Download ArticleHome remedies to clear up infections, plus guidance on when it’s time to go to the doctor
Download ArticleX
This article was medically reviewed by Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Hannah Madden. Dr. Alina Goldenberg is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She specializes in allergic contact and atopic dermatitis, patch testing, skin cancer screening and treatment, and medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Goldenberg has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters and received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Skin Association. She holds a BA in Public Health from The University of California, Berkeley, a MAS in Clinical Research, and an MD from The University of California, San Diego.
There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 4,383,733 times.
Those new earrings sure look cute—but why is your ear feeling swollen, red, or irritated? The likely cause is an infection, which is pretty common, especially in new ear piercings. Fortunately, with the right home care and cleaning, you can typically clear up an infection on your own. Read on to learn how to take care of an infected ear piercing, as well as when it’s time to see your doctor.
Things You Should Know
- Wash your hands, then gently clean the infected piercing with a saline solution.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment to your ear to treat infections fast.
- See your doctor if your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours. They may prescribe you with a prescription cream or antibiotics.
- Newly pierced ears can become infected and can present with pain, redness, swelling and warmth in the treated area. Some of these symptoms will be present as a result of the piercing within the first 24 hours, but this does not mean it is infected.
Steps
Wash your hands before handling the infected area. Your hands can spread dirt or bacteria that might worsen your infection. Before cleaning or treating the area, wash your hands using warm water and soap.[1]- Infected piercings can be caused by touching your ear with dirty hands, so it’s important to give them a quick wash every time you touch your piercing.
Clean the infected area with a saline solution. To make a saline solution, mix 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) of salt into a 1 cup (237 ml) of warm water. Dab a sterile cotton ball or gauze into the solution and gently sweep it over both sides of the ear at the site of the piercing. Do this twice a day to keep the area clean.[2]- The area may sting slightly when you use the solution, but it won’t be very painful.
- Avoid using rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based solutions on the infected area, as these can irritate the area and delay healing.
- Gently pat the area dry afterwards with a paper towel, tissue, or cotton swab. Avoid using a towel, as it might irritate the ear.
- If both ears are infected, use a different swab or gauze for each ear.
Advertisement
Apply an antibacterial ointment to heal infections. After cleaning the area, apply OTC antibacterial ointment around the piercing and on the earring itself. Continue to use antibiotic ointment for up to 7 days.[3]- Leave the earring in your ear unless you’re told otherwise by a doctor. Removing the earring can irritate your earlobe more, leading to more swelling and redness.
Apply a warm compress to your ear to help relieve pain. To make a warm compress, soak a washcloth in warm water or a warm saline solution. Press the cloth over your ear for 3-4 minutes. Repeat as needed for pain relief throughout the day.[4]- Afterwards, dry your ear gently by patting it down with a paper towel or tissue.
Advertisement
Go to the doctor if your symptoms last more than 48 hours. Serious complications can result from an untreated ear infection. If your ear is still sore, red, or oozing pus after a week, make an appointment with your primary care physician. If you have any of the following symptoms, make an appointment:[5]- Red, swollen, or throbbing ear
- Warmth on the area
- Discharge or pus from the piercing
- Fever or chills
- Infections usually develop within 2-4 weeks after the initial piercing, although it is possible to develop an infection even years after getting your ears pierced.[6]
Apply a prescription cream if your doctor gives you one. If your infection is moderate but not severe, you may just need a prescription antibiotic cream. Follow your doctor’s instructions when applying to clear up your infection fast.[7]- If your infection is very minor, you may just need to use an OTC cream for longer. Your doctor will tell you exactly what to do.
Take oral antibiotics for more serious infections. If you have a fever or if your infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic pill instead. Take the pill according to your doctor’s instructions. Remember to take the full course of antibiotics, even if your infection seems to go away.[8]- Pills are usually needed if you have a cartilage piercing that has become infected, but they can also be used for earlobe piercings.
Get an abscess drained if it has formed. An abscess is a wound with a large build-up of pus. If you have an abscess, your doctor will drain the wound. This is an outpatient procedure that may be done on the same day as your first visit.[9]- Your doctor may apply a warm compress to your ear to drain the abscess or they may make an incision in the abscess.
