infected ear piercing

Dealing with an infected ear piercing

Fact Checked

An infected ear piercing occurs when organisms infects the piercing hole and starts causing problems that result to different varieties of symptoms. A piercing is essentially an open wound.

Causes of an infected ear piercing

infected ear
Wash hands properly before touching or cleaning the piercing to prevent further irritation and worsen the condition.
  • Using unsterilized piercing equipment
  • Touching the piercing area or around the area of the ears with dirty hands.
  • Inserting unsterile posts
  • Allergic reactions to the materials of the posts usually nickel which result to itchiness of the affected area.
  • Wearing tight earring especially or the clasp is closed tightly or having a short post which affects normal flow of blood on the earlobe and makes the affected person susceptible to infections.
  • Using bad quality of earrings such as earrings with rough post tends to scratch the piercing channel or the hole when wearing them.
  • Inserting the earrings to a new piercing without using a mirror and cause pain while still in the healing stage.
  • Inserting earring at a wrong angle especially done by children.

Symptoms

  • Red and inflamed streaks or marks on the skin that spreads from the piercing area.
  • Severe redness, pain, swelling, heat or tenderness around the affected area.
  • Tender or swollen lymph glands above or below the piercing area.
  • Mild drainage or bleeding from the site which is in the process of healing, but sometimes there will be swelling with thick yellow-green pus-like that drains from the affected area and redness.
  • Sore and swelling glands in the neck around the jawline
  • Fever
  • Itching and burning sensations

Treatment

  • Wash hands properly before touching or cleaning the piercing to prevent further irritation and worsen the condition.
  • Do not remove the piercing, to prevent closing of the hole and trap the infections.
  • Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or antibiotic ointment to prevent further irritation on the skin and slow down the healing of the affected area.
  • Apply a warm compress or moist compress on the area which can be in the form of a clean warm washcloth. Wring out excess water and place it on the area for at least 20 minutes every day to eliminate the pus.
  • Avoid swimming in pools, rivers, lakes, hot tubs and other places that might harbor harmful bacteria and worsen the condition.
  • Keep clothing away from the area to prevent excessive rubbing or friction and further irritated the skin and worsen the condition.

Tips

  • To avoid infection, piercing of the ears should be done by a professional. Avoid doing it at home
  • The tools used for piercing should be sterile and the earring should be new and in a sterile package.
  • After the piercing the ears should be cleaned at least two times every day using sterile saline solution. Avoid turning the jewelry to prevent further damage and cause an infection. Clean around the piercing without removing the earrings.

FACT CHECK

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Infected-Ear-Piercing

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323162.php

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-treat-an-infected-ear-piercing

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