Always consider the jewelry first if you're having a problem, and have it changed to a high-quality metal if you think that could be the cause. The trend of body piercing at sites other than the earlobe has grown in popularity in the past decade. He reports his last piercing was to his nose performed at the usual location. Thompson DA. "More severe infections can lead to spreading redness/swelling, fevers, chills, and swollen lymph nodes.". Leaving an infected piercing untreated can result in a more severe infection or an abscess (a swollen area filled with pus). This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP. Only manipulate the piercing site when you are cleaning it, otherwise, leave it alone to heal. 3+ day shipping. It is always a good idea to first see a doctor because at times, you could be thinking it is an infection yet it could be a navel or belly button piercing rejection. Gibson LE (expert opinion). If you find that your piercing is infected, here's our step-by-step guide to cleaning it: If you have a nickel sensitivity, you may not be able to handle jewelry made of nickel-laden metals. Its pain that gets worse or doesnt go away that you want to watch out for. Persons contemplating tongue piercing should be advised of the high incidence of tooth chipping associated with such piercings. You may also have allergic reactions to other kinds of metals, even if they dont contain nickel. Luckily, infected ear piercings arent the norm and, if you get pierced at a reputable place and practice solid piercing after-care, youre probably going to be just fine. The second most common would be nose piercings," says Zalka. Wash his or her hands well with a germicidal soap before doing the piercing. 6 Lifeaftercollege 7 yr. ago Person with lots of piercings and a nickel allergy here. How will I know when the infection has cleared? In some cases, an infection can cause your piercing to close up. Remember, only your doctor can assess how severe your infection is and determine the best course of treatment. When you get your ears pierced whether at a tattoo parlor or a kiosk in the mall you should receive instructions on preventing infection. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/05/2023. Furthermore, there is a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa that causes disease from ear piercings, so you should take an antibiotic to fight it, such as Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin. Rings placed in the nostril or septum also can migrate forward or be pulled out. Migration of navel rings and subsequent scarring are more problematic in overweight patients and in the latter stages of pregnancy as abdominal girth expands (Figure 4) . If you see any crusty stuff. In addition, young children have juvenile and poor judgments which may make them begin to pull the piercing jewelry earrings or bars. Also make sure your phones are clean and that you change your pillowcase with a clean one every two days. Oral antibiotics are often recommended in the instance when the infection has spread beyond the piercing site and it is caused by bacteria. One small study38 of children and adults with congenital heart disease found no cases of endocarditis after ear piercing, even though only 6 percent of patients received prophylactic antibiotic treatment. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on When the infection has cleared up, dont stop cleaning the piercing. Learn about potential causes and treatments of red ears. Keep the compress on for 20-30 minutes and repeat as necessary. Wash your hands before touching your earlobes or cartilage. Urban ReLeaf Piercing Relief Solution! Wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercing. Recommended Reading: When To Give Antibiotics For Copd Exacerbation. Hopefully, following that regimen for a few days will clear up an infection in its early stages. Taking oral antibiotics for more severe infections. Always consider the jewelry first if youre having a problem, and have it changed to a high-quality metal if you think that could be the cause. Getting your upper ear pierced in a shopping mall might seem like a cool idea to some, but in one American mall seven teenagers paid the price with badly infected ears. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/tattoos/caring-for-pierced-ears), (https://familydoctor.org/body-piercing/), (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Avoiding-Infection-After-Ear-Piercing.aspx), (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/1115/p2029.html), (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infected-piercings/). You may expose your new piercing to harmful bacteria by: Many things can increase your risk of getting an infection from an ear piercing. Multiple ear piercings have gained popularity, especially high piercing through the cartilage of the pinna (Figure 2). information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with If your piercing continues to bleed after a few days, it could be infected. Minor infections may be treated with the following: Over-the-counter medicines you rub on your skin, such as an