(801) 442-2000
36 S. State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111Map

InstaCare Online

Ear, Pierced

Care at Home

Localized Redness Or Discharge At Earring Site:
- Remove the earring from the ear three times a day. Clean the earring and post with rubbing alcohol.
- Wash away any crusting or discharge from the earlobe using soap and water.
- Gently clean the holes on both sides of the earlobe with rubbing alcohol and some gauze.
- Apply Bacitracin ointment to the earring post and to the earlobe holes and reinsert the earring. Bacitracin is an antibiotic ointment that can be obtained over the counter.
Newly-Pierced Ears:
- Don't remove the earring.
- Use a cotton swab ("Q-Tip") dipped in alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean the earring post and skin three times a day.
- Rotate (turn) the earring several times each day to prevent the skin from sticking to the post.
Self Care For Small Tear:
- For bleeding, use gauze or a towel to apply direct pressure to the area for 10 minutes.
- Remove the earring and keep it out for 3-5 days.
- Wash the area with soap and water.
Preventing Infections in Newly Pierced Ears :
- Have your earlobes pierced by someone who is experienced and uses sterile technique.
- The initial posts should be 14-karat gold or stainless steel.
- Do not remove the posts for 6 weeks.
- Attach the earring clasp loosely to allow for swelling.
- After washing the hands and cleaning both sides of the earlobes with rubbing alcohol, turn the posts approximately 3 rotations. Do this twice a day.
- By the end of 6 weeks, the lining of the channels should be healed and earrings may be changed as often as desired.
Preventing an Allergic Reaction To Nickel: Some people have a skin allergy to nickel. Wear earrings with posts made out of 14 K gold or surgical steel.
IF your symptoms become worse: Review the Should I Call? recommendations.