Advertisement
Stop touching the ear or piercing unless necessary. If you are not cleaning the wound or removing the piercing, don’t touch your ear. Avoid using clothing or devices too close to your infected ear as well.[10]- If you have long hair, keep your hair up in a bun or ponytail so that it doesn’t hang by your ears.
- Avoid sleeping on your piercing if possible. Keep your bed sheets and pillow cases clean to avoid spreading the infection.
Avoid swimming until the piercing heals. Generally, you should not swim for 6 weeks after getting your piercing. Chlorinated or dirty water can irritate the piercing more, which delays healing.[11]- If you’re already dealing with an infection, stay out of the water until the infection clears up.
Wear hypoallergenic jewelry if you have a nickel sensitivity. In some cases, your piercing might be irritated because of an allergy, not an infection. In this case, start wearing earrings made out of sterling silver, gold, surgical steel, or another nickel-free material. These are less likely to cause a reaction.[12]- Allergies may appear as dry, red, or itchy skin around the site of the piercing.
- Continuing to wear nickel jewelry if you have an allergy can increase your risk of infection.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
- QuestionI just got my second hole pierced on my bottom lobe. My ear does not burn, but feels itchy. Is that a sign of infection?
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MSLuba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
Board-Certified Family Nurse PractitionerYou may be experiencing symptoms of atopic dermatitis or allergic metal contact dermatitis, which increase the risk for developing bacterial skin infections. If the symptoms are intense, don’t resolve within couple of days or worsen, see your medical provider for further evaluation. - QuestionWhat do I do if my upper lobe piercing is sore to the touch?
Sarah Gehrke, RN, MSSarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
Registered NurseA piercing can be sore until it heals. Be sure to keep it clean and follow your piercer's instructions. You can also try a warm compress or an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you have redness, soreness, or pus, contact your healthcare provider to make sure that you don't have an infection. - QuestionDoes a crust around the piercing mean that it is infected?Sarah Gehrke, RN, MSSarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
Registered NurseA honey-colored crust around your new piercing is a part of the normal healing process. Is not an infection if you don't have pus, redness, or pain.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
SubmitAdvertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
- If you have an infection in your ear cartilage, then see a doctor as soon as possible. Infected cartilage may develop scar tissue if not treated promptly by a doctor.Thanks
- If you have signs of a severe infection, like a fever, chills, or other flu-like symptoms, see your doctor for treatment right away.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://uhs.berkeley.edu/health-topics/body-piercings
- ↑ https://uhs.berkeley.edu/health-topics/body-piercings
- ↑ https://pediaclinic.net/Ear-Pierced-Healed-Minor-Infection
- ↑ https://uhs.berkeley.edu/health-topics/body-piercings
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abk1292
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1781501/
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abk1292
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1115/p2029.html
- ↑ https://www.chop.edu/treatments/abscess-drainage
About This Article
Board Certified Dermatologist
This article was medically reviewed by Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Hannah Madden. Dr. Alina Goldenberg is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She specializes in allergic contact and atopic dermatitis, patch testing, skin cancer screening and treatment, and medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Goldenberg has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters and received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Skin Association. She holds a BA in Public Health from The University of California, Berkeley, a MAS in Clinical Research, and an MD from The University of California, San Diego. This article has been viewed 4,383,733 times.
Co-authors: 138
Updated: May 29, 2023
Views: 4,383,733
Categories: Featured Articles | Ear Piercing
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Article SummaryX
The first thing you should do if your ear piercing is infected is remove any crustiness with a cotton swab soaked in antibacterial soap or saline solution. Then, mix 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water and 3 spoonfuls of salt and apply the mixture to your infected piercing with a cotton swab. Hold a warm, moist compress against your ear for 20 minutes every day to help clear out the pus. Stay out of pools, lakes, rivers, or hot tubs until your infection is gone, and see your doctor if your infection persists. To learn more from our Medical Expert co-author, like how to prevent infections when you get your ears pierced, keep reading the article!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,383,733 times.
Reader Success Stories
"It helped all the way around, plus with piercing site infections. I've dreaded taking out the earrings for good but found out it could worsen the infection by not providing an escape outlet for the infection- i.e. pus. "..." more
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
Advertisement
