How to Prevent Infection in Pierced Ears

Improperly pierced ears can cause painful infections.

Infection is a risk with any body piercing and can occur during or after the healing process. Symptoms of infection include extreme heat, redness, tenderness and swelling. Infections typically require medical attention and cannot be cured at home. However, there are ways to minimize the risk of infection from a piercing, starting with the piercer's technique.

Instructions

1. Observe your piercer's technique. All supplies should be autoclaved in a spore-tested autoclave sterilizer and stored in appropriate sealed packages. Single-use supplies such as needles and gloves should be new. Any deviation from this standard increases the risks of contracting an infection, including potentially serious illnesses such as HIV and hepatitis.

2. Wash your hands before touching your piercing and try to avoid continual or excessive contact with the area.

3. Use hair care products sparingly and keep hair away from your pierced ears. Rinse shampoo and conditioner thoroughly after applying.

4. Clean the piercing regularly using appropriate cleaning products, such as the aftercare recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers. Use only single-use paper towels or cotton swabs to clean your piercing.

5. Wipe your telephone, mobile phone and phone earpiece with rubbing alcohol to remove bacteria that may be transferred to your piercing.

References

• University of Pittsburgh: Piercing Care and Precautions
• Nemours Kids Health: Pierced Ears