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This article provides information on a minor infection of a pierced ear.
Symptoms are pain, redness, crusting and swelling at the earring site
Spreading redness is more serious and needs to be seen
Causes of Infections in Newly Pierced Ear
Piercing the ears with tools or earring posts that aren't clean (sterile)
Not cleaning the earlobes daily
Taking the earring out before the channel is healed (6 weeks)
Touching earrings with dirty hands
Earring backs that are too tight against the earlobe. Reason: pressure from tight earrings reduces blood flow to the earlobe.
Posts that have nickel in them can also cause an itchy, allergic reaction
Causes of Infections Later After the Pierced Ear has Healed
Not cleaning the earrings and posts daily
Touching earrings with dirty hands
Earring backs that are too tight against the earlobe. Reason: pressure from tight earrings reduces blood flow to the earlobe.
Not taking the earrings out at night
Anything that causes a scratch or tear in the ear channel. Examples are a heavy earring or a rough area on the post. Reason: any break in the skin can become infected.
Putting the post in at the wrong angle also can scratch the channel. Use a mirror until putting the earring in becomes routine.
Posts that have nickel in them can also cause an itchy, allergic reaction
Age For Piercing Ears
Parents often wonder what a good age is to have ear piercing done. It is best to wait until a child can play an active role. Most often, this is past age 8.
Children under 4 years may touch the earrings a lot. Playing with the earring with dirty hands can lead to infections.
Younger children also can get the earrings out and put them in their mouth. This can lead to swallowing or choking on them.
📚 References
This content was adapted from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Ear+Piercing+Symptoms, by Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP, Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.
Reviewed by JW MD, Patient Education Committee