How to Treat an infected ear piercing

Infection always is a risk following an ear piercing, even if a sterile procedure is followed. Proper hand washing remains the best prevention against harmful bacteria and infection, but if a pierced ear does become infected, you should treat the wound by following these steps.

Remove the earring from the ear at the first sign of infection. Clean the earring and the holes on both sides of the earlobe with sterile gauze and rubbing alcohol (if the ear is not newly pierced). Do this three times a day. If necessary, drain the piercing wound and irrigate with saline solution.

Apply moist heat to the area with warm compresses to promote healing. Dissolve 1/8 tsp. of non-iodized salt in a cup of warm water. Dip a sterile cotton ball into the water, and then hold it gently against the infected pierced ear hole for several minutes. Repeat this procedure twice each day.

Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the earring post and the piercing hole before reinserting the earring. This will help to fight infectious bacteria, as well as heal the wound faster.

Wear earrings made of pure metals such as silver or 24-karat gold. Many people are sensitive to nickel, a metal commonly found in inexpensive earrings. Unfortunately, the allergic reaction can lead to an infection.