An infected earring piercing is a common concern, whether it’s a new earlobe or a more complex cartilage piercing. Knowing the appropriate steps to take is important for proper healing and to prevent complications.
Recognizing an Infected Piercing
A new piercing often presents with mild redness, slight swelling, and tenderness, which are part of the body’s natural healing. It might also produce a clear fluid that forms a crust around the jewelry.
An infected piercing shows more pronounced symptoms. These include increased redness, warmth, and significant swelling around the piercing site. You might also experience throbbing pain or tenderness. Yellow, green, or thick, foul-smelling pus-like discharge strongly indicates infection. In severe cases, a fever or chills can develop, signaling a spreading infection.
To Remove or Not to Remove the Earring
It is generally not recommended to remove the jewelry from an infected piercing. Removing the earring can cause the piercing hole to close, trapping the infection inside the tissue. This can lead to a more serious issue, such as an abscess, a swollen area filled with pus that requires medical drainage.
Keeping the earring in allows the infection to drain, preventing it from being sealed beneath the skin. The earring acts as a pathway for pus and discharge to exit. Rare exceptions for removal include a severe allergic reaction to the jewelry material or if explicitly advised by a medical professional. Always consult a healthcare provider before removing jewelry from an infected piercing.
Steps for Managing an Infected Piercing
Once an infection is identified, specific home care steps can help manage the condition. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water before touching the piercing. This prevents introducing additional bacteria.
Clean the infected site gently with a sterile saline solution two to three times a day. You can prepare a saline solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with 8 ounces of distilled water. Apply the solution using a cotton ball or pad, ensuring both sides of the piercing are cleaned, then pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can further irritate the skin and delay healing. Do not rotate or excessively handle the jewelry, as this can cause trauma and worsen the infection. Applying a warm compress for about 15 minutes can also help reduce swelling and promote drainage.
When Professional Medical Help is Needed
While minor infections can often be managed at home, clear signs indicate when professional medical help is necessary. If symptoms such as redness, swelling, or discharge worsen despite consistent home care after two to three days, seek medical attention. Spreading redness or swelling beyond the immediate piercing site is a concerning sign.
Other indicators for professional consultation include experiencing a fever or chills, suggesting the infection may be spreading systemically. Formation of a large, painful abscess, or if the earring becomes embedded, also warrants medical intervention. Cartilage piercings, due to their limited blood supply, have a higher risk of severe complications if infected and should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider.