Is my earring infected?

Question

well i just got my ear pierced about a week and a half ago

this cleaning pamphlet recommended that after a week you put this antibacterial ointment on the ring, then twist it around to get it into the actual hole then clean it with water, and twist it to get any remaining ointment out. after i started doing this, i realized i was getting more crusts then usual around it, it was getting difficult to get them off, and just today when i did it there was a residue that gathered on the outside of the hole, i cleaned it off and it was odorless and clear i wondered if it was just i used to much ointment, and the place i had it done at wont be open for a week, so tell me is it infected?

theres no swelling, its a bit red just a little though, and has a burning sensation once or twice a day that lasts for a couple minutes

Answer 1

That's normal with a new piercing. just continue cleaning it as the pamphlet says, and see a doc if it does start to swell or do something else weird.

Answer 2

um maybe a lil

you should soak your ear in some salt water which will make it easier to clean off the crust and all

maybe you were cleaning it too much or messing with it too much

Answer 3

i would say it does not sound infected, but stop by the place that pierced it to be sure!

Answer 4

I can guarantee,without question,that your earring is not infected.

Answer 5

I believe your ear is fine. Piercings due tend to get crusts around them sometimes. it is all a part of the healing process.  

Answer 6

If it's swollen and hurts, put some antibiotic ointment on it. Otherwise, you're okay. Graft versus host reactions can vary from very mild to complete rejection. Keep an eye on it, and make sure you aren't allergic to the type of metal in your earring.  

Answer 7

I wouldnt worry. If there was some kind of liquid coming out of the peircing and if it was odourless, its just the peircing trying to heal itself up. You will know if if is infected. There will probably be swelling, the area will turn red and any liquid coming out will be white and smelly. The fact that you are getting some residue is a good sign. Now im not sure if i would be using antibacterial ointment on the ring, i would just use the good old water and salt method. Boil a kettle of water, let it cool, then put some rock salt in a cup and fill with water. Wash the peircing with this water and you should find the peircing healing much faster. Ive had many peircings and i only ever get this recommended to me and ive even used different peircers over the years.

If there is a fair bit of crust around the peircing, dont pick at it, instead soften it with water to try and remove it. Goodluck with it all =]