This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
Ear Piercing Infections: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment ¶
Getting an ear piercing can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also lead to infection if not done properly. According to Kenneth A. Kaplan, MD, an otolaryngologist with ENT and Allergy Associates in New Jersey, and Leila Mankarious, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, infections can occur due to inadequate sterilization of the piercing site or poor after-care.
Dr. Kaplan notes that anyone can get an infected ear piercing, but it's more likely to happen during the first week following the piercing. "Surprisingly, piercing infections do not typically happen until three to seven days after the initial piercing, sometimes more," Dr. Mankarious adds. "Bacteria need time to proliferate."
So, what does an infected ear piercing look like? Dr. Kaplan says that minor infections display symptoms such as redness, discharge, tenderness, and swelling. "You can treat a minor infection at home by cleaning the site at least three times a day with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, and then applying a topical antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin, Neosporin, or Triple Ointment for at least a week," he recommends.
However, if the infection is severe, it can lead to more serious complications such as pus draining from the site, abscess formation, or the appearance of reddish soft tissue at the piercing site. "If the skin around your piercing becomes red and tender and you have a fever greater than 100.4 degrees, you may be dealing with cellulitis, a common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection," Dr. Kaplan warns.
So, how can you prevent an ear piercing infection? Dr. Kaplan recommends choosing a reputable piercing shop and following proper after-care instructions. "No physician will ever recommend piercing the cartilage of the ear," he notes. "Of course, that's never stopped anyone. That's why following your after-care instructions if so crucial, even after it seems like your piercing is all healed up."
And what about treating an infected ear piercing? Dr. Kaplan advises seeing an ear, nose and throat specialist or plastic surgeon if possible. "You may need oral antibiotics and, if you have any abscesses, they'll need to be drained," he says. "If you have a major infection or it involves the cartilage of your ear, you're probably going to need to remove the piercing."
But don't worry, getting an infection doesn't mean you can't be re-pierced. "Getting an infection does not mean you cannot be re-pierced, it simply means that technique surrounding the cleaning or the metal used was inadequate for your needs," Dr. Mankarious says.
