From the Guidelines
A red helix piercing typically indicates infection or irritation, and to address this, cleaning the area twice daily with saline solution and avoiding touching the piercing with unwashed hands is crucial. According to the study on adolescent and young adult tattooing, piercing, and scarification 1, up to 35% of people with ear piercings had one or more complication, including minor infection, allergic reaction, and keloid formation. The redness occurs because the body is responding to the trauma of piercing with inflammation, bringing increased blood flow to the area. Some key points to consider when dealing with a red helix piercing include:
- Cleaning the area twice daily with saline solution (1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt in 8 oz warm water) to prevent infection
- Avoiding touching the piercing with unwashed hands to prevent the introduction of bacteria
- Applying a warm compress for 5-10 minutes to reduce swelling
- Taking ibuprofen (400mg every 6 hours) for pain and inflammation, as needed
- Monitoring for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever, and seeking medical attention if these symptoms persist or worsen. As noted in the study 1, auricular perichondritis and perichondrial abscess can occur in the first month after piercing, and fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment (eg, ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin) may be necessary to treat these complications. If an abscess is present, surgical incision and drainage may be necessary to prevent further complications.
From the Research
Helix Piercing Infection
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support the treatment of helix piercing infections with specific antibiotics or antiseptics.
- However, the studies suggest that topical antimicrobials such as mupirocin cream 2 or topical corticosteroids 3 may be effective in treating skin infections.
- It is also important to note that the use of topical antimicrobials and antiseptics should be done with caution due to the risk of increasing bacterial resistance 4.
- In general, the treatment of skin infections, including those caused by piercings, may involve the use of antibiotics such as cephalexin 5, 6, but the specific treatment should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual case.
Possible Treatment Options
- Topical antimicrobials such as mupirocin cream 2
- Topical corticosteroids 3
- Oral antibiotics such as cephalexin 5, 6
- Antiseptics such as chlorhexidine or alcohol 4
Important Considerations
- The risk of increasing bacterial resistance with the use of topical antimicrobials and antiseptics 4
- The importance of proper wound care and hygiene in preventing infection
- The need for individualized treatment based on the specific cause and severity of the infection