (remove the earrings, clean the outside of the piercing, clean and apply an ointment on the closure of the earring and wear the earrings again) 3 times a day. Keep this routine for 2 days after the symptoms disappear.
This last point is of fundamental importance. When it comes to fighting a bacterial infection, it is vital to make sure it has completely passed before stopping treatment. If a small amount of bacteria is still present, the infection could recur
Step 6. Take over-the-counter pain relievers properly
While you wait for the infection to heal, you can treat the resulting pain and inflammation with common pain relievers. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and most generics will do.
Even when dealing with these mild medications, avoid overdoses or combinations of multiple medications. This is especially true with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a group of drugs that includes aspirin and ibuprofen, which has been linked to a number of serious side effects from overdose
Step 7. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if the infection worsens
Although most infections caused by an ear piercing are superficial and temporary, some can lead to more serious problems. If left untreated, these infections can create prolonged disturbances, permanent damage to the ear or even worse consequences. If your infection involves any of the following symptoms it would be wise to see a doctor as soon as possible to receive antibiotic treatment:
- Swelling and redness that do not improve after two days of treatment
- Fluid leaking from one side of the piercing
- Swelling so pronounced that it is impossible to see both sides of the earring
- Fever over 38.0 ° C
Method 2 of 2: Preventing Future Infections
Step 1. Avoid touching your earrings, especially if you have dirty hands
As mentioned above, a common cause of infections is the introduction of bacteria into the piercing through the wearer's hands. Although it is easy to fiddle with the earrings without noticing it while dreaming, lost in thought or in a moment of boredom, try to avoid doing it especially if you haven't washed your hands recently; you can reduce the risk of accidentally infecting your piercing again.
Step 2. Clean the earrings and earlobes before putting on the earrings
If you are prone to infections, you may want to continue the cleaning described above, albeit less frequently. When you can, clean your earring closures with an antiseptic liquid to kill any bacteria that might get into the piercing.
Step 3. Wear the earrings with a loose clasp
Believe it or not, wearing earrings that are too tight is one of the causes of infection. If they are closed too tightly, it prevents the hole from getting air and over time the risk of infection can increase. To avoid, wear looser earrings so that the air can reach both sides of the piercing.
Step 4. Remove the earrings before going to sleep once the hole has healed
For the same reasons as before, it's best to give your piercings a chance to "take a break" from earrings from time to time. Once the holes have healed (earlobe piercings take about 6 weeks), remove the earrings every night before falling asleep. This way the piercings can get air and reduce the risk of infection.
Step 5. Use earrings made from non-irritating materials
Some metals used to make earrings are irritating to the skin or cause allergic reactions. These problems can lead to more serious infections if the causes are not understood. For most people, irritation can be avoided by wearing earrings made of neutral metals such as 14-karat gold and surgical steel, which are unlikely to cause problems.
Avoid nickel earrings, they are a known cause of allergies
Advice
- Clean your ears regularly and don't worry about them all the time.
- If you need further assistance, contact a piercing shop or your doctor. The piercing shop is the best choice, as it will help you treat the infection by keeping the earring, while the doctor will be more concerned about letting the hole close before treatment.
- Do not touch the earrings with dirty fingers, make sure you always clean them before touching the piercing. This could be the cause of your infection.
- Keep calm.
- The pain you feel is part of the process itself.
Warnings
- Get the piercing done by a professional. Some people recommend the use of needles to pierce the ears, others prefer the gun.
- Do not let an infected piercing close, it could seal the infection inside and cause further problems.
