eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Treat An Ear Piercing Infection

Member
By schi0433
User-Submitted Article
(2 Ratings)
Treat An Ear Piercing Infection
Treat An Ear Piercing Infection

Have you recently had your ear pierced and you are worried that it is infected? It is important to treat an ear piercing infection before it spreads causing greater pain and discomfort. In many cases, it can be done easily and will prevent further damage. Treat an ear piecing infection by following these simple steps.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Ask the piercing artist for an aftercare brochure once the piercing has been completed. Follow the aftercare program that is outlined. They will have specific instructions how to go about treating your ear after a piercing as been done.

  2. Step 2

    Keep your hands away from the piercing unless they have been washed or properly sanitized. Identify where the piercing has been done. It will either be in your ear lobe or the cartridge. Make sure that your piercing is actually infected as normal swelling, irritation and redness may occur.

  3. Step 3

    Mix 1/8 tsp of non-iodized salt in a cup of warm distilled water. You can either dip your ear into the solution, or apply it to your ear with a sterile cotton ball. Complete this process for ten minutes, once or twice a day. But do not use this treatment more than recommended, because it may actually make the infection worse.

  4. Step 4

    Watch your ear to make sure your infection does not get worse. Remember that if your ear is still sore, red or emits a discharge, you should consult a physician. Your physician will prescribe antibiotics to help heal the infection. Do not delay treatment to an infection as it could result in further damage to your ear.

  5. Step 5

    Use a surgical stainless steel post in your ear while you are waiting for your piercing to heal. This will prevent an allergic reaction from occurring. In many cases, your ear may react negatively to gold or nickel. However, make sure that you do not have any metallic allergies before doing so.

Comments  

missval7 said

Flag This Comment

on 11/25/2009 Great tips! 5*

Magentaslb said

Flag This Comment

on 11/2/2009 Ouch...great tips! 5*s

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Health Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Live Strong Partner
Livestrong_eHow Health