What to do with a pierced ear that might be infected?!


Question: I just got the top part of my ear done 8 days ago. It was fine up untill two days ago.
Since its new, i bump it against my clothes, and its on my sleeping side.
I clean it woth sea salt water. But it feels a little warm to touch and is a little swollen.
Im thinking that im not using enough salt in my water ratio...
What can i do?
Help!


Answers: I just got the top part of my ear done 8 days ago. It was fine up untill two days ago.
Since its new, i bump it against my clothes, and its on my sleeping side.
I clean it woth sea salt water. But it feels a little warm to touch and is a little swollen.
Im thinking that im not using enough salt in my water ratio...
What can i do?
Help!

don't take the piercing out, because if it is infected your skin can close around the infection and spread it. Also, do not put neosporin or any other anti-bacterial ointment on it for two reasons: bacteria can attach to it (when left uncovered), and it stops oxygen from getting to the piercing (which also hinders healing). make sure your salt-water ratio is correct: 1/4tsp sea salt to 1 cup of water. or if you result to an anti-septic it should help. i recommend cleaning it in the shower rather than randomly throughout the day, since the water can more or less flush it. If you get anything other than a clear/yellow discharge contact a doctor! Good luck!

i should also add that when i had my upper ears pierced sleeping on/tugging with clothing/hitting the piercings made them irritated, which made them red, hot, and swollen. You may not be infected, maybe you just keep agitating them.

hydrogen peroxide can help
put some on a q-tip and try to clean your earing and ear
if your ear hole swells up or looks really infected
go to a doctor who can give you some anti-biotics

Well, getting that part of your ear pierced does increase the chances of infection verses the lobe. You might try a cotton ball with some rubbing alcohol. Possibly heavily saturate the cotton ball and then drip the solution over and around the ring. Make sure to turn it and what not and move it so that the solution may get in the ear. With a recent pierce, it's normal for it to be a little swollen, but, if it's warm or has any pain, you might have an infection. Try the alcohol. It's less than a dollar and works wonders. Good Luck. Also, if it continues to bother you, you get a fever or start to feel bad, consult your doctor. They would know best.

When I got my ear pierced, (in the lobe) I used antiseptic. I suggest to just be careful with it and try not to sleep on that side. My ears weren't fully healed, and I just went to Hawaii for three weeks. One ear was tender, but the other one got swollen and I have had to let the hole heal back up. That was Jan. 7th when I got back, (We live in very dry mountains near McCall Idaho)and it still isn't healed. If it keeps up for over 4-6 weeks, I think that you should just take out the earring, and try again on the other side. Hope it works out!!!

You could use the salt water a little more often. It will feel warm and tender for a few days but it should be fine in no time.

I used hydrogen peroxide whenever I had a problem.





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories