How can I tell if an earring reaction is irritation or an infection?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Some tenderness is normal for a new piercing, but swelling, heat, pain, pus or feeling unwell are signs of infection. The NHS advises urgent medical advice if you think a piercing is infected. This is general information, not medical advice.

What the NHS says

Fact The NHS says that for the first few weeks a new piercing might be tender, itchy, slightly red or a little darker than usual, and produce a pale fluid that forms a crust.

Fact The NHS says a piercing might be infected if the area is swollen, painful, hot, or very red or dark, if blood or pus comes out, or if you feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell.

Fact The NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you think a piercing is infected, and to leave the jewellery in unless a doctor tells you to take it out. NHS 111 is a UK service.

Fact The NHS says an infected piercing may need antibiotics, and that to reduce risk you should clean it twice a day, use warm salty water to soften crusting and not pick at the crust.

If it is not a piercing

Our advice If the skin is old and healed and only itches under the earring, a contact reaction is possible. See our related articles on allergy and ask a doctor if it persists.

It depends Irritation and infection can look alike, and only a medical professional can tell them apart.

Practical habits while it heals

Our advice Wash your hands before touching the area, avoid sleeping on it where you can and keep hair products away. Do not twist or turn the jewelry when the piercing is dry, as the NHS advises. If you are unsure whether it is a new piercing or an old one, tell the doctor which it is.

Our advice Take a photograph each day so changes are easy to describe, and remove the earring only as a professional advises if the piercing is new. If you are unsure, ask a doctor or an experienced piercer rather than waiting.

Uncertain We cannot judge a reaction from a description. If in doubt, get medical advice early.

Related reading: How do I remove tarnish from earring posts and backs? · How to Stop Silver Earrings From Irritating Your Ears

Sources

• NHS, infected piercings
• NHS, contact dermatitis

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.