Are my ear lobes infected?

Question

Five years ago, I had my ear lobes pierced for the first time. At the time, I thought I had an infection but my doctor told me it wasn't infected.

I'm now concern because my ears are always itching when wear earrings and it's now come to a point where I can see skin peeling off on my ear lobes around the pierced area.

Also when I wear hoop earrings, my left ear feels heavy and numb. I'm worried that it might be infected.

Any suggestions? I really want that itching to stop.

There isn't any blood, soreness, or green/yellow puss. It's just red with skin peeling off on my ear lobes.

Answer 1

Sounds like irritation caused by the jewelry you're using. You should switch your jewelry to something purchased at a traditional piercing studio instead of a mall shop or discount store.

You may also purchase from a local jeweler, however, you will need to request jewelry that is implant grade (not just surgical grade - surgical grade pertains to the metal used in the tools that they use for surgery, not the items used to put you back together that remain under the skin). Implant grade jewelry will be vacuum molded so that there are no imperfections in the metal. They will also be a high polish and completely nickel free. Nickel is what irritates most body piercings... it was never meant to be beneath the skin.

Silver is also a bad idea because it tarnishes and can actually discolor the skin surrounding the piercing. It was meant to be worn ON the skin and not IN the skin.

The ears (from what you've stated) absolutely do NOT sound infected - but if you're worried, you should go visit a professional body piercer and have them check it out.

Heavy or large earrings tend to feel different from studs because they are putting pressure on a single point, rather than all around.

Since the ears are peeling and itching, you should also use a light lotion on the area - preferably one with no added colors, scent, or alcohol. Alcohol is more drying and you don't want excessive chemicals on something that's already irritated. Try not to get the lotion directly IN the piercing, but rather around it to try and help moisturize the lobes and get them to stop peeling.

Answer 2

Your ears lobes are differently in infected but it also could be that you could also having an allergic to the earrings. It would be best if you kept your earrings out for about a month you should get some thing to clean you ear lobes that would help clear up the infection. If your ear is feeling heavy when you wear hoops it means that there is to much weight for your ear and if you keep wearing hoops you earrings may rip or starch your ears.

Answer 3

I had the exact same thing happen to me as a child multiple times. It happens for two reasons: 1: She may have sensitive or allergic skin. I do and can only wear real silver or gold. Not even hypo-allergenic earrings work for me. 2: She may also have an ear infection. If doesn't go away with neosporin you should see a Doctor.

Answer 4

It sounds like your lobes are dry and probably having an allergic reaction. Try a different type of metal for your jewelry. And maybe put a bit of nonscented lotion around (not on) the piercing where it is dry. But don't get it in the piercing.

If there is blood, soreness, redness, and/or green/yellow puss THEN it is probably infected. But not itchy and dry.

Answer 5

My ears do that too. You need to wear surgical steel, real silver/gold ... cleaning with surgical spirits helps as well

Answer 6

it sounds like an allergic reaction, what do you wear gold/silver? try switching to surgical steel

Answer 7

ur prob allergic to the metal of the earrings ur wearing