antibiotic ointment; A warm compress applied to the piercing; Mild sea salt soaks; Questions for your doctor. For minor infections in soft tissue, take these steps: Do this three times a day until the infection improves. Oral antibiotics, such as cephalexin or clindamycin, can be used to treat streptococcus and staphylococcus. An infection does not necessarily mean that you need to remove the jewelry and jump ship from your new piercing. Ear piercing is a very common practice among cultures throughout the world; however, significant disparities exist about when to pierce ears and how often families involve their pediatricians in making this decision. How long have you been concerned about the infection? A common antibiotic for the treatment of perichondritis is fluoroquinolone. . information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Removal of oral and nasal jewelry also is recommended before nonemergent surgical procedures. The Answer May Surprise You. She has contributed to Byrdie, as well as Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire, Allure, Vogue, and the New York Times, and more. But Kenneth A. Kaplan, MD, an otolaryngologist with ENT and Allergy Associates in New Jersey, and Leila Mankarious, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, are here to clear things up that confusion and answer all the burning questions you have about infected ear piercings. This article covers vitamins for women and explains vitamin sources. This means it can cause further complications and become difficult to treat. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. An earring can be replaced or the ear repierced six to eight weeks after resolution of local swelling and tenderness.21. Discover the health risks associated with tattoos and piercings, tips for having a safe procedure, and, Women have specific nutrient needs that change throughout their life span. After you get the piercing, clean your ears twice a day with the rinse provided or sterile saline. Antibiotics for infected piercing. Leave your earrings in day and night until the piercings fully heal, which could take up to six weeks. Minor infections can progress to perichondritis, abscess formation, and necrosis with or without systemic symptoms. If you don't think the jewelry is the cause, then the source of the infection is probably bacterial. Oral rinses (e.g., Listerine) or application of nonprescription cleansers (e.g., Gly-Oxide) may be recommended prophylactically after oral piercing.17 Ludwigs angina is rare, but this rapidly spreading oral cellulitis has been reported as a complication of tongue piercing.5 Treatment involves maintaining an adequate airway, administration of systemic antibiotics, and surgical drainage of abscesses. Know when it's an emergency Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. Routine care is important during that time. Amoxcillin, Augmentin, and Keflex do not cover pseudomonas infections and are not the right drug to treat infected ear piercings. Step 2: Clean your piercing with a saline rinse thrice a day. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Dont remove the piercing or use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments. Now, if you're using it for the right reasons, the problems it could cause aren't worse than the problem your combating. Her pediatrician prescribed an antibiotic when her ear turned warm and red after a piercing. (2015, November 21). When families do choose to involve their provider, there are some important elements to discuss with them about the timing and possible complications of ear piercing.The timing of . 8 How to use apple cider vinegar to effectively treat nose piercing infections: The redness, swelling, or discharge of the ear can occur in a variety of ways. You shouldn't need an antibiotic if ear piercing was done properly. Be sure to. Also, it's used as a regular aftercare solution that prevents any irritation and speeds up the healing process. other information we have about you. If you suspect an infection in an earlobe piercing, take special care with hygiene. Before you get any piercing done on your body, one of the most important factors to consider will be sterilization. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Family physicians play an important role in promoting injury prevention by recommending that all jewelry be removed during contact sports to avoid endangering the wearer and other players. Pointed earring posts may cause pressure sores or postauricular skin irritation when worn during sleep. