What should I do if my ear piercing becomes inflamed and discharges pus?
Jun 23, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Ruizhi
Introduction
1. **Abscess drainage**: Gently express pus from the infected ear piercing site. Before doing so, thoroughly wash your hands and disinfect the affected area with iodophor. Then, carefully squeeze out the pus.
2. **Disinfection and cleaning**: Use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to gently clean and wipe the affected area, followed by application of iodophor.
3. **Oral medication**: Commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory antibiotics include levofloxacin or cephalosporins.
Ear piercing infection is a common condition experienced by many individuals. It occurs when the pierced site becomes inflamed due to improper aftercare following ear piercing. So, what should you do if your ear piercing becomes infected and starts discharging pus? Below, we address this question.
What to Do If Your Ear Piercing Becomes Infected and Discharges Pus
1. Drainage of Pus
Gently express the accumulated pus from the swollen area using appropriate drainage techniques. Before doing so, thoroughly wash your hands and disinfect the affected area with iodophor. Then, carefully squeeze out the pus. If pus cannot be easily expressed, sterilize a silver needle with alcohol and use it to puncture the abscess, followed by gentle expression of the pus. However, for cases involving large amounts of pus or severe abscesses, self-treatment is not recommended; seek professional medical care at a hospital instead.
2. Disinfection and Cleaning
When signs of inflammation appear, purchase cotton swabs, 3% hydrogen peroxide, and iodophor from a pharmacy. Soak a cotton swab in a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and gently wipe the affected area. Afterwards, apply iodophor. Hydrogen peroxide primarily targets anaerobic bacteria, while iodophor possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties—both help effectively prevent and alleviate infection and purulent discharge. Additionally, applying erythromycin ointment topically yields noticeable therapeutic benefits for infected, pus-discharging piercings.
3. Oral Medication
In addition to topical treatment, individuals with compromised immunity may require oral antibiotics to enhance their body’s antibacterial and antiviral defenses. However, medication selection should always be guided by a physician or pharmacist. Commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory agents include levofloxacin or cephalosporins.
The above outlines practical approaches to managing ear piercing infections with purulent discharge. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
