According to Kidshealth.org, people have been piercing their ears for thousands of years. When getting your ears pierced, it's important to have it done at a reputable place where the person has experience and uses sanitary equipment. Avoid having it done at home by a friend. Use hypoallergenic studs and take proper care of the piercing until it heals. Most people who pierce ears will send you home with explicit instructions on how to care for them.
Before and During the Piercing
The best way to deal with infection of a pierced ear is to prevent it from happening in the first place. The Children's Hospital recommends going to a clean piercing shop where the person has experience. She should wash her hands with antibacterial soap before she touches your ear. She should wear disposable gloves and use sterilized or disposable equipment. Each piercing should be done with a new needle or piercing earring. Until the piercing site heals, wear jewelry that is made of 14 carat gold, surgical steel or titanium.
After the Piercing
To prevent infection after your ears are pierced, wash your hands with soap and water before touching the area. Clean it with the solution you're given when your ears are pierced and a clean, fresh cotton ball. Rotate the earrings a full cycle with each cleaning to work the solution around in the area. Avoid getting hair spray, gels and other products on the earlobes until they heal. Don't place a public telephone on the earlobe. Sleep on a clean pillowcase. Avoid changing the earrings for at least a month after the piercing.
Infection Symptoms
If your ear does get infected, it may be swollen and painful, or it may just be red. Yellow or greenish pus may seep from the piercing, which is a sure sign of infection. In some cases, you may get a fever with an infected pierced ear.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most of the time, an infection from a pierced ear can be reversed by removing the earring and thoroughly cleaning it with a disinfectant or antiseptic cleanser. If the infection doesn't clear up within 24 hours or you have a fever, contact your doctor. Also see your doctor if you feel sick or weak, the earring has ripped the ear lobe, the skin around the site is split, the bleeding hasn't stopped after applying pressure for 10 minutes or the clasp is stuck inside the earlobe.
Special Cases
Certain allergies may predispose you to an infection at the piercing site. If you are diabetic, have an allergy to any metal like nickel or have any sort of autoimmune disease, consult your doctor before you have your ears pierced.
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