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This article was co-written by Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD. Navid Malakouti is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, skin surgery, and medical dermatology. He specializes in acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer, botox injections, fillers, laser treatments and chemical peels. His patients are of all ages. Malakouti is certified by the American Board of Dermatology, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatological Surgery, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Color Society. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and cell biology from the University of California, San Diego and a medical doctorate from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in dermatology in Washington DC at Howard University, the VA Medical Center, the National Children’s Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health.
There are 13 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 295,034 times.
Earrings are an impressive way to express yourself, but sometimes the piercing has a bad reaction, such as an infection. If you suspect an ear infection, the first thing you should do is contact your doctor for advice. Keep the wound clean when you go home to speed up your recovery. Cartilage piercings are susceptible to severe infections and ugly scars, so you should see your doctor immediately if you suspect an infection. [1] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to the source While you’re recovering, make sure you don’t injure or irritate the infected area. Within a few weeks, your ear should be back to normal.
Steps
Seek medical attention
- An infected ear piercing may be red or swollen. You may feel pain, soreness, or warmth to the touch.
- Any oozing or pus-filled wounds should be checked by a doctor. Pus can be yellow or white.
- If you have a fever, see your doctor right away. This is a much more dangerous sign.
- An infection usually develops within two to four weeks of getting your ear pierced, although it is also possible that you will develop an infection many years after getting your piercing. [3] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source
- Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with your earrings.
- Your doctor will let you know if you can remove the piercing. If it is determined that the piercing needs to be removed, your doctor will do this for you. Do not wear your piercing again until your doctor tells you to.
- You can use some over-the-counter creams or ointments, such as Neosporin, bacitracin, or Ppysporin.
- You usually have to take medicine if your cartilage piercing is infected.
- The doctor may apply warm compresses to the ear to drain the abscess or make an incision in the abscess.
- Cartilage is the thicker tissue in the upper part of the outer ear, located above the earlobe.
Use home remedies
- Throw the cotton swab away after wiping it off. If both ears are infected, use a cotton swab in each ear.
- You may feel a slight sting in the wound when wiping with the saline solution, but it should not be too painful. If you have a lot of pain, call your doctor.
- Avoid rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based solutions on the infected area, as the wound can be irritated and slow to heal. [12] X Research Source
- Gently pat dry with a paper towel or cotton ball. Avoid using face towels, as face towels can irritate the ears.
- If both ears are infected, use a new cotton swab or gauze to clean each ear.
- Use a paper towel to gently pat dry after applying the heat.
Protect the wound
- Do not wear headphones until the wound is completely healed.
- Avoid placing the phone on the injured ear. If both ears are infected, you should turn on speakerphone to hear.
- If you have long hair, you should put your hair up or tie it in a ponytail so it doesn’t get in your ears.
- Avoid lying on your side with the infected ear if possible. Keep bed sheets and pillowcases clean to avoid spreading germs.
- Allergies can manifest as dryness, redness, or itching in the skin around the piercing.
- The risk of reinfection increases if you continue to wear nickel jewelry.
Warning
- If you have an infection in your cartilage, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. Infected cartilage can develop scar tissue if not treated promptly.
- Don’t try to treat an infection at home without first consulting your doctor. Staph infections (the most common form of skin infection) can lead to serious consequences if not treated properly.
This article was co-written by Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD. Navid Malakouti is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, skin surgery, and medical dermatology. He specializes in acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer, botox injections, fillers, laser treatments and chemical peels. His patients are of all ages. Malakouti is certified by the American Board of Dermatology, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatological Surgery, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Color Society. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and cell biology from the University of California, San Diego and a medical doctorate from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in dermatology in Washington DC at Howard University, the VA Medical Center, the National Children’s Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health.
There are 13 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 295,034 times.
Earrings are an impressive way to express yourself, but sometimes the piercing has a bad reaction, such as an infection. If you suspect an ear infection, the first thing you should do is contact your doctor for advice. Keep the wound clean when you go home to speed up your recovery. Cartilage piercings are susceptible to severe infections and ugly scars, so you should see your doctor immediately if you suspect an infection. [1] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to the source While you’re recovering, make sure you don’t injure or irritate the infected area. Within a few weeks, your ear should be back to normal.
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