My baby's ears were pierced and now there is discharge?

Question

Hello, I got my 6 month old baby ears pierced (needle) 5 weeks ago. I used a saline twice a day to disinfect her ears and did not have any issues. I was instructed to do it for 4 weeks. Two days after I stopped, I realised one of her ear was infected and some cream/yellow color discharge started coming out from inside the hole. I changed the earrings for loops so both holes would breathe better. Two days after I changed the earrings (4 days from the first discharge), more discharge came out. How can I clean the infection and is there anything else I should be doing (other than saline twice a day)?

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for your question! First things first: if there is currently a discharge from the ear lobe, please take out the ear rings or loops to give the skin a chance to heal. The ear rings or loops are very good at attracting bacteria and letting them hide there and cause trouble. For the moment, simply keep the area clean with soapy water 2 to 3 times a day. Do not put anything else on there. If the redness or discharge continues after 1 to 2 days, a medical evaluation will be necessary for a possible antibiotics course As for the ear rings or loops, they also have to be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water as well. I know you might be thinking if you take out the loops the hole will close. But if you keep them in, chances are the problem won't go away, and might worsen. Worst thing that can happen is the hole closes and the ears will have to be pierced again in a few months. This is a definitely better outcome than having an infection linger. I hope I've been helpful, please do not hesitate if you have other questions Tom Samaha, your friendly neighborhood pharmacist