From the Guidelines
The treatment for an infected left ear cartilage piercing typically involves fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, due to the common pathogens involved, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S aureus, and S pyogenes 1. When managing an infected ear cartilage piercing, it's essential to clean the area twice daily with saline solution or mild soap and water, avoiding alcohol-based products that can irritate the tissue.
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment like bacitracin or mupirocin after cleaning.
- Do not remove the jewelry unless advised by a healthcare provider, as this can trap infection inside.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) to manage pain and reduce inflammation. For moderate to severe infections, seeing a healthcare provider promptly is crucial, as oral antibiotics may be necessary, and in some cases, surgical incision and drainage may be required if an abscess is present 1. Cartilage infections can be serious due to the limited blood supply in this area, making it harder for the immune system to fight infection and for antibiotics to reach the area effectively.
- If you develop fever, significant swelling, pus discharge, or worsening pain, seek immediate medical attention as these may indicate a more serious infection requiring different treatment 1. It's also important to note that auricular perichondritis and perichondrial abscess typically occur in the first month after piercing, especially during warm-weather months, and present as painful swelling, warmth, and redness in a portion of the auricle that often spares the earlobe 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Infected Ear Cartilage Piercing
- The treatment for an infected ear cartilage piercing typically involves antibiotics, with fluoroquinolone antibiotics being recommended due to their antipseudomonal activity 2.
- It is essential to seek medical attention promptly, as delayed treatment can lead to more severe complications, including hospitalization 3.
- The choice of antibiotic should be guided by the severity of the infection, local susceptibility patterns, and drug-related safety, tolerability, and cost 4.
- In some cases, the initial oral antibiotics prescribed may not target the cultured bacterium, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment 3.
Common Causes of Infection
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common bacterial infection associated with transcartilaginous ear piercing, accounting for 87.2% of infections 3.
- Staphylococcus aureus is also a common cause of skin and soft tissue infections, including those related to ear piercings 4.
Prevention and Complications
- Proper precautions, such as choosing a qualified practitioner and following aftercare instructions, can help prevent many common complications associated with ear piercing 5, 6.
- Complications can vary depending on the body-piercing site, materials used, experience of the practitioner, hygiene regimens, and aftercare by the recipient 6.
- Healthcare professionals should be aware of the medical consequences of body piercing and provide accurate information to patients 2, 6.