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What Is The Cure For Earring Hole Infection?
I've had my ears pierced for 8 years, and a year ago got a job where I could only wear studs. In the past, I regularly wore small loops that I almost always left in, and had no problems when I took them out. However, I don't wear my ear rings regularly anymore, so the holes have closed slightly a few times, and the last time I put ear rings in again, about three weeks ago, my ears started acting a little infected, leaking a little bit each. I've been taking my earrings out and cleaning with the ear rings and holes with rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, but three days ago my right one got really swollen and has stayed like that. What can I do to make them better? Should I leave the earrings in (they're out at the moment) or leave them out?
Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I understand your concern. Your piercings seem to infected. As there is already an infection, it is not advisable to put the earrings back. You need to allow it to heal first. I fear you may need to undergo re-piercing after it has healed completely. For now, you should apply topical anti-bacterial cream. Alcohol should not be used for raw area and pus filled area. It may cause burning and irritation. But you can use alcohol to clean the ear rings.
Betadine ointment is best for this purpose if you right ear is not swollen much and there is not much pus. If there is already pus filled abscess, it needs to be drained at clinic followed by a course of oral antibiotics.
Hope this will be helpful. Do ask if any further question is there. Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Nilesh Soni
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I understand your concern. Your piercings seem to infected. As there is already an infection, it is not advisable to put the earrings back. You need to allow it to heal first. I fear you may need to undergo re-piercing after it has healed completely. For now, you should apply topical anti-bacterial cream. Alcohol should not be used for raw area and pus filled area. It may cause burning and irritation. But you can use alcohol to clean the ear rings.
Betadine ointment is best for this purpose if you right ear is not swollen much and there is not much pus. If there is already pus filled abscess, it needs to be drained at clinic followed by a course of oral antibiotics.
Hope this will be helpful. Do ask if any further question is there. Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Nilesh Soni
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