Definition

• Minor pierced ear infection
• Less than 6 weeks since ear was pierced
• 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

• Piercing the ears with unsterile equipment or using unsterile posts
• Not cleaning the earlobes daily as directed
• Taking the earring our before the channel is healed (6 weeks)
• 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.
• 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. Treating New Pierced Ear Infections (during first 6 weeks):
   • Don’t remove the earring! Clean the infected area 3 times a day.
   • Use cotton swab (“Q-Tip”) dipped in pierced ear solution (see below).
   • Clean exposed earring (both sides). Also, clean the ear lobe.
   • Then rotate (turn) the earring 3 times. Reason: To prevent the skin from sticking to the post.
3. Pierced Ear Solution:
   • Pierced ear solution was probably given to you when the ears were pierced.
   • If not, it’s available in most drug stores. No prescription needed.
   • It usually contains benzalkonium chloride which kills germs.
   • It doesn’t sting like rubbing alcohol.
4. Antibiotic Ointment:
   • After cleaning, apply an antibiotic ointment to the area.
   • Examples are Polysporin or Bacitracin. No prescription is needed. You can also use one you already have.
   • Do this after cleaning the earlobe and turning the earring. That means 3 times per day.
   • 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 them come back without daily earring care.
6. Preventing Infections in New Pierced Ears:
   • Do not remove the posts for 6 weeks!
   • Clean the pierced ear area twice a day. Clean both sides of the earlobes. Use a special pierced ear solution (not rubbing alcohol).
   • After cleaning, turn the posts 3 rotations.
   • By the end of 6 weeks, the lining of the channels should be healed. Then, earrings may be changed as often as desired.
   • Have your child’s earlobes pierced by someone who uses sterile technique.
   • The initial posts should be 14-karat gold or stainless steel.
   • Be sure the clasps are attached loosely to prevent any pressure on the earlobes. Reason: Allows the channel to have a good blood supply.
   • Sleep on a clean pillow case. Wash it often.
   • Be careful when brushing your hair.

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.

 #AAP