Infected Ear Gauge/Piercing: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
An infected ear gauge or piercing can cause pain radiating to the ear canal due to inflammation and swelling of surrounding tissue.
Causes
- Poor aftercare (inadequate cleaning, touching with dirty hands).
- Non-sterile equipment or jewelry.
- Trauma (snagging, sleeping on it).
- Allergic reaction to jewelry metal (nickel).
- Stretching too quickly (microtears).
Symptoms
- Redness, swelling, warmth, throbbing pain.
- Purulent discharge (yellow/green).
- Fever, lymphadenopathy (preauricular, cervical) if spreading.
- Pain radiating to jaw, temple, or ear canal.
Treatment
- Mild: Saline soaks 2–3×/day, keep jewelry in (allows drainage), topical antibiotic (mupirocin).
- Moderate/Severe: Oral antibiotics (cephalexin, clindamycin) covering Staph/Strep. Remove jewelry only if severe allergy or deep abscess.
- Abscess: Incision and drainage.
Prevention
- Clean with saline (not alcohol/H₂O₂).
- Implant-grade titanium or niobium jewelry.
- Wait 4–6 weeks between stretches.
- Downsize if irritation occurs.
See a clinician if no improvement in 48h, spreading redness, or fever.
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