How do I treat an infected ear piercing?

How are infected ear piercings treated?

1. Applying a warm compress to the infected earlobe or cartilage.
2. Rinsing the infected earlobe with sterile saline.
3. Using antibiotic ointment on the affected area.
4. Taking oral antibiotics for more severe infections.

>> Click to read more <<

In respect to this, how do you treat an infected ear piercing at home?

Treating the infection at home

1. Wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercing.
2. Clean around the piercing with a saltwater rinse three times a day. …
3. Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments. …
4. Don’t remove the piercing. …
5. Clean the piercing on both sides of your earlobe.

Also to know is, how long does it take for an infected ear piercing to heal?

What to Expect: With proper care, most mild earlobe infections will clear up in 1 to 2 weeks. It is common to have them come back without daily earring care.

What does an infected piercing look like?

Your piercing might be infected if: the area around it is swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour) there’s blood or pus coming out of it – pus can be white, green or yellow. you feel hot or shivery or generally unwell.

10 Related Question Answers Found

Does ibuprofen help with infected piercing?

Take anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain and swelling. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.

What saline solution is good for piercings?

Make sure you look for a solution that has no preservatives and is labeled as an “iso-tonic saline” or “0.9% sterile solution.” Avoid saline solutions that are meant to be used for nasal irrigation and contact lens solution, as they contain preservatives that could irritate your piercing.

What are the 5 signs of infection?

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Infection

• Fever (this is sometimes the only sign of an infection).
• Chills and sweats.
• Change in cough or a new cough.
• Sore throat or new mouth sore.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nasal congestion.
• Stiff neck.
• Burning or pain with urination.

Is my piercing infected or irritated?

According to Thompson, the telltale signs of an infection are simple: “The area around the piercing is warm to the touch, you notice extreme redness or red streaks protruding from it, and it has discolored pus, normally with a green or brown tint,” Thompson says.

How do you fix an infected piercing?

Gently pat dry the affected area with clean gauze or a tissue. Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. Turn the piercing jewelry a few times to prevent it from sticking to the skin.

Can you put Neosporin on a piercing?

NEVER USE: Bacitracin or Neosporin. Petroleum based ointments CLOG the piercing and make it difficult for your body to heal. … These products are too strong and will irritate your skin and piercing.

Should I take my piercing out if its rejecting?

The takeaway

Migration and rejection are some complications that can result from a new piercing. If you suspect something is wrong, take out your jewelry and talk with your piercer. A new piece of jewelry is often enough to stop migration and prevent rejection.

How do I get my ear piercing swelling to go down?

Home Treatment

1. Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the piercing site.
2. Apply a cold pack to help reduce swelling or bruising. …
3. Wash the wound for 5 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day, with large amounts of warm water.
4. Elevate the piercing area, if possible, to help reduce swelling.

What antibiotics treat ear piercing infection?

Most infected ear piercings are caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and so you need an antibiotic that covers this bacteria, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.

How do you make a salt water rinse for piercings?

Here’s how to prepare a sea salt solution for cleaning or soaking your piercing:

1. Pour 1 cup of warm water into a cup or bowl. …
2. Add 1/8 to 1/4 of a teaspoon of the sea salt, and allow it to dissolve. …
3. Dip squares of clean gauze or dressing into the sea salt solution and allow them to saturate.
4. Apply them to your piercing.