Earring Infection: Symptoms, Causes & Home Treatment

Signs of infected earrings:

- Redness, swelling, or tenderness around the piercing

- Pus or discharge from the piercing

- Pain or discomfort when touching or moving the piercing

- A fever

- Swollen lymph nodes

First aid for infected earrings:

1. Clean the piercing. Use a cotton swab dipped in a saline solution (1/4 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water) to gently clean the piercing and remove any crust or debris.

2. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. This will help to protect the piercing from infection and promote healing.

3. Cover the piercing with a bandage. This will help to keep the piercing clean and prevent it from being irritated.

4. Take over-the-counter pain medication. This can help to relieve pain and inflammation.

5. See a doctor if the infection does not improve within 24 hours. You may need to be prescribed antibiotics or have the piercing removed.

Preventing earring infections:

- Wash your hands before touching your piercing.

- Keep the piercing clean by washing it with a saline solution twice a day.

- Avoid wearing earrings that are too heavy or made from materials that can irritate your skin, such as nickel.

- Do not share earrings with others.

- Get your ears pierced by a professional piercer who uses sterile equipment.

Note: If you have any concerns about your piercing, please see a doctor.