Ear piercings are a popular way to accessorize and express oneself. However, an infected ear piercing can cause discomfort, pain, and even lead to more severe health problems. This blog will discuss how to treat an infected ear piercing and prevent further complications.
Symptoms of an Infected Ear Piercing
Before discussing the treatment options, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms of an infected ear piercing. Some common signs of infection include:
- Pain, redness, and swelling around the piercing site
- Discharge of pus or other fluids from the piercing
- Itching or burning sensation around the piercing
- A feeling of warmth around the piercing
- A fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or ear area
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action right away to prevent the infection from worsening. Delaying treatment can cause the infection to worsen, and you may experience more severe symptoms.
How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing
There are several ways to treat an infected ear piercing, depending on the severity of the infection. Here are some home remedies and medical treatments that can help.
- Clean The Piercing Site
The first step in treating an infected ear piercing is to clean the piercing site thoroughly. You should do this twice a day using a saline solution. Saline solution is a mixture of water and salt that helps to clean the piercing and promote healing. You can purchase the saline solution at your local drugstore or make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
To clean the piercing site, soak a clean cotton ball in the saline solution and gently clean around the piercing. Be sure to clean both sides, the front and back of the piercing. You may also want to rotate the earring to ensure that the saline solution gets inside the piercing as well.
- Apply A Warm Compass
To help relieve pain and swelling, apply a warm compress to the infected area. To make a warm compress, follow these steps:
- Soak a clean cloth in warm water.
- Wring out the excess water.
- Hold the warm compress gently against the infected area for 5-10 minutes.
- Repeat several times a day.
Be sure to use a clean cloth each time you apply the warm compress to avoid spreading the infection.
- Do Not Remove The Jewelry
While it may be tempting to remove the jewelry from an infected ear piercing, this can actually make the infection worse. The piercing may close up around the jewelry, trapping the infection inside and making it more difficult to treat. Instead, leave the jewelry in place and focus on keeping the area clean and well-cared for. If you have to remove your jewelry, do it only after the infection has healed.
- Avoid Touching Your Piercing
It’s essential to avoid touching your piercing as much as possible, as this can introduce bacteria and irritate the wound. If you must have to touch it, make sure your hands are clean. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water before touching the piercing. Avoid playing with the jewelry or twisting it as this can also introduce bacteria and irritate the piercing. If you have long hair, try to keep it away from the piercing site to prevent further irritation.
- Use Antibiotic Ointment
In some cases, your doctor may recommend using an antibiotic ointment to help treat the infection. Antibiotic ointments can help to kill the bacteria that are causing the infection and promote healing. If the infection is mild, you may be able to treat it with an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. Look for a product that contains neomycin, bacitracin, or polymyxin B as these are effective against the bacteria that typically cause ear-piercing infections. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when using an antibiotic ointment.
- Take Painkillers
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, taking over-the-counter painkillers can help. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are both good options for reducing pain and inflammation associated with an infected ear piercing making it easier for you to carry on with your day. Follow the recommended dosage on the packaging and make sure not to exceed the recommended dosage.
- Consult A Doctor
If the infection does not improve after home remedies, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. If the infection is severe, your doctor may recommend removing the jewelry and allowing the piercing to heal before getting it re-pierced.
- Practice Good Hygiene
To prevent future infections, it’s important to practice good hygiene when getting a piercing or handling an existing one.
Preventing Ear Piercing Infections
The best way to treat an infected ear piercing is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you prevent an ear-piercing infection:
- Choose a reputable piercer: Choose a piercer who uses sterile equipment and follows proper hygiene practices.
- Clean the piercing regularly: Clean the piercing site twice a day using a saline solution or an antiseptic solution.
- Avoid touching the piercing: Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands or objects, as this can introduce bacteria and cause an infection.
- Avoid swimming or soaking the piercing: Avoid swimming or soaking the piercing in water for the first few weeks after piercing, as this can increase the risk of infection.
- Avoid changing the earring too soon: Avoid changing the earring too soon, as this can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of developing an ear piercing infection and ensure that your piercing heals properly.
In conclusion, an infected ear piercing can be painful and uncomfortable, but with prompt treatment, it can heal quickly and without complications. Remember to clean the area, apply warm compresses, use an antibacterial ointment, take pain relievers, avoid touching or rotating the piercing, avoid swimming or submerging the piercing, and seek medical attention if the infection worsens. By following these steps, you can ensure a speedy and successful recovery from an infected ear piercing.