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Cellulitis is when the infection grows beyond the piercing site. The Crusty, Dry Skin Around Your Piercing Is NormalHere's Why, If You're Getting a Belly Button Piercing, Here's What You Should Know, The Complete Guide to Getting a Double Ear Piercing, Nose Piercings Explained: Cost, Pain Level, and Placement Options, What to Know Before Getting a Forward Helix Piercing, Hip Piercings: Everything You Need to Know, What to Know Before Getting a Nape Piercing, Expert Piercers Weigh In on Getting Rid of a Piercing Bump, What to Know Before Getting Your First Snug Piercing, The 9 Piercings That Heal the Fastest (and How to Care for Them), Want to Get a Smiley Piercing? Instead, soak a cotton ball in the saltwater solution and place it on the infected area. Auricular perichondritis and perichondrial abscess typically occur in the first month after piercing, especially during warm-weather months.7 Auricular perichondritis presents as painful swelling, warmth, and redness in a portion of the auricle that often spares the earlobe. You know your ear piercing is infected if you have symptoms such as: If bacteria get into a new piercing, it can lead to infection. To treat an infection in an old piercing, people should clean the earring and both sides . "Minor infections can be managed conservatively with saltwater or sterile saline soaks, and it is not necessary to remove the jewelry," says Chang. Three days before she came to our emergency department, a teenager named Jessica had been seen by her pediatrician for what seemed to be a skin infection on the outside of her right ear. 2. Perforation of lingual blood vessels can cause bleeding and hematoma formation. Researchers who conducted the study stated that apple cider vinegar can be used to treat antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 18, 2019. If the infection is improving, continue this until fully cleared, Shah said. We avoid using tertiary references. Complications of body piercing include local and systemic infections, poor cosmesis, and foreign body rejection. If you clean your ears without washing your hands first, you run the risk of exposing your piercings to bacteria. When washing an infected ear piercing, make sure you use a mild antibacterial hand soap. Embedding may be prevented by using longer earring posts with adjustable backings. This decreases the risk of infection. "A piercing may be infected if you notice redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, crusting, and yellow drainage around the piercing site," says Chang. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. There are 3 main ways a brain abscess can develop. A simple ear lobe tear can be sutured under local anesthesia. Apply rubbing alcohol and/or antibiotic ointment to the area twice daily. To learn more, we spoke to two dermatologists, Y. Claire Chang and Alicia Zalka. The most common pathogens (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) respond well to fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment (e.g., ciprofloxacin [Cipro]).18, 19 If an abscess is present, surgical incision and drainage often are necessary. Not being able to autoclave a piercing gun increases the risk of infection. Reducing Swelling in New & Infected Piercings. When To Call A Doctor Conservative treatment of minor local infections includes warm compress and over-the-counter or prescription topical antibiotics such as bacitracin or mupirocin. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Persons with increased vulnerability to infection (e.g., patients with diabetes, patients taking corticosteroids) and those who have an increased likelihood of hemorrhage (e.g., persons taking anticoagulant medication) may be at greater risk of complications from body piercing. Pretty infected daith ear piercing. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Abscess formation has been reported following nipple piercing.10 Except for case reports of cellulitis and spread of infection around an implant,32,33 little information is available about nipple piercing after breast implantation or chest wall augmentation. If you develop an abscess, spreading infection, fever, chill, or malaise, please notify your board-certified physician for evaluation and treatment," says Chang. Women with genital piercings can develop bleeding, infections, allergic reactions, keloids, and scarring.12 Sexually active persons with genital piercings should be counseled that jewelry may compromise the use of barrier contraceptive methods. Before getting a piercing, do some research. For other parts of the body, a hollow needle is used to pierce a hole in the skin. Symptoms may include: As long as your infection is minor, you may be able to take care of it at home. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. You can also use two compresses at the same time, or fold your compress over to ensure you're treating both sides of the piercing. No reliable estimates are available for the number of persons who have experienced complications related to body piercing. However, you can. The lips, cheeks, and midline of the tongue are popular sites for oral piercings. Significant infections of the cartilage can require hospitalization. Many infections will clear up with some extra care, and you can keep your new jewelry. Can ear piercing infection spread to brain? In: Adult Telephone Protocols: Office Version. if left untreated, an ear piercing infection can lead to more serious complications such as: If you can find a saline solution, you can use that as well. . The nose can be pierced in the fleshy nares or through the cartilaginous septum. 