Houma, LA
A 18-year-old male asked:
How to tell if ear piercing is infected?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Milleranswered
Wound care 36 years experience
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.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 48-year-old member asked:
What can you do to tell if your ears is infected after ear piercing?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Harold Kimanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 28 years experience
Tenderness, pain: Signs of infection include peristent redness and swelling at the area as well as pain and tenderness.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
How likely is it for an ear piercing to get infected?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sunil Ummatanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 35 years experience
Rare: If done correctly, infection is rare. The ears have a good blood supply and can heal well. Bad technique, dirty instruments and inexperienced operators can cause a lot of problems. Go to a reputable place to have this done and follow the instructions you are given afterwards. That is your best chance to heal normally.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
How can you treat my infected ear piercing?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Zahid Niazianswered
Cosmetic Surgery 39 years experience
See your doctor: Remove the ear piercing, apply topical antibiotic, see your doctor. You may need antibiotics by mouth as well to control the infection.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
How could i cure my infected ear piercing?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Harold Kimanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 28 years experience
Take out earring: You also probably need a course of antibiotics.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
What to do about infected ear piercing! advice?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Seek medical care.: Signs of infection can include: increased swelling, redness, tenderness, ^ pain, warmth, red streaks, purulent drainage, swollen lymph nodes or fever.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Oct 20, 2017
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