Infected Ear Piercing

[TheDancingSlayer]

Ok,
So I got my firsts done for the first time about a week ago, but about 2 days ago my left ear lobe started swelling up around the piercing and became infected.
Yesterday I accidently hit my ear and pus started coming out so I let it flow (oh the pain).
Now my ear lobe is really swelled up and has covered a lot of area around the sides of the stud so you can only see the top of it.

I'm really scared that the stud is going to disappear into my ear lobe

Please share your remedies or anything, I'm freaking out completely!

[Eric]

What color was the pus? If it was transparent or translucent, that's usually a sign that body is healing well. If it's opaque, that means it's still infected.

The fact that it's really swollen is worrisome, though. I think you might have to go to the doctor. Until then, try to keep the ear clean, don't mess with it too much and call the place you got the piercings from. Infections are really common after getting your ears pierced, so they should be able to give you better advice than I ever could. There are also a lot of good medical wed sites where you can look up more info. I did a little research for you and most places suggest that you soak your ear in a little container of water mixed with either sea salt or epsom salt.



Hope this helps. Feel better.

[Jaz ♀♀]

I'm sorry to hear that, it sounds very painful.

The best advice I can give you is go to your piercer. S/he'll know more of what to do than any of us can offer. If it was a DIY piercing and no after care package, I would say go straight to a physician. The sooner you get antibiotics to treat the infection, the better.

Since you say that it's your first piercing, there's a chance that you might just be allergic to the jewelry itself.

Hope you get better soon! Sending karma and healing vibes your way.

[usagianddarien]

This happened to me and it turned out I was allergic to Silver go figure. Maybe I am really a werewolf But that was like twenty years ago I think they only pierce with hypoallergenic stuff now. I would also recommend going back to your piercer immediately.

[whitecandy]

Ooooh this sounds so painful, I feel for you I really do. I agree with the others that you should go back to the piercer or visit your doctor as they will be able to help and put your mind at rest. I always use surgical spirit for things like this, but go and see a professional before trying anything.

[TheDancingSlayer]

Thanks guys,
I'm going back to the piercer after school today

And yes the pus was yellow, and very gross :s

[Miss. Rogueh]

Don't take the earing out untill you talk to a doctor!!!
the infection could spread into the blood stream if you take it out.
Keep it clean, and go see your doctor asap!
infections around the ears can lead to hearing loss, which is no fun!

[orangejuicepony]

Don't let the backing get inside of the hole, that happened to me once and it took a half hour of pain trying to push it out of my ear. I have not worn earrings ever since.

[TheDancingSlayer]

Thanks for your help guys!
I started taking antibiotics and it's looking heaps better

[whitecandy]

^^Yay, that is so good to hear! Hope it is completely healed very soon.

[Miss. Rogueh]

Did you find out what caused it? Are you allergic to Nickel? Silver? Gold?
I am allergic to Nickel, when I wear it my ear gets red. Though my ear gets red anyway because everything I wear earrings I have to re-pierce the hole. My ears heal quickly and even if I leave the earrings in for months the day after I take them out the holes close up. Though I had an industrial ear piercing once, I had to take it out because the woman that pierced it, didn't pierce it straight and I looked like I had an Elf Ear.

[TheDancingSlayer]

^^ Ouchie!!!
I'm pretty sure I didn't have an allergy to the Jewelry, I remember now my shirt getting stuck on the earring as I was taking it off the day I got it done (OUCH!!!) so thats probably got something to do with it??

[patxshand]

Were you cleaning it every day?