My daughter seems to have an infection in her piercing, what should I do?

Question

Hello my daughter seems to have an infection at the site of her ear piercing. She had her ears pierced. At the end of August when it had not been 3 months since her ears were pierced, she lost an earring. It took about 48 hours to return to the jewelry store and the lady managed to put an earring back in without having to pierce her ear again. When she looked at her ear to see if the hole was not closed. She felt a small ball of flesh. However, for the last 2 days I have noticed that she seems more sensitive, she reacts quickly when something touches her ear. This afternoon I took the time to observe her ear when she came back from school and complained about her ear. This one is red and swollen, and there is a pu flow. When I cleaned it, there was even a small trace of blood. I cleaned her ear well (without removing the earring) and I put a nice layer of polysporin as we had to do the first weeks after the piercing. Tonight after his shower I cleaned his ear again and applied polysporin again. I wonder how to take care of his ear given the signs of infection. When to consult? To remove or not the loop? Thank you for your answer When the earring was put back on, she had no reaction, nor any pain until this week I remember the remark that was made by the lady at the jewelry store, who advised us to put polysporin back in for a week, which was done. She advised us to remove the earring from time to time to massage the earlobe when it would be a while since the earring had been put back in. So if I understand correctly, her ear already had a reaction at that time. And now and today this one is made bigger and worrying? Tomorrow when he wakes up, I will remove his earring and do the steps that you have advised, and we will consult within 3 days if despite that, his ear does not improve another small question. If she was pierced at the beginning in May. And had no reaction until she lost her earring in August (knowing that she had a small ball palpated to the touch). Is it normal to have a reaction so late? That is to say 5 months after the initial piercing? thank you very much

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Good morning, ma'am, If this problem persists for all this time, the piercing will have to be removed to give the skin a chance to heal. Basic hygiene with water and mild soap once or twice a day should be sufficient. The piercing should also be cleaned and sterilized. I do not recommend applying Polysporin for this purpose. I understand that the removal of the piercing may cause concern that the hole will close, but if it does, a new piercing can be done. A wound that has persisted for several months should be the priority. If you do not notice any improvement after 3 days, you should consult a doctor. I remain available if you have any other questions Tom Samaha, pharmacist The hole may take a long time to completely heal and close. It only takes a tiny opening to give bacteria access, for example if there is friction on the cushion or something. It is impossible to determine exactly when this happened, unfortunately.