An infected ear piercing can be painful and can become extremely problematic if not treated correctly and promptly. The earring clasp becomes embedded in your skin. A warm compress is used to promote blood flow to the infected area. How to prevent an ear piercing infection Wearing only quality jewelry made out of stainless steel or 14-karat gold can significantly reduce the chance of experiencing an infection. “You dissolve about (1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per egg cup or shot glass of warm water)\” [nhs.uk] and use it to clean in a similar way you did with rubbing alcohol. Cartilage piercings typically take longer to heal and are more prone to infection than earlobe piercings. How does fake news of 5G and COVID-19 spread worldwide? During periods of…, © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Any minor infection on any ear piercing can be successfully cured at home for some fundamental ways. Pain, bleeding, reddish wounds, enlarging wounds, or swelling that lasts more than two days after the piercing is an indication of possible infection. As we have already said, it is normal to have some symptoms immediately after the procedure, but they will last sho… This is caused by poor aftercare or low-quality jewelry being used. These types of infections are harder to treat and may require oral antibiotics. Also ask if their tools are sterile. If you have your ear cartilage pierced, it's possible for a small bump to develop as the piercing is healing. Daith piercing infection occurs when bacteria contaminates the piercing in your ear. An earlobe piercing usually takes six to eight weeks to heal. Follow proper aftercare throughout this period. You can usually treat a minor piercing infection of the earlobe fairly easily and without complications. However, if your child’s ear appears significantly large, red, and warm to the touch, it could mean that an infection is brewing. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Still have questions? Clean the piercing site with sterile saline or distilled water combined with salt three times a day. Learn what you need to look for and when to seek immediate care. Ear piercing is commonly done in the earlobe. Cartilage piercings, which take place on the harder part of your ear, generally take longer to heal and can be more prone to infection. Avoid touching them with dirty hands. Many people with PsA also experience the red, scaly rash that is characteristic…, Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that can affect people with psoriasis. Infected ear piercings are common, especially in new piercings. Be careful that it does not get caught in clothes when getting dressed. This article is your guide to understand different types of ear piercings. Most times, an infection in a piercing is Here are our favorite organic beauty blogs that do just that. Use of unsterilized equipment for piercing the ear. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines. Getting a tattoo or piercing is a big decision. If you're getting your ears pierced, you need to know what to expect during and afterwards. These can further irritate the skin and slow the healing process. Since piercing ears is basically produce a purposely-made wound, it is very important to do this with cautions and thoroughly-cleaned instruments. Learn more about the procedure, potential side…. Ear piercings are a great way to express yourself, but sometimes they come with unwanted side effects, like an infection. CONTACT US . Looking for tips and guides towards an all-natural and chemical-free beauty routine? Saline Solution. Always clean both sides of the earlobe and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Red ears can be caused by many different conditions, but they're often harmless. "Most of the time what a person thinks is an infection is really just a pissed off piercing," Thompson says. Piercings in the cartilage of your ear are particularly prone to serious infection and disfiguring scars, so … Just like regular piercing on the earlobes, cartilage piercing can also become infected. Also, earrings that are too tight may not allow the wound to breathe and heal. the infection does not improve within a few days. Getting any kind of ear piercing is fantastic, but don’t forget about healing and aftercare! The concerned ear can develop inflammation within 24 hours of piercing. However, to avoid getting a cartilage bump on the ear or any other type of helix piercing infection, you should: Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments. If you touch your piercing with dirty hands or instruments, you can introduce an infection. It irritates the piercing, giving the false appearance of an infection. Routine care is important during that time. Dr. Heidi Fowler answered. Here’s our process. In order to treat such a bubble, you may use sea salt, tea tree oil, aspirin and other remedies, recommended by … Sometimes multivitamins just won't do it anymore. Usually, the infections are minor, and people can treat them at home without complications. Piercing to heal good care of it clean, the infections are harder treat... Get it done both an infection can develop, warmth and discomfort are some of the common of. The method of piercing and it seems infected, seek medical treatment both an infection is rough,! Clean the ears can also leave the ear piercing is a tattoo artist and writer! Before taking any over-the-counter medicines for infected ear piercing infection is really just a pissed off,... Followed, or handling the earring doesn ’ t want to discover what types of piercings! 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