How to Recognize and Treat an Infected Ear Piercing

Let's face it, no matter how careful we are, infection can happen. They happen even in sterile environments such as hospital wards. Bacteria is everywhere, from surfaces we touch to airborne particles.

There is a risk of almost any type of body modification involving skin piercing or piercing. But these risks are usually small, especially when it comes to ear piercings, and most problems can be avoided with proper preventive care.

However, understanding how to recognize signs of infection early, understanding self-medication, and knowing when to see a doctor are important things to know.

This guide will help you understand just that. If you have any questions feel free to contact. The Pierced team has extensive experience with piercings and identifying infections that can be taken care of on their own or that require a doctor's review.

Call or visit our conveniently located Newmarket and Mississauga Piercing Parlors today. Whether you need help with an existing piercing or are looking for a new one, we've got you covered.

preventive measures

The first step is to do everything in your power to prevent infection. Trust us when we say that the extra steps and precautions, while tedious, are well worth it. There's a reason your piercer gives you "aftercare" instructions. Follow them in the letter and thank us later.

Be picky with your piercer.

Ask about the risk of infection and how they work to mitigate it. The piercer should show you his hygiene rules. If they can't show you a sealed pack of hollow needles or are reluctant—or if you're just in a bad mood—leave.

Follow the practical care guide.

You need to gently rinse the new piercing with a suitable saline solution and clean the area. If you don't follow a regular routine when cleaning your ears, you'll encourage bacteria to grow and multiply quickly. Keep in mind that a new ear piercing is essentially an open wound and requires the same ongoing care.

Our favorite piercing products

Wash your hands.

Our hands get covered in bacteria every minute of the day, so we need to sanitize them before touching a vulnerable area like a new piercing.

It can be difficult to track down the cause or simply prevent an infection - that's normal. Infections are normal, we just want to make sure there are fewer of them.

Knowing the Signs of an Infected Ear Piercing

pain

Get ready: piercings hurt. This is completely normal, especially when cartilage is pierced. Your care guide may recommend ibuprofen on the day of your piercing to help relieve pain. If, during follow-up care, the pain continues to worsen after mild discomfort, you may have an infection.

swelling

A little swelling around the piercing is normal. If, however, your ear looks like another head is growing out of it, seek medical attention. If the swelling is hot to the touch, then it is definitely an infection.

redness

Did you notice a pattern? A little redness is normal! If it becomes redder rather than disappearing and is associated with other symptoms, start treatment.

Excess or discolored pus

After a new piercing, there is often a clear or whitish discharge that crusts over as it dries. This discharge is one of the reasons why you need to follow up with post-operative care; if anything is left, it will attract bacteria. Signs of a developing infection include if your pus turns an unpleasant color or starts to stink.

Fever

If you develop a fever, contact your doctor or emergency room immediately! Fever is a systematic symptom, that is, universal. This indicates that the infection has spread beyond your ear and can no longer be treated at home.

If you're worried about your piercing, it's better to be safe than sorry. Don't be afraid to ask your piercer or doctor for advice. Your piercer can't treat an infection, but he can definitely recognize it!

Self-help

Minor infections can be treated at home, while more serious infections may require antibiotics. Many people will first try treatment and see if it helps before spending money on doctor visits.

You can use the following steps to try and cure an infected ear piercing at home:

• Wash your hands. You don't want to invite new bacteria while trying to get rid of an infection.
• Clean the piercing with either sterile saline or a mixture of one cup of distilled water and one-fourth teaspoon of sea salt.
• Using your fingers, pipette or Q-tip, apply the solution to the front and back of the piercing (make sure there are no fibers left on it!)
• Dry the area, but don't use bath towels! They carry germs and can leave fibers behind. Instead, use clean, dry, fresh paper towels.
• Repeat twice a day, preferably once in the morning and once in the evening.

What not to do with an infected ear piercing

Under no circumstances should alcohol, antibiotic ointments, or hydrogen peroxide be used. This will hinder rather than help the healing process.

Do not remove the earring unless advised by your doctor. This can cause your hole to close up and trap the infection inside and the secretions won't be released.

When to see a doctor

• If the infection does not go away after a few days
• If you have a fever
• If the infection spreads
• If the earring stuck into the skin

Keep calm and endure

The three basic rules for caring for your ears are: "Don't panic," "Clean every day," and "Wash your hands." Now that you know what to look out for, you can monitor the health of your piercing and make sure it heals completely with proper care.

Do you have additional concerns about your piercing or are you looking forward to a new one? Contact us today or visit one of our Newmarket or Mississauga offices. We would like to know how we can help.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed medical practitioner. If you feel like your piercing has become infected, seek the advice of your doctor, who may suggest antibiotics.