Illustration by Sydney Saporito for Verywell Health
Causes
Most new piercings take several weeks to heal.
A cartilage piercing takes longer to heal because there is less blood flow in the area.
Other bacterial causes includeStreptococcus pyogenesand coryneform bacteria.
Illustration by Sydney Saporito for Verywell Health
With perichondritis, symptoms may progress faster than an earlobe infection.
There may also be more serious signs, like fever and chills.
Doing so only increases the odds of introducing new bacteria into the wound.
It may also allow the hole to close up tightly, making it harder to replace the jewelry.
Mildly infected ear piercings can be treated at home with a saline wash and an over-the-counter antibiotic cream.
Serious infections may require oral antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.
American Academy of Dermatology.Nickel allergy: how to avoid exposure and reduce symptoms.
