A 24-year-old male asked:
How to tell if ear piercing is infected?
1 doctor answer
Dr. Michael Miller answered
35 years experience in Wound care
Infected/inflammed: Red, hot, swollen and drainage (inflammation) are normal signs of healing and in fact, not bad but are integral to healing. If infected, the wound should not improve, the patient have fevers, chills, and other systemic signs of infection. Culture of the wound should never be with a swab on the surface but a simple tissue biopsy. Routine use of antibiotics is to be condemned due to the risks.
Answered on Oct 20, 2017
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Related questions:
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Payam Rafat answered
21 years experience in Podiatry
Have it evaluated.: It is not good to have an infection for long periods of time. Have it evaluated for proper antibiotic selection.
A 55-year-old member asked:
Dr. Harold Kim answered
27 years experience in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery
Tenderness, pain: Signs of infection include peristent redness and swelling at the area as well as pain and tenderness.
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Louis Gallia answered
44 years experience in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Antibiotics: See MD for antibiotics. Clean with cotton balls with alcohol. You may have to remove the ear rings and start over again.
A 52-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sunil Ummat answered
34 years experience in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery
Rare: If done correctly, infection is rare. The ears have a good blood supply and can heal well. Bad technique, dirty instruments and inexperienced operator ... Read More
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