Infected Ear Lobe Piercing

Ear piercing is the most common type of body piercing. Although, the piercing salons take all the precautions to avoid infection, it is not uncommon to find infected ear lobe piercing. The main hassle while treating this kind of infection is that, if you remove the earring for treatment, the piercing gets closed. Hence, it is important that you treat the ear without letting the piercing close.

What Causes Ear Lobe Piercing Infection?

Often, piercing is done with steel or an alloy of gold, which include copper, silver or trace metals. These metals have a potential to induce irritation. They also prolong the healing process.
Additionally, unhygienic conditions in the piercing shop may also contribute to infection of an ear lobe piercing.
Sleeping on the pierced ear or exerting too much pressure on the piercing can also lead to infection.
Too much movement of the earring in a newly pierced hole is yet another reason for infection. Moreover, while cleaning the piercing, some water or fluid may retain in the hole, which may lead to pus formation.

How to Treat an Infected Ear Lobe?

Infected ear piercing can be treated at home with the help of sanitizers, antiseptic lotions and a few clean cotton swabs. Follow the procedure given below for infected ear lobe treatment.

• Remove the earring and dip it in alcohol solution, by the time you clean the ear lobe.
• Wash your hands with a soap solution and apply a few drops of hand sanitizer to kill germs.
• Use a solution of an antiseptic soap and hot water to clean the infection. Gently squeeze the pus out of the wound and wipe it with a clean cotton swab.
• Now clean the entire ear lobe with alcohol solution, back and forth.
• Take another cotton swab and apply an antiseptic ointment in and around the piercing.
• Use tweezers to take out the earring from the alcohol solution and insert it in the ear.
• Repeat the procedure at least 2 - 3 times a day. In case of new piercings, do not take out the earring for more than a few hours, else the hole will close.

Proper precautions during piercing and good after care is necessary to prevent infection of the ear lobe piercing. The following steps can help you prevent the infection.

• Check if the person at the piercing store is observing all the necessary hygiene measures.
• Piercing guns should be used only if they are equipped with disposable sterile cassettes.
• Always wear silver or gold earrings made of pure metal only.
• Follow a regular cleaning routine until the piercing heals completely. It will take around 4 - 6 weeks for the piercing to completely heal.
• Never touch your piercing with unwashed hands.
• Do not unnecessarily play with your earring.
• Do not take the earring out until the piercing heals.
• Once, the piercing heals, it is alright to take the earring out every night.
• Increase your intake of vitamin C and zinc rich foods to promote faster healing.
• Avoid wearing earrings with nickel in them.

If you follow all the steps given above, it is unlikely that you will suffer from an infected ear lobe piercing. However, if your ear lobe turns too red and itches, with pus oozing out, it is better you consult your physician without delay, for it may be an indication of bacterial infection.

Disclaimer: The information presented above is for educational purpose only and not for self-diagnosis/ treatment. We do not encourage its usage as an alternative for medical practitioner's advice.