How common are infected ear piercings? Millions of people get their ears (and other body parts) pierced, and most of them have no serious complications. Mild irritation and infections are common, however, for new piercings. In most cases, infections aren’t serious and clear up quickly.
What percentage of ear piercings get infected?
One study followed a more than 450 nurses who pierced their ears. About 30% of “high” ear piercings, or piercings of the cartilage of the pinna/upper ear, become infected. In comparison only about 20% of ear lobe piercings become infected.
Are piercing infections common?
Infection is the most common problem you may have after getting a piercing. People have a hard time recognizing if their piercing is infected. They confuse the infection for a piercing that is healing.
What to avoid after piercing ear?
Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while your piercing is healing. Don’t fiddle with your piercings. Don’t touch a new piercing or twist the jewelry unless you’re cleaning it. Keep clothing away from the piercing, too.
Do ear piercings get infected easily?
The earlobes are fleshy and fatty, with strong blood flow. They heal quickly, reducing the risk of an earlobe infection. The upper ear is cartilage, a thick, stiff tissue with less blood flow. Piercings in the upper ear are more likely to become infected, and infections in the upper ear are sometimes serious.
Should I take my piercing out if it’s infected?
When to remove a piercing
If a new piercing is infected, it is best not to remove the earring. Removing the piercing can allow the wound to close, trapping the infection within the skin. For this reason, it is advisable not to remove an earring from an infected ear unless advised by a doctor or professional piercer.
What does an infected piercing look like?
Your piercing might be infected if: the area around it is swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour) there’s blood or pus coming out of it – pus can be white, green or yellow. you feel hot or shivery or generally unwell.
How can I make my ear piercing heal faster?
Make sure your bedding, eyewear, and anything else that may contact your new piercing is clean. Clean your piercing consistently. Consider taking a multivitamin. Multivitamins containing Zinc and Vitamin C can boost your body’s healing abilities.