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Ear piercing infection. How should I treat it
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Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions
Question #18097
209 days ago
356

Ear piercing infection. How should I treat it

jolene hendricks

I have had earrings in for a while in my second holes and I’ve noticed that there’s a bump. It got worse so I took my earring out but it got worse over night and it’s red and a big bump where my earring was. It only hurts when touched

Age: 14
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Doctors' responses

Hello,

This is very common and usually heals well with early care

This is likely a local infection or irritation. Home care:

🛑Clean gently with saline 2–3 times/day Apply warm compress 10–15 min, 3times/day

Use antibiotic ointment (mupirocin or fusidic acid) twice daily for 5–7 days

Avoid: Squeezing, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide,

See a dermatologist if: Swelling worsens, pus, fever, spreading redness, or no improvement in 2–3 days

I trust this helps Thank you

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Hello dear See it seems bacterial infection IM suggesting some medication Please apply them for atleast a week Fusidic acid topical application twice a day for 5 days Betadine water dressing Tablet augmentin twice a day for 5 days In addition Please prevent moisture contamination In case of no improvement consult ent surgeon in person for better clarity Regards

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Hello Jolene It sounds like you might have developed a localized infection or an irritated bump (possibly a keloid or hypertrophic scar) at your piercing site. Since it’s red, swollen, and tender when touched, infection is the most likely cause, especially after removing the earring.

What you can do right now: - Keep the area clean: Gently clean the bump twice a day with mild saline solution (mix 1/4 teaspoon salt in 1 cup of boiled, cooled water). - Avoid touching or squeezing:This can make it worse or spread infection. - Don’t reinsert the earring yet: Let the area settle and heal. - Apply a warm compress: Hold a clean, warm (not hot) cloth against the bump for 5–10 minutes a few times a day to help reduce swelling.

Rx- Tab Augmentin 625 mg - twice a day ( one in morning, one at night) Ointment BNC cream ( Beclomethasone, Neomycin, and Clotrimazole ) - apply thrice a day

Thank you

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Mupirocin 2% ointment Apply a thin layer to the affected area 2-3 times daily for 5–7 days

Warm Compress Apply warm compress (clean cloth soaked in warm water) 10 minutes, 3 times daily

Most ear-piercing infections heal well with local care and antibiotic ointment if treated early.

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It sounds like you might have an infection or an irritation related to your ear piercing. The redness and swelling are common signs, and the pain when touched suggests inflammation. First, gently clean the area with saline solution, which you can make by mixing a teaspoon of salt in a cup of boiled water, allowing it to cool first. Use a clean cotton swab to dab the saline on the affected area two to three times a day. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as they can be overly harsh and cause further irritation. If the bump does not have any pus, you might have a small keloid forming, which is a type of scar tissue. In such a case applying warm compresses gently can help reduce the swelling. But if pus is present, it indicates a bacterial infection. In this situation, consider using an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment after cleaning the area, like neomycin or bacitracin, applying it with a clean cotton swab. Try to avoid touching or irritating the bump further, as this can exacerbate the problem. If the bump does not improve within a few days, or if you notice any signs of the infection getting worse, such as increased pain, spreading redness, warmth, or if you feel unwell with a fever, it’s crucial to see a healthcare provider as antibiotics or other treatments might be necessary. Be cautious about putting the earring back in until the inflammation has subsided, since reintroducing it too soon can aggravate the problem. If jewelry must be reinserted before full healing, use a pure, non-reactive material like gold or surgical steel. Should any systemic symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly to prevent serious complications like cellulitis.

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Hey joiene Since it is an infection pls apply a topicalantibiotic oinment

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