How to Clean Infected Ear-Piercing? Learn the Simple Way to Heal Inflammation Yourself!

You’ve just bought those fine looking earrings you’ve been searching for a long time, and finally decided to get your ears pierced. Then felt so pleased to find that the piercing was so simple, and you didn’t feel any pain… But what? After this happy ending, you learn that there is a risk of ear infection? “Is it possible to happen to me, and what should I do in such a situation?”, is your reaction. Though the contemporary method of piercing is painless, and all the measures of your safety are taken, there is some risk of inflammation after it. Therefore, you should know in advance the easy techniques on how to clean infected ear-piercing and prevent possible health complications.

Can an Infected Ear-Piercing Heal on Its Own?

You’re happy, as you’ve just gotten your new ear-piercing and want to go out with the earrings for your everyday activities. But, remember, you should be careful with your ears, as well as take some care and hygiene measures knowing how to clean infected ear-piercing. However, despite your best efforts, infections can sometimes occur. In this situation, the question often arises: “Can an infected ear-piercing heal on its own?” Fortunately, in many cases mild inflammations can be overcome with a little care and attention, while more severe ones may require medical help. In case you notice symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, swelling, discharge, or an unpleasant smell coming from the piercing, it’s likely infected. It’s important not to ignore these signs, as they can worsen and lead to complications if left untreated.

Should You Wear Earrings When Infected?

If you notice that your ear-piercing is infected, it’s generally advisable to remove the earrings temporarily. The reason is that wearing them, you can hinder the healing process by trapping bacteria and irritants within the ear hole. Additionally, the pressure from their backing or their hoops can cause discomfort and further complicate the infection. However, you should seek for a guidance from a healthcare professional or a reputable piercing specialist before removing the earrings. In some cases, leaving them in place may be necessary to prevent the holes from closing, which may also be important for healing the infection. A professional can provide appropriate advice how to clean infected ear-piercing, based on the specific situation.

How to Clean Infected Ear-Piercing at Home?

When dealing with and infected ear-piercing, some hygiene and healing are essential to be applied. The following simple, common home remedy will not cost you much time. Before touching the piercing, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Then treat the inflamed ear area with a homemade saline solution by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 8 ounces (240 ml) of warm distilled water. Then gently clean the area around the piercing with a cotton ball soaked in the saline solution. Avoid rotating or moving the earring excessively, as this can cause further irritation. Use the cotton ball and treat gently the ear with your solution to remove any crust or discharge around the piercing. This will avoid causing additional pain or trauma. After finishing, rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue from the saline solution. Pat the place dry with a clean paper towel that will not harbor any bacteria. Repeat this cleaning process at least twice a day until the infection improves. Be consistent with the cleaning routine to promote healing.

Cleaning Infected Ear-Piercing and Prevention

While good care and cleaning practice can help speed up the healing process, it’s important to note that infections take time to resolve completely. Here are some tips to facilitate faster healing:

1. Learn how to clean infected ear-piercing yourself: Treat the infected area regularly using the described earlier saline solution. Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh antiseptics, as these can further irritate the skin and delay healing.
2. Do not touch the earring the rest of the time: Excessive manipulation can introduce additional bacteria and delay the healing process. Only touch the piercing with clean hands during treatment, or in case it’s absolutely necessary.
3. Be careful not to submerge the ear in water: While it’s important to keep the area clean, avoid swimming until it’s fully healed. Water sources such as pools, hot tubs, and lakes can harbor bacteria that may exacerbate the infection.
4. Consult a healthcare professional: If the infection shows signs of spreading, persists, or worsens, seek for a professional advice or an experienced piercing specialist. They will provide the needed medical attention, may prescribe antibiotics or recommend further treatment options to help resolve the infection.
5. Remove any possible irritants: Avoid using harsh chemicals, perfumes, or hair products near the infected area till the healing process is finished. These substances can cause irritation and prolong recovery time.

Read also: How to Clean Your Ears: The Harmless Methods and Those to Avoid

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