piercing
Piercings are great, but they can get infected. Here's how to tell if your piercing is infected, and what to do about it.
Signs of an Infected Ear Piercing
If you have any of the following symptoms during or after getting your ears pierced, seek medical attention immediately:
Extreme redness or swelling of the earlobe or within the ear canal**
Warmth in the area of the piercing**
Pus or drainage from the piercing**
Pain or tenderness in the area of the piercing**
A fever greater than 100° Fahrenheit (37.8° Celsius)**
Be sure to remove any earrings in the infected ear before seeing a doctor. If you suspect infection, don't try to treat it with over-the-counter ointments. They may cause allergic reactions and slow down healing.