Earring infections: treatment and prevention
Piercing the ears is a widespread practice among people of all genders and ages worldwide. After piercing, the onset of infections and allergies is a warning; it tells us that something has gone wrong. No need to panic. In today’s guide, earring infections: care and prevention, we will discuss infections and how to prevent, recognize, and treat them.
Earring infections: prevention is truly the best cure
Entrusting the task to a professional is not only about the aesthetic result. Observing hygiene rules is essential: this also applies to a simple earlobe piercing. Using sterile tools and single-use ear piercing devices is the first and most effective shield against allergies and infections. You can choose to have your ears pierced at the pharmacy: the key word everywhere is the same, that is "safety".
The first jewellery must be strictly hypoallergenic
Have you decided to show off that pair of pendants kept in your jewellery box for years? Has your little girl grown up and asked to wear the earrings she received as a christening gift? You will both make a great impression but only after wearing a hypoallergenic starter earring for at least 6 weeks and having avoided the risk of developing dermatitis and earlobe infections from earrings. For more information, consult our guide on first earrings.
Daily care prevents 99% of infections
Days are not always the same but hygiene rules are. A proper routine takes just 4 minutes: one to wash your hands before touching the earlobe and the starter earring, two to turn it and clean thoroughly, and another to disinfect everything. This operation should be repeated 2 to 3 times a day. If you cannot avoid wetting your ears, that is every time you sweat or come into contact with fresh or sea water, use a clean cloth to dab the area. Then make sure there are no traces of substances (cream, sunblock, etc.) or irritating foreign bodies (sand, dust, hair, etc.) between the skin and the jewellery. Dry and clean is the mantra. Repeating it will keep infections at bay.
Problems before or after replacing the starter earring
If something goes wrong before replacing the starter earring, it is very likely an infection. If the problem arises after the change, we might be facing an allergy to a specific material, contact dermatitis, or a scratch or injury caused by wearing an unsuitable accessory. In all cases, it is advisable to remove the earring, disinfect the lobe, and investigate to identify the cause. In case of excessive itching, persistent pain and swelling, bleeding or pus, or if the problem does not resolve within 48 hours, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Earring infections: care and prevention
In most cases, earring infections can be avoided but when prevention is not enough... promptness is everything! Once the problem is solved, you can enjoy wearing new jewellery as much as you like. By the way: have you already chosen your next earrings?
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