Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Pierced-Ear Infection (for Teenagers)
SYMPTOMS of INFECTION
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 you are 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.
PREVENTION
- Prevention of infections when ears are first pierced
- Do not pierce your ears if you have a tendency to
bleed easily, form thick scars (keloids), or get
staph skin infections.
- Have your 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 your 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 your earrings may be changed as
often as desired.
- Prevention of later infections
- Do not touch your 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
your earlobes and to provide an air space on both
sides of each earlobe.
- Polish or discard any posts with rough spots.
- At bedtime, remove your earrings so that the channel
is exposed to the air during the night.
- Prevention of injury to the earlobe
Dangling earrings can lead to a torn earlobe requiring
plastic surgery. Do not wear dangling earrings during
sports. Also take precautions while dancing, hair
washing, or handling young children who might yank your
earrings.
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- The earring clasp becomes embedded in the earlobe and
can't be removed.
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN WITHIN 24 HOURS IF:
- Swelling or redness spreads beyond the pierced area.
- You develop a fever (over 100 degrees F, or
37.8 degrees C).
- The infection is not improving after 48 hours of
treatment.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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