Ear piercing is a popular form of self-expression. The adornments act as a style statement. But when done, they are open wounds that run a high risk of infection. Infected ear piercing, if not treated timely and correctly, can lead to further complications. Here are dermatologist-approved guidelines and age old ear piercing infection home remedies to seek quick relief.
Is My Ear Piercing Infected?
The first step involves determining if the ear piercing is infected or is just irritated. Remember, slight redness and pain is normal after an ear piercing. This will generally wane and settle in a couple of days. But if the ear piercing site and the surrounding area is red, swollen, painful, warm or tender to touch, crusting, and oozing out a yellow discharge, it’s a case of infected ear piercing.
Causes of Ear Piercing Infection
As per medical data, about 20% of earlobe piercings become infected. This percentage increases to 30% if it’s a cartilage piercing. The most common cause of ear piercing infection is exposure to bacterial infection. This can happen in any of the following ways:
- Use of non-sterile equipment during piercing.
- Ear handling and piercing are done with unclean hands.
- Not cleaning the piercing site enough.
- Frequent touching and not allowing the piercing site to heal properly.
But not all infected ear piercing cases are a result of bacterial infection. It could also be an allergic reaction to certain metals commonly found in earrings. Studies show that nickel is the most common metal known for causing allergic reactions after ear piercing. Opt for hypoallergenic earrings made of materials such as surgical stainless steel, titanium, or niobium to avoid allergic reactions after ear piercing.
Ear Piercing Infection Treatment
Mild infections of ear piercing are self-limiting and will heal with home remedies. But what needs to be taken care of is that you maintain proper hygiene and do not allow the infection to spread. Here are some dermatologist-approved guidelines to treat mild ear piercing infections at home:
1. Do Not Remove the Jewelry
While removing the earrings is considered the first line of action in ear piercing infection treatment, dermatologists recommend otherwise. Removing the earring from an infected piercing can trap bacteria and hinder the drainage of pus, potentially making the infection worse. Also, it may cause the wound to close over the infection. Do not remove the earrings unless you are sure that the ear piercing infection is an allergic infection due to the material of the earrings.
2. Avoid Frequent Touching
Maintaining proper hygiene is the key to quick and effective relief from infected ear piercing. Ensure proper hand hygiene every time you touch the infected area. Use soap and warm water and dry your hands using a clean towel. This will help prevent introducing new infections to the area.
3. Saline Solution Cleaning
Prepare a saline solution by mixing ¼ tsp of non-iodised salt in about 225 ml of warm distilled water. Soak a sterilised gauze or cotton ball in the saline solution and gently clean the infected area. Follow this as an AM and PM routine.
4. Warm Compress
Apply a warm, moist compress to the infected area for about 5-10 minutes. Do this several times a day. The warm compress helps improve blood circulation, supporting quick healing (1).
5. Avoid Harsh Cleansers
Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and other harsh cleansers for wound cleaning. The harsh cleansers contain chemicals that strip the skin of its natural oils, making the skin sensitive and itchy. The use of chemicals also eliminates the beneficial bacteria from the skin, slowing down the body’s natural healing process (2).
6. Topical Antibiotic Ointment
In case required, the dermatologist will prescribe a topical antibiotic ointment to combat localised infection. These ointments are also available over-the-counter. But it is important to follow the usage guidelines for quick and effective relief. Read the product label carefully before using it.
7. Pain Relief
The use of over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen is a norm in ear piercing aftercare. These medicines help manage pain and reduce inflammation that surfaces in almost 100% ear-piercing cases.
Conclusion
Ear piercing is widely popular. But it causes a wound in the earlobe or cartilage which takes several weeks to heal completely. Infected ear piercing cases tend to rise if proper ear piercing aftercare is not followed. While home remedies for ear piercing infection can prove helpful, following dermatologist-approved guidelines help manage the condition effectively.
