Have you noticed redness, swelling, and pus discharge around your old ear piercing? These are the telltale signs of an infected piercing. An infected ear piercing is a common problem that can occur when bacteria or other organisms enter the piercing site. While it’s best to have a medical professional treat severe infections, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate infection symptoms and prevent future occurrences.
In this article, we’ll share some effective old ear piercing infection home remedies that you can use to heal and prevent infection.
Infected Piercing Symptoms
Redness and Swelling: One of the earliest signs of an infection is redness and swelling around the piercing site. While some initial swelling is normal, if it worsens or persists beyond a few days, it may indicate an infection.
Pain and Tenderness: Mild discomfort is normal after getting a piercing, but increasing pain and tenderness, especially when touched or moved, can be a sign of infection.
Pus or Discharge: A clear or slightly white discharge is normal during the initial healing process. However, if you notice thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge, it’s likely a sign of infection.
Fever: Systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes are indicative of a more serious infection. If you develop a fever along with other symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
Itching and Irritation: While some itching is normal during healing, excessive itching, especially if accompanied by the other symptoms mentioned here, can indicate infection.
Bleeding: Although a small amount of bleeding can occur during the initial piercing process, unexpected or prolonged bleeding beyond the first day could be a sign of infection.
Effective Home Remedies To Treat Infected Piercing
Saltwater Solution
A saltwater solution is a natural disinfectant that can help clean and heal an infected piercing. To make a saltwater solution, mix a half teaspoon of sea salt with eight ounces of distilled water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the infected area for five minutes twice a day.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce infection symptoms. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. Apply the mixture to the piercing using a cotton swab twice a day.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help reduce swelling and pain caused by an infected piercing. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool. Soak a cotton ball in the tea and apply it to the infected area for five minutes twice a day.
Garlic Oil
Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help fight infection-causing bacteria. Crush a garlic clove and mix it with olive oil. Apply the mixture to the infected area using a cotton swab twice a day.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can help reduce swelling and promote healing of an infected piercing. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the infected area twice a day.
Aloe Vera vs. Witch Hazel
Aloe vera and witch hazel both have anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can help reduce swelling and promote healing of an infected piercing. However, aloe vera is more hydrating and gentle on the skin, making it a better choice for people with dry or sensitive skin.
How to prevent Piercing infection
Preventing infection in a freshly pierced area is vital to ensure a smooth healing process and maintain your overall well-being. Begin by selecting a reputable piercing studio with experienced professionals who prioritize cleanliness and adhere to safety protocols. Their expertise can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
Once you have your piercing, closely follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer. This typically involves daily cleaning with a saline solution to facilitate healing. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can irritate the skin. Additionally, refrain from prematurely removing the initial jewelry, as it can disrupt the healing process. Most piercings require several weeks to heal properly, and adhering to this timeline is crucial.
During this time, take extra care to protect the piercing from trauma, especially during physical activities. Regularly monitor the site for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or unusual discharge. If you notice these symptoms, consult a professional promptly to address the issue before it worsens.
Tips
While home remedies can be effective at treating minor infections, it’s important to seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using old ear piercing infection home remedies:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching an infected piercing
- Avoid wearing tight clothing or jewelry that may irritate the infected area
- Avoid swimming or submerging the infected area in water until it has healed
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system
FAQs
- How long does it take for an infected piercing to heal? The healing time for an infected piercing depends on the severity of the infection and your body’s immune response. Mild infections may clear up within a few days, while severe infections may take weeks to heal.
- Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my infected piercing? While rubbing alcohol is a common disinfectant, it can be too harsh on the skin and may delay the healing process of an infected piercing. It’s best to use a saltwater solution or other gentle home remedies to clean an infected piercing.
- Can I remove my earring if my ear piercing is infected? It’s not recommended to remove your earring if your ear piercing is infected as this can cause the infection to spread.
- How can I prevent ear piercing infections? To prevent ear piercing infections, make sure to:
- Clean your piercing regularly with a saltwater solution or other gentle disinfectant
- Avoid touching your piercing with dirty hands
- Avoid wearing tight clothing or jewelry that may irritate the piercing site
- Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water until your piercing has fully healed
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system
- Can I re-pierce my ear after an infection? It’s best to wait until your ear piercing has fully healed before considering re-piercing the same area. Make sure to choose a reputable piercer and follow proper aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of infection.
Final Takeaway
An infected ear piercing can be painful and uncomfortable, but there are several effective old ear piercing infection home remedies that you can try to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. While home remedies can be effective for minor infections, it’s important to seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen. Follow proper aftercare instructions and take steps to prevent future infections to keep your piercings looking and feeling great.
