Difference between revisions of "Take Care of Infection in Newly Pierced Ears"
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#Remove the earring(s) and clean the infected piercing(s). When your hands are cleaned, carefully remove the earring from the infected piercing. Use a clean cotton swab or Q-tip to apply an anti-bacterial cleaning solution to both sides of the piercing. | #Remove the earring(s) and clean the infected piercing(s). When your hands are cleaned, carefully remove the earring from the infected piercing. Use a clean cotton swab or Q-tip to apply an anti-bacterial cleaning solution to both sides of the piercing. | ||
#* In terms of cleaning solutions, you may have several options. Some earrings come with a solutions specifically-designed for this purpose. If yours did not, most commercial antiseptic solutions (especially ones containing benzalkonium chloride) intended for similar uses will work well. | #* In terms of cleaning solutions, you may have several options. Some earrings come with a solutions specifically-designed for this purpose. If yours did not, most commercial antiseptic solutions (especially ones containing benzalkonium chloride) intended for similar uses will work well. | ||
| − | #** Some medical sources recommend rubbing alcohol,<ref>http://www.uofmmedicalcenter.org/healthlibrary/Article/116410EN</ref> while others recommend against it. | + | #** Some medical sources recommend rubbing alcohol,<ref name="rf1">http://www.uofmmedicalcenter.org/healthlibrary/Article/116410EN</ref> while others recommend against it. |
#Clean the earring post and reinsert the earring. Next, clean your earring's post (the part that sits in the piercing) with the same antiseptic solution you cleaned your ear with. After doing this, apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment or cream to the post. This will help to kill bacteria ''inside'' the piercing when the earring is re-inserted. Finally, put the earring back in. | #Clean the earring post and reinsert the earring. Next, clean your earring's post (the part that sits in the piercing) with the same antiseptic solution you cleaned your ear with. After doing this, apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment or cream to the post. This will help to kill bacteria ''inside'' the piercing when the earring is re-inserted. Finally, put the earring back in. | ||
#Repeat this cleaning process three times each day. Perform this routine - removing the earring, cleaning the outside of the piercing, cleaning and applying antibiotic ointment to the post, and re-inserting the earring - three times per day. Maintain this routine for '''two days''' after the symptoms of the infection disappear. | #Repeat this cleaning process three times each day. Perform this routine - removing the earring, cleaning the outside of the piercing, cleaning and applying antibiotic ointment to the post, and re-inserting the earring - three times per day. Maintain this routine for '''two days''' after the symptoms of the infection disappear. | ||
#* This last point is important. When fighting bacterial infections, it's crucial to ensure that the infection has been ''completely'' wiped out before stopping treatment. If a small amount of bacteria remain, the infection may return. | #* This last point is important. When fighting bacterial infections, it's crucial to ensure that the infection has been ''completely'' wiped out before stopping treatment. If a small amount of bacteria remain, the infection may return. | ||
#Use over-the counter pain medications properly. While you're waiting for your infection to disappear, you can treat the pain and inflammation resulting from it by taking most commercially-available painkillers. Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen Sodium, and most other cheap, common medicines will work fine. | #Use over-the counter pain medications properly. While you're waiting for your infection to disappear, you can treat the pain and inflammation resulting from it by taking most commercially-available painkillers. Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen Sodium, and most other cheap, common medicines will work fine. | ||
| − | #* Even when dealing with these relatively weak drugs, never take more than the recommended dosage or mix drugs carelessly. This is ''especially'' true with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), a class of drugs including Ibuprofen and Aspirin, which have been linked to a variety of serious side effects at high doses.<ref>http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-safety-of-painkillers-20101220915</ref> | + | #* Even when dealing with these relatively weak drugs, never take more than the recommended dosage or mix drugs carelessly. This is ''especially'' true with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), a class of drugs including Ibuprofen and Aspirin, which have been linked to a variety of serious side effects at high doses.<ref name="rf2">http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-safety-of-painkillers-20101220915</ref> |
| − | #Don't hesitate to see a doctor if the infection worsens. Though most infections caused by ear piercings are superficial and temporary, some can develop into serious issues. Left untreated, these infections can cause lasting discomfort, permanent damage to the ear, or even worse outcomes. If your infection leads to any of the following symptoms, it's a wise idea to see a doctor as soon as possible to gain access to antibiotics or other forms of treatment:<ref | + | #Don't hesitate to see a doctor if the infection worsens. Though most infections caused by ear piercings are superficial and temporary, some can develop into serious issues. Left untreated, these infections can cause lasting discomfort, permanent damage to the ear, or even worse outcomes. If your infection leads to any of the following symptoms, it's a wise idea to see a doctor as soon as possible to gain access to antibiotics or other forms of treatment:<ref name="rf1" /> |
#* Swelling and redness that worsen or do not improve after two days of treatment | #* Swelling and redness that worsen or do not improve after two days of treatment | ||
#* Fluid draining from the site of the infection | #* Fluid draining from the site of the infection | ||
