Why do ears become inflamed as soon as earrings are worn?

Feb 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
The ear may become inflamed after wearing earrings, possibly due to inadequate care following ear piercing, leading to mild inflammation that worsens when earrings are worn and cause irritation. It could also be caused by an allergic constitution reacting to the earring material. Additionally, if there is already an inflammatory response in the ear piercing site, wearing earrings may aggravate the inflammation through friction and irritation.

Ear inflammation after wearing earrings may be caused by factors such as inadequate care, allergic constitution, or local inflammation.

1. Inadequate Care

This may occur if proper aftercare is neglected after ear piercing—for example, failing to disinfect regularly or keep the wound clean and dry—allowing bacteria and viruses to grow around the ear and irritate the area, leading to inflammation when earrings are worn. This condition can generally be improved through enhanced care.

2. Allergic Constitution

Individuals with an allergic constitution may react to the materials in the earrings, causing skin inflammation upon wearing them. Under a doctor's guidance, antihistamine medications can be used for anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic treatment. Commonly used drugs include cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine tablets, and chlorpheniramine maleate granules.

3. Local Inflammation

There may already be an inflammatory response at the piercing site. Wearing earrings may cause friction or prolonged pressure, worsening the inflammation. As directed by a physician, anti-inflammatory medications can be applied to help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Common treatments include erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, and cefuroxime axetil tablets.

In addition, wearing earrings made of low-quality materials, or those that are too heavy or tight, may also lead to inflammation. It is strongly recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive proper treatment.