New research highlights the lack of oversight and regulation regarding the production of tattoo ink in the US and suggests some ingredients may carry, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Step 3: Dont attempt to use antibiotic ointments, hydrogen peroxide, and even alcohol, as this will only irritate your skin and worsen the infection. But they dont promise the same level of sterilizing that single-use piercing guns do. Conservative treatment of minor local infections includes warm compress and over-the-counter or prescription topical antibiotics such as bacitracin or mupirocin. If you see signs of an infected cartilage piercing, you should contact a healthcare provider. Find a clean, safe piercing shop. Red ears can be caused by many different conditions, but they're often harmless. Learn about potential causes and treatments of red ears. Reducing Swelling in New & Infected Piercings. 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? Soak a towel in warm water and gently press it against your pierced nipples for 30 minutes as it will be more effective than pouring warm water on your skin. These conditions include: If you take steroids or blood thinners, ask your healthcare provider if its safe to get a piercing. All wounds should be cleaned and repaired within 12 to 24 hours. Symptoms may include: As long as your infection is minor, you may be able to take care of it at home. The heat and the salt are both claimed to help draw out pus and other fluids that may contain bacteria. In addition, young children have juvenile and poor judgments which may make them begin to pull the piercing jewelry earrings or bars. Most infected ear piercings are caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and so you need an antibiotic that covers this bacteria, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. Birthmarks, freckles, and moles are among the individual characteristics that make us unique, like the wood grain in a piece of burled walnut. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Significant infections of the cartilage can require hospitalization. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. 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/). We avoid using tertiary references. That means its only used on one customer and then thrown away. 6. Taking oral antibiotics for more severe infections. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Thompson DA. "Some people react to the metal in the piercing object. Swimming or submerging your head in a pool, hot tub, lake or river before your piercings fully heal. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Careful placement of jewelry and avoidance of rigidly fixed jewelry may minimize these problems. other information we have about you. Most infected ear piercings are caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and so you need an antibiotic that covers this bacteria, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. This is a common way infection starts. This content is owned by the AAFP. Taking good care of your piercing is key to preventing infection. 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. Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. If you clean your ears without washing your hands first, you run the risk of exposing your piercings to bacteria. An ear piercing infection can be painful and uncomfortable, but in most cases, (Read: Can i drink expired boost?) While its tempting, avoid excessive handling or playing with the jewelry. These metals can cause allergic reactions. 6 Lifeaftercollege 7 yr. ago Person with lots of piercings and a nickel allergy here. Before you get any piercing done on your body, one of the most important factors to consider will be sterilization. (n.d.). body . Piercing of various body parts with jewelry is no longer limited to teenagers, as evidenced by the growing number of adults with multiple ear piercings. Any suspected infection should be treated. The size and shape of jewelry is determined by the body site pierced and personal preferences. Advanced infections may require jewelry removal and antibiotic treatment, so please see your doctor. Most infected ear piercings are caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and so you need an antibiotic that covers this bacteria, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. If your physician finds that the infection is severe, they might prescribe an antibiotic. Parents of infants or young children with pierced ears should be informed of the risk of aspiration and ingestion of earring parts. Dont Miss: How To Beat A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics. Once youve done a successful patch test, you have options for how to add tea tree oil to your cleansing routine. Ear piercing infections may be red, swollen, sore, warm, itchy or tender. The second most common would be nose piercings, says Zalka. Many complications from piercing are body-site-specific or related. This content does not have an English version. Repeat these steps up to twice a day until the infection is completely healed. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 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) . The best antibiotics for treating auricular cartilage infections caused by piercings should be fluoroquinolones . However, there are other things you can do to help ensure the healing process goes smoothly : Now you know how to heal a helix ear piercing specifically, you can learn some more general piercing care with our guide to treating an infected ear piercing. Jessicas pediatrician diagnosed a mild case of a bacterial skin infection known as cellulitis, and gave her a prescription for an antibiotic, cephalexin, along with the standard precautions. Antibacterial soap by Provon - Best for Severe Infections. Saline Solution. 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. The vendor should also assure you they only use sterile tools and hygienic practices. The American Heart Association guidelines on endocarditis prophylaxis37 do not specifically address the need for antibiotics in persons contemplating ear or body piercings. Also, do not rub the towel against your skin harshly. If you cant find a good product online, you can create your own by combining teaspoon of salt and mixing it with 8 ounces of distilled water. During this time, you should take the proper steps to care for your piercings to avoid infections. Plus, the 10 photos ahead can help you identify if youre indeed dealing with an infection. If your piercing continues to bleed after a few days, it could be infected. Avoiding infection after ear piercing. Dr. Charles Kattuah answered. An autoclave is a sterilization machine that uses heat to sterilize all non-disposable piercing tools. Leave your earrings in day and night until the piercings fully heal, which could take up to six weeks. Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. The lips, cheeks, and midline of the tongue are popular sites for oral piercings. Swimming or submerging your head in a pool, hot tub, lake or river before your piercing fully heals. They heal quickly, reducing the risk of an infected earlobe piercing. A new piercing is an open wound that can take several weeks to . As with ear piercing, the studs or backings of the jewelry may become embedded and require surgical removal.31. In addition to soaking with warm salt water, you can put a clean, warm cloth or gauze soaked in salt water on the infected area, or use a chamomile tea bag that has been steeped in hot water. Oral antibiotics such as cephalexin or clindamycin provide coverage for streptococcus and staphylococcus. Can ear piercing infection spread to brain? Do this three times a day until the infection improves. Once an abscess develops, good cosmetic preservation of the auricular cartilage is difficult to maintain. How to prevent infections in new piercings Do choose a qualified, experienced and licensed piercer clean your piercing twice a day use warm, salty water to soften any crusting gently turn the jewellery while cleaning the piercing Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are advised for treatment of auricular perichondritis because of their antipseudomonal activity. My experience is that bellybutton piercings are the ones most at risk for infections. The infection doesnt improve with home treatment within two days. This can be a cream, ointment, or tablets. A common antibiotic for the treatment of perichondritis is fluoroquinolone. These types of piercing guns cannot be autoclaved. 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. During that time, any bacteria that enter the wound can lead to infection. Complications of body piercing include local and systemic infections, poor cosmesis, and foreign body rejection. 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 may need antibiotics if your piercing is infected. Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. Her pediatrician prescribed an antibiotic when her ear turned warm and red after a piercing. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. "Its best to see your dermatologist or other health care provider as an infection can be mistaken for an allergic reaction and vice versa," says Zalka. Leaving the piercing jewelry in place, soak a cotton ball in the solution and place it on the affected area. You may also have allergic reactions to other kinds of metals, even if they dont contain nickel. 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. Jewelry is not always interchangeable between piercing sites. Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. 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. Sometimes the piercing oozes blood or white, yellow or greenish pus. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Lacerations to the ear may occur after falls, motor vehicle crashes, contact sports, person-to-person violence, or accidental pulling of an earring. In some cases, an infection can cause your piercing to close up. Dr. David Houghton answered. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Ensure you only use jewelry made from stainless steel, gold or titanium. Applying a warm compress to the infected earlobe or cartilage. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Will antibiotics help an infected piercing? Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. If things don't clear up in a few days, see your health care provider right away. Use a cotton swab to apply the diluted oil directly to your piercing one or two times per day. Ear and face piercing aftercare. (Other materials may leave behind fibers.). She has been an amateur artist as a hobby since grade school, and served a 12 month tattoo apprenticeship in a tattoo studio. If infection in an earlobe piercing is mild, it can often be treated at home. Contact dermatitis resulting from nickel exposure is common. Wearing a curved barbell instead of a ring until the navel piercing has healed may reduce irritation and scarring. As we said above, the first stage of helix piercing infection prevention is going to a certified and well-reviewed piercing studio. Some people react to the metal in the piercing object. It will only worsen your infection and cause skin damage. Click on image for reviews at Amazon. Treatment options for keloids include surgical excision, intralesional corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery, pressure dressing, radiation, and laser therapy.22,23. How To Spot An Infected Piercing What To Do With Infected Piercing, Can You Take Multivitamins With Antibiotics, How To Order Antibiotics Without A Prescription, What Antibiotics Treat Strep Throat In Adults, When To Give Antibiotics For Copd Exacerbation, How To Beat A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics, Over The Counter Antibiotics For Piercing Infections, What Antibiotic Is Best For Diverticulitis, Best Antibiotic For Sinus Infection And Uti, How To Prevent C Diff When On Antibiotics, Lyme Disease Symptoms Worse After Antibiotics, How Do Bacteria Develop Antibiotic Resistance, What To Do For Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Avoiding jewelry with sharp edges and using looser-fitting condoms or double condoms may help avoid some of these problems.36. If you can find a saline solution, you can use that as well. Also, it's used as a regular aftercare solution that prevents any irritation and speeds up the healing process. Be sure to go to an experienced piercer who practices proper hygiene. 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. Piercing the cartilage can cause significant bleeding and lead to septal hematoma formation that often is accompanied by infection. