Ear piercing infection

Ear piercings are quite common among children and adults. Most piercings take several weeks to heal. If the piercing is in the earlobe, it will heal quickly. Ear cartilage piercing will take longer to heal because there is less blood flow in this area.

With a new ear canal, irritation is normal. However, if the area is not cleaned properly and bacteria get into the wound, it can cause an infection. Over-the-counter medications will work for mild ear infections. If the infection is more severe, a health care professional can help treat the infection.

Here are some problems that can arise from ear piercing and how to prevent and treat it.

Earlobe infection

The earlobe is an area of ​​flesh that has a lot of blood coming out. It takes about six weeks for an ear piercing in this area to heal completely. You should take care of newly pierced ears under the guidance of an ear piercing specialist. If the area is infected, there will be symptoms such as redness, bleeding, yellow discharge, cotton stuck in the ear.

Cartilage infection

Ear piercing in the cartilage area is a popular choice. The eardrum is located at the top of the ear and it has no blood vessels or nerve cells. As a result, the piercing takes longer to heal. Ear cartilage infections can cause problems beyond fever, bleeding, and swelling.

Cartilage infection, possibly cystitis – an infection of the skin tissue surrounding the cartilage. If left untreated, a systemic infection can develop and affect the entire body. A cartilage infection from an ear piercing can become serious and you should see your doctor.

Allergy

Sometimes an ear piercing is a sign of an infection, but it’s an allergic reaction, which is common in some people. Nickel earrings can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms are usually a dry, scaly, and very itchy red rash. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help combat an allergic reaction.

Risk factors

You should be careful when handling a new piercing. If bacteria get into the new piercing, it can cause an infection. Other causes include: removing an earring before the piercing heals, touching the ear with dirty hands, bathing in a pool, river, lake, or hot tub before the piercing heals. Forgetting to clean your new piercing twice daily, piercing your ears with unsterilized tools in an unsanitary place are also risk factors.

If your ear is infected by an earlobe piercing, you should clean around the area and take the time to wipe and rotate the earring. If the infection doesn’t heal or gets worse, you should see your doctor.

Several treatments will help with the healing process of the infected ear. If the infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics. You wash the infected area with sterile saline, apply antibiotic ointment on the affected area, and place a warm compress on the infected cartilage or earlobe.

The following tips can help avoid ear piercing infections such as washing your hands before touching your newly pierced ear, earlobes, or cartilage such as washing your piercing with mild soap twice daily; rotate the earrings after applying lubricating ointment to the piercing; Do not remove the earring until the piercing is completely healed.

Kim Uyen
(According to Verywell Health)