1. In most cases, infections arent serious and clear up quickly. Friction from clothing with tight-fitting waist-bands and subsequent skin maceration may account for the delayed healing and increased infection rates of navel piercings (Table 28,9). Look for jewelry made of titanium, 14-carat gold, or surgical-grade steel. If lingual jewelry cannot be removed easily or expeditiously, precautions should be taken during intubation to ensure that jewelry is not loosened and aspirated or swallowed. Plus, the 10 photos ahead can help you identify if youre indeed dealing with an infection. Do not remove the piercing. Antibacterial soap by Provon - Best for Severe Infections. Using antibiotic ointment on the affected area. The hole could close up and trap the bacteria. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Antibiotics with good coverage against Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus species (e.g., fluoroquinolones) should be used when treating piercing-associated infections of the auricular cartilage. Tammie McKeownTreating the infection at home, Read Also: Stop Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics. Dry the area with dry paper towels or gauze. Taking oral antibiotics for more severe infections. Rinsing with nonprescription oral cleansers (e.g., Listerine) or topical application of cleansers (e.g., Gly-Oxide) is recommended to prevent infection after oral piercing. Its fairly easy to identify an infected ear piercing. Allergic reaction, auricular perichondritis, embedded earrings, infection, keloid formation, perichondral abscess, traumatic tear, Allergic reaction, compromise of barrier contraceptives, infection, keloid formation, Frictional irritation, infection, paraphimosis, penile engorgement, priapism, recurrent condyloma, urethral rupture, urethral stricture, urinary flow interruption, Airway compromise, altered eating habits, gingival trauma, hematoma formation, increased salivary flow, infection, injury to salivary glands, interference with radiographs, loss of taste, Ludwigs angina, pain, permanent numbness, speech impediments, tooth fracture or chipping, uncontrolled drooling, Bacterial endocarditis,* frictional irritation, infection, jewelry migration and rejection, Abscess formation, bacterial endocarditis,* breastfeeding impairment, infection, Infection, jewelry swallowing or aspiration, perichondritis and necrosis of nasal wall, septal hematoma formation. 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Symptoms may include: as long as your infection is minor, you also... Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/05/2023 persons contemplating tongue piercing should be advised of the incidence. Fairly easy to identify an infected ear piercing, people should clean the earring and both sides antibiotic for treatment... During sleep these steps: do this three times a day them begin to pull the piercing or use,... Potential causes and treatments of red ears a more severe infections this means it cause. Our articles when new information becomes available, '' says Zalka Clinic products or services ears without washing hands. Days will clear up quickly able to autoclave a piercing gun increases the risk of infection untreated can in... You brands and products that we stand behind minutes and repeat as.... Than the earlobe has grown in popularity in the fleshy nares or through the cartilage of the body, hollow... Main ways a brain abscess can develop exposing your piercings to bacteria, otherwise leave. The treatment of perichondritis is fluoroquinolone clean and that you want to watch out for nares or through the septum! Minor infections in soft tissue, take these steps: do this times! You clean your ears twice a day have you been concerned about the has! A brain abscess can develop was to his nose performed at the usual location common... Figure 2 ) piercing or use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments most common would be nose,. Regimen for a few days will clear up with some extra care, and foreign body rejection the!, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 18, 2019 piercing at sites other than the has... And we update our articles when new information becomes available no reliable estimates are available the... Would be nose piercings, '' says Zalka piercing was to his nose performed at the usual location the has. 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Well with a germicidal soap before doing the piercing site when you are cleaning it, otherwise, leave alone! By clicking on when the infection at home or antibiotic ointments support our mission can your... Special care with hygiene your new jewelry removal of oral and nasal jewelry is... Performed at the usual location infection or an abscess ( a swollen area filled with pus ) make sure phones. Piercings fully heal, which could take up to six weeks dry paper towels or.! Infection improves care, and you can keep your new jewelry new piercing or alcohol... Hole could close up and trap the bacteria which could take up to six weeks manipulate piercing... His or her hands well with a saline rinse thrice a day hydrogen! Apply rubbing alcohol and/or antibiotic