13 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ear Piercing Infection

Body piercing has practiced by many cultures all over the world since the ancient Egyptian pharaohs and the soldiers of ancient Rome. Body piercing in some ethnic and religion is considered as important because it is a very ingrained part of their culture. But now, in this modern era, body piercing is a part of human’s freedom and as art for their body.

Ear piercing is one of the most famous body piercing that even many children get their ear pierced. It’s commonplace and a simple procedure that carries a low risk.

Causes of Ear Piercing Infection

However, infected ear piercings are a real possibility if you’re not careful. When ear piercing is done by a professional, the chances of getting an infection are low. There are some common causes of  ear piecing infection are:

1. Unsterilized Equipment

When piercing our ears, you need to ensure the equipment that you will use. Using the proper and sterilized equipment is a must because you are injecting something through your ear. Many diseases can be transferred if using the same tool for different people.

2. Tight Earrings

Using tight earrings may result in reducing the flow of blood to the ear lobes making them easy to get infected.

3. Improper Care

Touching the hole on the ear with dirt hands is one of the cause of the infection. Bacteria and other infectious microorganism may be transmitted with dirt hands.

4. Allergic to Earrings Material

One of the reason of the infection is maybe you are allergic to the earrings material. Allergic reaction to the metal used for ear piercing, especially nickel allergy.

5. Type of Earrings

It is better not to wear certain types of earrings that have rough surfaces. The rough part of the earrings may scratch the hole on the ear while you’re doing activities. Uneven and rough surface present on the earring that may result in repetitive scratching on the wound.

6. Use of Low Quality Earrings and Studs

There are numerous types of earrings available on the market nowadays. Low quality or cheap jewelry may cause irritation or allergic reaction on the ear. The skin respond to the jewelry make it unable to fight the bacteria which causes the infection. Use jewelry made of gold, steel, or titanium only. 

How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing

After knowing the causes of infection, it is time to know how to treat it in case it happens. Given below are some home remedies that are helpful in treating ear piercing infection.

1. Daily Moist Compress

Warm compress is helpful in healing infected ear piercing. Warmness improve the blood circulation which can help faster healing. Warm compress also help bring pus out of the wound. Warm compress also help fight symptoms such as inflammation of ear lobes, swelling in cartilage, acute pain and tenderness. You may also read about How to Treat Infected Belly Button Piercing at Home

2. Clean the Pierced Ear with Saline Water

It is recommended to clean the pierced ear about three to four times a day with saline water. How to apply:

• Add about half a spoon of salt in a warm cup of water
• Soak a fresh cotton ball/cotton bud in the water.
• Dab it on pierced area or around infected ear lobes.
• After 10-15 minutes, rinse with clean warm water.
• Use a fresh new towel to dry the area.
• Avoid touching it frequently

Indeed, there are some ways to get rid of ear piercing infection with home remedies.  

3. Using Turmeric Paste

According to a study, turmeric has an active compound called curcumin. It is natural antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal agent. Due to such combination of healing abilities turmeric can eliminate bacterial infection. How to apply:

• After cleaning the infection let it dry naturally for several minutes.
• Take 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.
• Mix it with enough amount of water to make thick paste.
• Apply it over inflamed area.
• Let it dry naturally for several hours.
• Clean it with water and pat dry.

Indeed, there also many natural tricks as Best Ways to Get Rid of a Foot Blister with Home Remedies

4. Using Indian Lilac or Neem

Indian lilac is very effective home remedy for infected ear piercing lump. It clean the infection and help drain out pus from swollen area. Its antibacterial properties can eliminate bacteria and micro-organism from invading your cells. How to apply:

• Take handful of clean neem leaves
• Put in saucepan with water and boil it
• Bring the water to boil until it becomes green in color
• Collect leaves and water in different containers.
• Make thick paste with this boiled leaves.
• Rinse the area with neem water.
• Apply a thick layer of neem paste on affected skin area.
• Keep it on for 20-30 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water.

5. Using Garlic 

Garlic can help you reduce symptoms of infection after ear piercing. Garlic eliminate bacteria, fungus and reduce swelling of earlobes and cartilage. Topical use also help with pain and redness.

How to apply the best ways to get rid of ear piercing infection with home remedies:

• Add 2 whole garlic bulb.
• Bring water to boil and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• Blend this for 2-3 minutes to make thick paste.
• Apply a thick layer of this paste on infected area.
• Keep it on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and dry with clean towel.

6. Using Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is natural anti-fungal which help eliminated infection and swelling of skin. For treating infected ear piercing bump, tea tree oil can be used as topical ointment. How to apply:

• Take 1 tablespoon of water.
• Mix 3-5 drops of tea tree essential oil.
• Soak a cotton ball in this soultion.
• Dab it on affected area.
• Keep it on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry. 
  
  

7. Using Marigold Flower Leaves

The leaves of the marigold flower are an amazing natural remedy to stop blood. Yes, there is a good chance that there might be blood coming out of the ear piercing area now and then. This treatment can stop the blood and your skin will stay away from infection as well. How to apply:

• Take few marigold flower leaves.
• Mash it and extract juice out of it.
• Apply the juice over the affected area where you have difficulty with ear piercing.
• Keep it on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

You may also know about the natural treatments for:

• How to Relieve the Swollen Gums at Home
• Best Ways to Get Rid of Dark Spots Caused by Acne
• Best Ways to Relieve Leg Cramps Fast with Home Remedy

How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing

There are several ways for you to do in order to prevent your ear from infection. The following are easy and simple ways to get rid of ear piercing infection:

1. Pierce your ear with a trustable doctor or expert and using strelized equipment.
2. Use high quality earrings and studs and you need to ensure that you don’t have any allergic to the earrings material.
3. Clean the ears at least once a day. Use warm water and an antibacterial soap. Rinse away all soapy residue and gently pat dry with a towel. And ensure that you washed you hands before cleaning your ears.
4. Apply of antibiotic cream on the infected ear regularly and do it after a shower and before bedtime.
5. Only wear clean earrings and piercing to prevent further infection. Also, wear or use sterilize things since they come in direct contact with the ear.

The point to heal and prevent ear piercing infection is you need to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene both of your ear and earrings. Do not be lazy in taking care of your pierced area, instead give more treatment to it, because you are injecting something through part of your body.