How to Avoid an Ear Piercing Infection

Not too long ago, piercings, even ear piercings seemed barbaric or sacrilegious. These days, most girls have their ears pierced, and quite a lot of guys as well. While it's a common thing to see ear piercings, those piercings can still get infected if they're not cared for properly. With a little care and attention, individuals can avoid an ear piercing infection.

Things You'll Need

• hypoallergenic earrings
• hydrogen peroxide

Instructions

1. Do Not Change Earrings.

   One of the most important ways to keep from getting an ear piercing infection is to avoid changing the earrings for at least six weeks after the ears have been pierced. This allows the holes in the ear to heal without being irritated by the changing of earrings. Most piercing shops or parlors will use a good, sturdy earring that is hypoallergenic and contains no nickel. While it's tempting to try out a ton of cute new earrings, it's important to keep those piercing earrings in until the holes are healed.

2. Turn the Earrings.

   Individuals should turn the earrings every day to keep the metal loose in the ear rather than allowing the skin of the ear to grow over the metal. It's simple to do and should be done twice daily - in the morning and at night. Simply grasp the stud at the front of the earring and turn the earring at least one full rotation.

3. Clean the Piercing.

   Most individuals will receive a bottle of cleaning solution from the shop or parlor where they get their ears pierced. Individuals who haven't gotten a bottle of cleaning solution can buy and use hydrogen peroxide to clean their ears. The piercings should be cleaned at least twice a day. A cotton swab is the perfect cleaning instrument. Soak it with the solution or peroxide and soak the ear as close to the piercing in the front and back of the lobe as possible. This will help prevent germs and infection from entering the wound until it heals completely.

4. Spot an Infection.

   All piercings will leak clear fluid as they heal. This is the body's natural way of forming scabs and allowing the wound to be cleaned as it heals. The ears may even look a little red. However if an individual notices green, brown or yellowish fluid leaking from the ear, a hot pain that grows worse, swelling or bright redness and throbbing - these are all signs of an infection. If an individual suspects that his or her piercing is infected, he or she should remove the earrings right away, clean the ears with peroxide and visit the doctor. In some cases of infection, the holes must be allowed to close up and heal before the individual can try to pierce the ears again.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any doubts, contact your physician to check it out!