Doctor explains HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND TREAT INFECTED EAR PIERCING

Doctor O'Donovan explains everything you need to know about an infected ear piercing including causes, symptoms, photos and treatment plus top tips to prevent an infected piercing.

An infected piercing can be serious if it's not treated quickly. Get immediate medical help if you think your piercing is infected.

We also cover what's normal for a new piercing. This can include:

be tender, itchy, and the surrounding area may look slightly red on white skin, or a little darker than usual on dark skin
produce a pale fluid that forms a crust
If you've had an ear or nose cartilage piercing, small lumps can sometimes form around the piercing. The lumps, called granulomas, are trapped fluid. You can treat them by soaking a pad in warm water then holding the pad against them once a day.

Signs of an infection

1. the area around it is swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour)
2. there's blood or pus coming out of it – pus can be white, green or yellow
3. you feel hot or shivery or generally unwell

If you think your piercing might be infected leave your jewellery in, unless a doctor tells you to take it out and see your doctor as soon as possible.

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Resources:
ENT SHO: https://entsho.com/pinna-perichondrit...

NHS UK infected ear piercing: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infecte...

Health line information: https://www.healthline.com/health/bea...
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Answers to quiz:
1. Necrosis and formation of cauliflower ear
2. Pinna perichondritis is Pseudomonas aeruginosa
3. Pinna cellulitis it can be Staphylococcus aureus or other skin organisms
4. Remove the piercing, take swabs, clean area, if concerns of sepsis – blood cultures, antibiotics as per local micro guidelines, safety net, involve ENT if needed.

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Disclaimer:
The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. If you spot any mistakes please let me know so I can correct them :)