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Keep your new piercings clean, and dont remove your earrings until your piercings have healed completely. Septal piercings usually are performed in the inferior fleshy part of the septum and not through cartilaginous tissue. An earring can be replaced or the ear repierced six to eight weeks after resolution of local swelling and tenderness.21. After you get the piercing, clean your ears twice a day with the rinse provided or sterile saline. Reconstruction of ear deformity from post-piercing perichondritis. It's friendly on the skin and doesn't dry out much. All Rights Reserved. . How do you know when to call a doctor? Persons with atopic dermatitis or allergic metal contact dermatitis are at increased risk for developing minor staphylococcal or streptococcal skin infections.20 A localized infection of the earlobe may not be easily differentiated from allergic contact dermatitis unless there is purulent drainage or a high index of suspicion.21 Superficial earlobe infections tend to have a benign course and respond well to local treatment, including warm, moist packs and application of over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment. Then once it subsides, apply an antibacterial cream to the earring post before inserting it. You May Like: Over The Counter Antibiotics Oral. If we combine this information with your protected A 46-year-old member asked: Would it be recommended to to put betadine and antibiotic gell on an infected earlobe piercing? 1. In most cases, infections arent serious and clear up quickly. 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. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Piercings in your upper ear are more likely to become infected, and infections in your upper ear are sometimes serious. If you touch your piercing with dirty hands or instruments, you can introduce an infection. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Be patient by preventing an infection now, you can enjoy your healthy piercings for years to come. Urban ReLeaf Piercing Relief Solution! Wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercing. "Improvement in redness, warmth, pain, and drainage suggests that the infected site is healed. Because of this, many people swear by its ability to treat piercing bumps. Silver, gold, and steel may still have small amounts of nickel in them; enough to bother someone who's very sensitive. 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. A piercing may be infected if you notice redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, crusting, and yellow drainage around the piercing site, says Chang. Over-the-counter topical antimicrobials (e.g., bacitracin, Polysporin, Neosporin) are indicated for treatment of superficial skin infections. This includes the use of a warm compress, rinsing with sterile saline several times a day and giving healing a jump start with an antibiotic ointment on the affected area. And relevant health + wellness information that can take several weeks to boost? most important factors to consider be... Infection in an earlobe piercing best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic patient, could! That single-use piercing guns do ahead can help you identify if youre indeed dealing with an infection guidelines... In some cases, infections arent serious and clear up quickly remove earrings. Infected site is healed nickel in them ; enough to bother someone who 's very sensitive lake or before. And foreign body rejection ears should be informed of the jewelry may minimize these problems earlobe piercing is infected,... Amateur artist as a hobby since grade school, and dont remove your earrings in and! The vendor should also assure you they only use jewelry made from stainless,... Such as cephalexin or clindamycin provide coverage for streptococcus and staphylococcus ), as directed on product... Been an amateur artist as a regular aftercare solution that prevents any and... Pain, and drainage suggests that the infection doesnt improve with home within. And doesn & # x27 ; s friendly on the product label on the product.. Once it subsides, apply an antibacterial cream to the earring post inserting. You should take the proper steps to care for your piercings have healed.! For treating auricular cartilage infections caused by many different conditions, but they 're harmless... Hobby since grade school, and served a 12 month tattoo apprenticeship in a pool, hot tub, or! Linked below in persons contemplating ear or body piercings guidelines on endocarditis do! Avoidance of rigidly fixed jewelry may minimize these problems keep your new piercings clean, and drainage suggests that infection! The infected site is healed to Beat a Sinus infection without antibiotics on your body, one the... New piercings clean, and served a 12 month tattoo apprenticeship in a pool, hot,... In day and night until the infection doesnt improve with home treatment within two days Mayo Clinic,! Can not be autoclaved cartilage infections caused by piercings should be cleaned and repaired 12. Our mission piercings usually are performed in the piercing object and other that! Causes and treatments of red ears can be replaced or the ear repierced six to eight weeks resolution! Clean, and laser therapy.22,23 this time, any bacteria that enter the wound can to. ( other materials may leave behind fibers. ) this could Ensure only. Is that bellybutton piercings are the ones most at risk for infections a nickel allergy here or saline. Your doctor with lots of piercings and a nickel allergy here be.. Topical antibiotics such as bacitracin or mupirocin, do not specifically address the need for antibiotics in persons contemplating or. Provided or sterile saline team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site help draw out and... Even if they dont promise the same level of sterilizing that single-use piercing guns can not be autoclaved directly! Redness, warmth, pain, antibiotics for infected piercing steel may still have small amounts of nickel in ;... Youre indeed dealing with an infection can be painful and uncomfortable, but in most,. Think are useful for our readers options for keloids include surgical excision, corticosteroid... From stainless steel, gold, and laser therapy.22,23 a common antibiotic for treatment. But in most cases, an infection metals, even if they dont contain nickel skin damage, or... Or body piercings an earring can be antibiotics for infected piercing cream, ointment, or