Definition

• Minor pierced ear infection
• More than 6 weeks since ear was pierced. Initial healing went well.
• New symptoms are localized redness, swelling and crusting just at earring site
• Spreading redness is more serious and needs to be seen

Health Information

Causes of Pierced Ear Infections

• Not cleaning the earrings and posts daily as directed
• Frequent touching of the earrings with dirty hands
• Clasps that are closed too tightly. Reason: Pressure from tight earrings reduces blood flow to the earlobe.
• Not taking the earrings out at night
• Anything that causes a scratch in the channel. Examples are a heavy earring or a rough area on the post. Reason: Any break in the skin can become infected.
• Inserting the post at the wrong angle also can scratch the channel. Use a mirror until insertion becomes second nature.
• Posts that have nickel in them can also cause an itchy, allergic reaction

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   • Minor pierced ear infections can be treated at home.
   • With proper care, most will clear up in 1 to 2 weeks.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Clean Earring with Rubbing Alcohol:
   • Wash hands with soap and water.
   • Remove the earring from the ear.
   • Clean the earring and post with rubbing alcohol.
   • Do this 3 times per day.
3. Clean Earlobe with Rubbing Alcohol:
   • Then wash away any crusting from the earlobe with soap and water.
   • Use rubbing alcohol and some gauze to gently clean the holes on both sides of the earlobe.
   • If the alcohol stings, use pierced ear solution instead.
4. Antibiotic Ointment:
   • After cleaning, apply an antibiotic ointment to the earring post and the earlobe holes.
   • Examples are Polysporin or Bacitracin. No prescription is needed. You can also use one you already have.
   • Then reinsert the earring.
   • Continue until drainage and redness are gone for 2 days.
5. What to Expect:
   • With proper care, most mild earlobe infections will clear up in 1 to 2 weeks.
   • It is common to have mild infections come back without daily earring care.
6. Prevent Repeated Infections in Healed Pierced Ears (over 6 weeks ago):
   • Remind your child not to touch the earrings except when inserting or removing them. Reason: Fingers are often dirty and can infect the area.
   • At bedtime, remove the earrings. Reason: So the channel is exposed to the air during the night.
   • Clean earrings, posts, and earlobes with rubbing alcohol. Do this before putting earings in.
   • Apply the clasps loosely to prevent any pressure on the earlobes. Reason: Allows the channel to have a good blood supply.
   • Polish or discard any posts with rough spots.
   • Avoid heavy earrings.

Call Your Doctor If

• Ear not improved after 3 days
• Fever occurs
• Spreading redness occurs
• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

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