My urgent care doctor told me to remove my 5-month-old lobe piercings and directed me to use mupirocin 2%. a lot of people online say to keep the jewelry in to avoid abscesses and trapped infections, so should i have kept them in?

The proper care is one individualized to the patient and situation. Inflammation around a piercing can spread and do serious deforming damage to the ear lobe. The lobe has a limited blood flow that limits the body's ability to fight germ spread through the cartilage. Removing a foreign object (jewelry) can speed healing. Re-piercing after healing is often needed but better in the long run.

Any infection will heal faster and completely if foreign body removed. The physician who treated you has your main priority as being your health, what would be your main priority otherwise? Online postings refer mostly to personal experiences and prioritize keeping the jewelry in unless otherwise recommended by a physician.

Use the medication as directed, follow removal of the earrings as directed by your pediatrician, and keep the area clean and dry. Watch for signs of thick drainage and fever. All immunizations should be current.