Swollen Lobe after ear piercing

[carol_uk]

Anyone have any advice for a swollen ear lobe? I got my ears pierced on boxing day so that was weeekkkss ago, I am over the 6wks period so am able to remove the studs but havent done so yet since my ears were always touch and go throughout the 6wks anyway. Ive had my ears peirced serveral times but its never sucessful as I always end up with infections so this has been the longest without one - till now!!!

2 days ago I woke up with my ear being tender and had some blood around and a smell so figured it was start of infection, so I got my husband to remove the safety clip and replace it with a normal one as the safety one is sooo big so thought it might help for cleaning etc. However ever since my ear is just really swollen and theres practically no space bewteen the clip and lobe.

Theres no smell anymore, and no bleeding or puss (sorry about the ugly detail) but its very tender and swollen. I dont want to take out the stud as I know its going to be painful to replace and most likely my ear will automatically close. I know I could maybe get an antibiotic but was wondering if anyone had any advice other than this as id rather avoid that if poss. I am otherwise feeling well, so no sign of feeling unwell from infection or anything.

Carol x

 

[deanosnana]

Could you have a metal allergy? This happens to me if I wear earrings made with Nickel. Use plenty of alcohol (rubbing, not the drinking kind...LOL) and maybe switch to sterling silver or gold earrings. Good luck!

 

[carol_uk]

Thank you for reply, I dont know if I maybe do have a metal allergy, but if I did surley my ears would have reacted like this sooner? I got my ears pirece in Claires, I thought they used gold earings but since its only 9K they prob contain some nickel in them anyway. Its also only 1 ear and not both.

I'll see how it is tomorrow and maybe head to my GP for antibiotics.

Carol x

 

[deanosnana]

Good luck!

 

[kylieb]

I got my ears pierced in Claire's too and the same happened. I have to have gold or I suffer with a reaction.They told me they were gold and i paid 30 odd quid only to find out they were gold plated , so check that one out hun.

I am qualified in piercing ears and would advise you to go straight to your GP as you will probley need a course of tablets. DO NOT take out your earings unless your GP advises you to. Whilst the hole is open, the infection can escape. If you let it close it will remain trapped in there.

Make sure your hair is well away from the ear and apply salt water about 3 times per day. Be extra carful when washing your hair so that no product gets in and agrivates it.
Hope it starts to feel better soon hun xxx