People of all ages have ear piercings for aesthetic reasons. However, many of these procedures are not performed by a professional in a medical setting. If the piercer isn’t a trained professional, the risk of infection or damage to the ear lobe increases. Ear piercings can be performed in a doctor’s office, providing a safe and sterile environment and proper at-home aftercare instructions. It’s especially important to look into medical ear piercing if a toddler or infant is the one getting the ear piercings.
Advantages of medical ear piercing
- Performed by a doctor who understands the structure of the ear
- Reduces the risk of infection or damage to the ear lobe
- Reduces the risk of inaccurate piercing placement
- Medical grade piercing equipment and earrings
- Patients have access to a doctor with questions or concerns about piercings
Signs of infection
No matter where you go to get ear piercings, there’s always a risk of infection as the piercing is healing. Infants and younger children have a tendency to touch or tug on their new earrings, which means dirt and germs can get into the piercing site. It’s important to remember that an ear piercing is essentially an open wound, so following the aftercare instructions is crucial.
Signs of infection:
- Redness around the piercing
- Swelling of the ear lobe
- Pus at the piercing site
- Itchiness
- Pain
Most mild infections can be successfully treated at home. However, if the infection does not improve in a few days or the redness and inflammation get worse, visit your doctor.
Sponsor:
Steve Harmon, DO
South Bangerter Health Center
SouthBangerterHealthCenter.com