Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Pierced-Ear Infection
Description
Signs of an infection of a pierced ear are tenderness, a
yellow discharge, redness, and some swelling.
- Causes of infection
The most common causes of infection are piercing the
ears with unsterile equipment, inserting unsterile
posts, or frequently touching the earlobes with dirty
hands.
Another frequent cause is earrings that are too tight
either because the post is too short (the thickness of
earlobes varies) or the clasp is closed too tightly.
Tight earrings don't allow air to enter the channel
through the earlobe. Also, the pressure from tight
earrings reduces blood flow to the earlobe and makes it
more vulnerable to infection.
Some inexpensive earrings have rough areas on the posts
that scratch the channel and can result in infection.
Inserting the post at the wrong angle also can scratch
the channel, so a mirror should be used until insertion
becomes second nature. Posts containing nickel can also
cause an itchy, allergic reaction.
- Expected course
With proper care, most mild earlobe infections will
clear up in 1 to 2 weeks. Recurrences are common if the
youngster is not conscientious in ear and earring care.
Home Care for Mild Pierced-Ear Infections
Remove the earring and post three times a day. Cleanse them
with rubbing alcohol. Clean both sides of the earlobe with
rubbing alcohol. Apply bacitracin ointment (a
nonprescription item) to the post and reinsert it. Continue
the antibiotic ointment for 2 days beyond the time the
infection seems cleared. Carefully review and follow all
the recommendations on preventing infections given below.
Prevention
- Recommended age for pierced ears
Pierced earrings should not be worn until a child is old
enough (usually older than 4 years) to know not to
fidget with them (which can lead to infections) or take
them out and put them in her mouth (which can lead to
swallowing or choking on them). Ideally, the ears
should not be pierced until a child can play an active
part in the decision (usually past age 8).
- Prevention of infections when ears are first pierced
- Do not pierce your child's ears if she has a tendency
to bleed easily, form thick scars (keloids), or get
staph skin infections.
- Have your child's earlobes pierced by someone who is
experienced and understands sterile technique.
Piercing by someone inexperienced can result in
infections or a cosmetically poor result.
- The initial posts should be 14-carat gold or
stainless steel.
- Do not remove the posts for 6 weeks.
- Apply the earring clasp loosely to allow for
swelling.
- After washing the hands and cleaning both sides of
the earlobes with rubbing alcohol, turn the posts
approximately three rotations. Do this twice a day.
- By the end of 6 weeks, the lining of the channels
should be healed and earrings may be changed as often
as desired.
- Prevention of later infections
- Remind your child not to touch the earrings except
when inserting or removing them. Fingers are often
dirty and can contaminate the area.
- Clean earrings, posts, and earlobes with rubbing
alcohol before each insertion.
- Apply the clasps loosely to prevent any pressure on
the earlobes and to provide an air space on both
sides of each earlobe.
- Polish or discard any posts with rough spots.
- At bedtime, remove the earrings so that the channel
is exposed to the air during the night.
- Prevention of injury to the earlobe
Remind your youngster that dangling earrings can lead to
a torn earlobe requiring plastic surgery. Such earrings
should not be worn during sports. Your child should
also take precautions while dancing, hair washing, or
handling young children who might yank the earrings.
Call Your Child's Physician Immediately If:
- The earring clasp becomes embedded in the earlobe and
can't be removed.
Call Your Child's Physician Within 24 Hours If:
- Swelling or redness spreads beyond the pierced area.
- Your child develops a fever (over 100ƒF, or 37.8ƒC).
- The infection is not improving after 48 hours of
treatment.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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