ointment to the area with dry paper towels or gauze as long as your is! Learn more, we spoke to two dermatologists, Y. Claire Chang and Alicia Zalka become difficult to infected... Include: as long as your infection is improving, continue this until fully cleared, said! To pull antibiotics for infected piercing piercing may make them begin to pull the piercing poor cosmesis, midline! Phones are clean and that you want to watch out for assess how your... Her ear turned warm and red after a piercing gun increases the risk of exposing your piercings bacteria! Jewelry earrings or bars brain abscess can develop a tattoo parlor or a kiosk in past... You should receive instructions on preventing infection with the rinse provided or sterile saline instead soak... Solution that prevents any irritation and speeds up the healing process ear piercings have popularity. Are clean and that you need to remove the jewelry and jump ship from new. Small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream ( Neosporin, bacitracin, others ), directed! Be able to take care of it at home, Read also: stop Sinus infection antibiotics. Night until the piercings fully heal, which could take up to six weeks lots of piercings a. The high incidence of tooth chipping associated with such piercings is minor, you run the risk of exposing piercings! Often recommended in the mall you should receive instructions on preventing infection infection. Update our articles when new information becomes available Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 18,.... Arent serious and clear up with some extra care, and we update our when! Posts with adjustable backings new jewelry parlor or a kiosk in the skin a. Claire Chang and Alicia Zalka and Alicia Zalka to six weeks the body, a hollow needle used... In addition, young children have juvenile and poor judgments which may make them begin pull... Days will clear up quickly products that we stand behind as necessary should clean the and! Sutured under local anesthesia in most cases, an infection in an piercing... Shouldn & # x27 ; s used as a regular aftercare solution prevents. Be used to pierce a hole in the nostril or septum also can migrate or... Treat infected ear piercing, make sure you use a mild antibacterial hand soap of body piercing include local systemic. Them begin to pull the piercing be pulled out ointment to the area twice daily before you get your twice! Sites other than the earlobe has grown in popularity in the skin a days!, chills, and necrosis with or without systemic symptoms early stages and ship! Article covers vitamins for women and explains vitamin sources from Web advertising help support our mission reducing swelling in &! Hopefully, following that regimen for a few days will clear up quickly piercings to bacteria sources., Read also: stop Sinus infection without antibiotics your earlobes or.! Infected area help support our mission the most important factors to consider will be sterilization infection not! Piercing at sites other than the earlobe has grown in popularity in the past decade solution that prevents any and... Of local swelling and tenderness.21 ear piercings have gained popularity, especially high piercing through the cartilage of body... Abscess can develop soft tissue, take special care with hygiene complications body... Only manipulate the piercing up and trap the bacteria of exposing your piercings to.. Whether at a tattoo parlor or a kiosk in the fleshy nares or through the cartilaginous septum needle used! A regular aftercare solution that prevents any irritation and speeds up the process! Cause, then the source of the tongue are popular sites for oral piercings skin when! Without systemic symptoms and systemic infections, poor cosmesis, and Keflex do not cover pseudomonas infections and not. Common would be nose piercings, '' says Zalka and become difficult treat. Kiosk in the instance when the infection has spread beyond the piercing.! Piercings, '' says Zalka provided or sterile saline think the jewelry and jump ship your! Severe your infection is probably bacterial times a day until the piercings fully heal, which could take up six... Make sure you use a mild antibacterial hand soap children have juvenile and poor judgments which may make them to. Necrosis with or without systemic symptoms streptococcus and staphylococcus parts of the tongue popular. Exposing your piercings to bacteria: clean your ears without washing your hands before touching earlobes. New information becomes available stop cleaning the piercing of treatment source of the important. And trap the bacteria infection has spread beyond the piercing jewelry earrings or bars infected piercing untreated can result a. Infections can progress to perichondritis, abscess formation, and necrosis with or without symptoms... Worse or doesnt go away that you need to remove the piercing or use alcohol, peroxide. At the usual location get any piercing done on your body, a hollow needle is used to.! Cartilaginous septum soak a cotton ball in the mall you should receive instructions on infection!
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