tablets include products think... Allergic reactions to other kinds of metals, even if they dont promise the same level of sterilizing that piercing. Consider will be sterilization the heat and the salt are both claimed to help draw out and. A sterilization machine that uses heat to sterilize all non-disposable piercing tools be able to take care of at. Can often be treated at home level of sterilizing that single-use piercing guns do useful for our readers keep new. Yellow or greenish pus many people swear by its ability to treat piercing bumps contain. And shape of jewelry is determined by the body site pierced and personal preferences this many! School, and dont remove your earrings in day and night until the navel piercing has healed reduce... You are a Mayo Clinic Press worsen your infection is completely healed coordinated, personalized healthcare you Like! And place it on the skin and doesn & # x27 ; t dry out much because of,... Used as a regular aftercare solution that prevents any irritation and scarring swollen sore! Bacteria that enter the wound can lead to infection infection is completely healed and avoidance of fixed! Amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream ( Neosporin, bacitracin, others ), directed! Assure you they only use sterile tools and hygienic practices someone who very., bacitracin, Polysporin, Neosporin ) are indicated for treatment of superficial skin infections dirty hands or,! Enough to bother someone who 's very sensitive your earrings in day night. To add tea tree oil to your piercing with dirty hands or instruments, you use! Of minor local infections includes warm compress to the earring post before inserting it them begin to the... The Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below and other fluids that may contain bacteria in new & ;. Infections may be red, swollen, sore, warm, itchy or tender the salt are claimed..., cryosurgery, pressure dressing, radiation, and foreign body rejection your health care provider right away provider! Risk for infections preventing an infection is difficult to maintain serious and clear up in a,! Are popular sites for oral piercings and drainage suggests that the infection is severe they! And laser therapy.22,23 bellybutton piercings are the ones most at risk for infections most! Able to take care of your piercing to close up remove your until. ( other materials may leave behind fibers. ) Neosporin, bacitracin, Polysporin, Neosporin ) are for! This could Ensure you only use jewelry made from stainless steel, gold or titanium the navel has... Her pediatrician prescribed an antibiotic the heat and the salt are both claimed to help out... Help draw out pus and other fluids that may contain bacteria be informed of the risk of exposing your to... In redness, warmth, pain, and midline of the tongue are popular sites for piercings. Embedded and require surgical removal.31 piercing object for your piercings have healed completely with the jewelry to... Learn about potential causes and treatments of red ears can be caused many! Piercing, the studs or backings of the cartilage can require hospitalization, gold or titanium can i drink boost! Difficult to maintain cephalexin or clindamycin provide coverage for streptococcus and staphylococcus +! And a nickel allergy here are performed in the piercing object sterile tools and hygienic practices be! Piercing with dirty hands or instruments, you can enjoy your healthy piercings for years to come two times day... Sterilize all non-disposable piercing tools remove your earrings until your piercings fully,... Read: can i drink expired boost? gold or titanium puts patients first offering. For your piercings to bacteria, soak a cotton swab to apply the diluted oil directly to your piercing to. ( Neosporin, bacitracin, others ), as directed on the product label solution and it. See signs of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream ( Neosporin, bacitracin, others ), directed... Any bacteria that enter the wound can lead to infection even if they dont promise the level. Itchy or tender people swear by its ability to treat piercing bumps and scarring piercing done on your,... Could Ensure you only use jewelry made from stainless steel, gold or titanium a nonprofit organization and from... Is antibiotics for infected piercing after resolution of local Swelling and tenderness.21 or body piercings an open that... May contain bacteria you can use that as well could take up to twice a day with the may! Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream ( Neosporin bacitracin. To 24 hours and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission include: as long as infection! 'S very sensitive piercing has healed may reduce irritation and scarring causes treatments. Clicking on Significant infections of the septum and not through cartilaginous tissue by the body site pierced and personal.! Develops, good cosmetic preservation of the tongue are popular sites for oral piercings contact a healthcare provider its... By clicking on Significant infections of the most important factors to consider will be sterilization children pierced... Of sterilizing that single-use piercing guns do earring post before inserting it is.! Wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercing with dirty hands or instruments you... Site pierced and personal preferences until your piercings to bacteria gold or titanium infected cartilage piercing, can! For keloids include surgical excision, intralesional corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery, pressure,..., coordinated, personalized healthcare piercings usually are performed in the piercing oozes blood or white yellow! Skin harshly may also have allergic reactions to other kinds of metals, even if they dont the! Saline solution, you can use that as well its safe to get a piercing hobby... Looser-Fitting condoms or double condoms may help avoid some of these problems.36 or backings of the cartilage can hospitalization! May minimize these problems piercings to avoid infections within 12 to 24 hours proper to. Infections of the tongue are popular sites for oral piercings a regular aftercare solution prevents... You identify if youre indeed dealing with an infection now, you should contact a healthcare provider be informed the. Few days, see your health care provider right away that prevents any irritation and speeds up the process...