Pierced ear infection

What is a pierced ear infection?

Pierced ear infections are common among children and teenagers. In most cases, the infection will appear a few days after the piercing. Signs of a pierced ear infection include pain, redness, swelling and a yellow discharge from the piercing site.​​

Causes of pierced ear infections

The most common cause of pierced ear infections is the introduction of bacteria (germs), found on the surface of the skin, into the piercing site. This can happen when unsterile equipment is used during the piercing, or if the piercing is not cleaned regularly at home. Also, touching the new piercing with dirty fingers or sharing earrings can lead to an infection.

Other causes of pierced ear infections may include:

• earrings clasped too tightly
• a piece of the earring becoming embedded in the earlobe
• an allergic reaction to earrings made with nickel

An allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) to nickel is common among children and teenagers. Signs of an allergic reaction to nickel may include dry, itchy skin, rash or blisters. Skin irritated by an allergic reaction to nickel is more likely to become infected so make sure your child's initial earrings are made from 14-karat gold or stainless steel.

Treatment of pierced ear infections

Remember to wash your hands before cleaning your child's piercing.

Treatment of a pierced ear infection will depend on the extent of the infection and whether the piercing involved the earlobe or the ear cartilage.

Mild infections of the earlobe can be treated with daily cleansing and a topical antibiotic ointment. With proper care and hygiene, a pierced ear infection will disappear in one to two weeks. More severe infections of the earlobe or any infection involving ear cartilage need to be assessed by a health-care provider and usually require oral antibiotics. In some cases, intravenous antibiotics or drainage of the infection may be necessary.

When to remove the earrings

Earrings should be removed from your child's ears if the infection persists or spreads despite regular cleaning. If the infection involves the cartilage of the ear, remove the earrings and seek medical attention for a proper evaluation. Finally, earrings should be removed if your child develops an allergy or sensitivity reaction to the metal or other compounds in the earring.

Prevention of pierced ear infections

Before and after the piercing

• Make sure the piercer is qualified and experienced, uses proper equipment and is wearing protective gloves for each piercing.
• Clean the piercing with warm water and soap twice a day and dry thoroughly. Do not use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These solutions will dry the skin, which can prevent the piercing from healing quickly and properly.
• Turn the post three full rotations when cleaning the piercing.
• Encourage your child to avoid touching or playing with their new piercing unless it is being cleaned.
• Wait at least six weeks before changing the posts.
• Use earrings that have a comfort clutch or screw-on clasp. These may reduce the risk of the earring becoming clasped too tightly on the earlobe.

After six weeks

• Clean new earrings with rubbing alcohol before insertion.
• Avoid pressure on the earlobe by clasping new earrings loosely.
• Have your child remove their earrings before bed.

When to seek medical help

Make an appointment with your child's health-care provider if:

• the infection involves the cartilage of the ear.
• pain, swelling and redness spread beyond the piercing site or is associated with fever.
• the infection does not begin to improve after 48 hours of treatment.
• swelling causes the earring to become embedded or stuck in the ear.