How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing?

How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing?

These days, it’s hard to find someone without an ear piercing. Piercings are more common now than they ever were before. But, getting your ears pierced also comes with a list of care instructions.

If you want your piercings to last a lifetime, it’s important to keep the area clean and free from infection. And while getting your ears pierced by a professional can help reduce the risk of infection and complications, it will not guarantee that they won’t get infected.

Once you leave the piercing shop, it’s up to you to put in the necessary work at home to help the area heal and stay free from infection. Sadly, many people who have had their ears quickly pierced with a piercing gun have found out the hard way that NOT having a professional piercer (with a needle) do the job right the first time can result in a world of hurt and frustration later on.

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Think it can’t happen to you? Think again. One quick Google search and you’ll find countless horror stories filled with a never-ending string of individuals complaining about infections.

How Can I Tell If My Ear Piercing is Infected?

The symptoms of an ear piercing are usually both visible, and irritative or painful. Pay close attention to the following indications of an infection:

  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Hot to the touch
  • Leaking or oozing fluid or puss
  • Fever
  • Painful to touch


If you experience any of the above, chances are you have an infection. But don’t worry just yet. Read on to learn more.

If you recently had your ears pierced, and you begin to notice some time afterwards that things just don’t look or feel right, then chances are an infection might be brewing.

What happens with an infected ear piercing?

In short, any puncture wound in your skin makes you susceptible for bacteria or other harmful contaminants getting in before that wound can heal on its own.

How Can I Clear an Ear-Piercing Infection?

If no fever is present, the infection seems mild, and there is very little pain, then it will be a lot easier to clear up the infection at home using simple over the counter washes. This statement pretty much goes for most all ear piercings.

To begin, thoroughly wash both hands using warm, soapy water. This will ensure that no other germs or bacteria will be introduced into the already infected piercing site.

Next, prepare a warm salt water solution to apply directly to the infected area. This can be made by taking one-quarter of a teaspoon of sea salt and mixing it with one cup of boiling water. Let the solution cool slightly.

While the water is still warm, use your fingers and a sterile cotton or gauze pad to apply the salt water to the front and back of the piercing site. After you’re done cleaning the area, use a clean, dry paper towel to dry your earlobes.

Try not to reach for a towel or a face cloth as these things can be loaded with germs and bacteria, especially if they are not coming directly from the dryer.

Make sure to clean the infected area twice a day with the sea salt solution, and space out the cleanings as far apart as possible. A good rule of thumb is to clean the area once in the morning and once at night.

How Can I Prevent an Ear Infection After the Piercing?

Preventing an ear infection after you’ve just gotten your ears pierced is fairly simple. First and foremost, always follow the aftercare instructions that the piercer has given you. Regular hand washing is also one of the best ways to prevent any possible infections down the road.

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Additionally, take care not to injure the piercing site because broken skin becomes an easy place for bacteria to sneak in and begin an infection.

And most importantly, always, always, always look for a reputable piercer to do your piercings. Look for someone with experience, who has high standards for cleanliness and hygiene, keeps an immaculate shop, and follows the best safety standards. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their instruments. Sterile instruments will be packaged in special sterilization packets and will have been run through a special sterilization machine called an autoclave.

Pierced Newmarket - Clean Piercing Environment

Finally, make sure you use a type of metal that won’t cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, it’s good to know what types of metals you are and are not allergic to.

In or Around Newmarket, Ontario and Ready to Take the Next Step?

So, before you run off to get your ears pierced, do your research and look for a highly qualified piercer like the team at Pierced. Then, make sure you follow the aftercare instructions to the letter. Taking the time to keep the area clean will ensure your new piercings will remain infection-free.

Piercing Studios Near You


Upper Canada Mall
17600 Yonge Street, Newmarket, ON L3Y 4Z1

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Square One Shopping Centre
100 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON L5B 2C9

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Need an Experienced Piercer in Mississauga or Newmarket?

Working with an experienced piercer can make all the difference when it comes to your piercing experience. If you’re in the Mississauga or Newmarket, Ontario area and have any questions about ear piercing, body piercing or jewelry, give us a call or stop by our piercings studio today. We’d love to help walk you through what to expect and help you choose the right option.

Rethink piercings, rethink piercings, rethink piercings.

Rethink piercings, rethink piercings, rethink piercings.