Eshealthtips.com – You have probably wondered what the causes are of an earlobe infection. This condition is a type of skin infection that develops deep below the surface of the skin. An infection in the earlobe may be life-threatening or may develop into an abscess. In either case, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Often, a sebaceous cyst is a cause. These are fluid-filled pockets that are painful when touched.
Tips for Treating Ear Infections
If your earlobe is infected, you may notice yellowish pus that crusts over the piercing opening. To treat an ear infection, first wash your hands thoroughly, especially the earlobe, and then use a warm, saltwater solution to clean it. Make sure to clean the front and back of your earlobe with sterile saline solution or salt water. Do not use rubbing alcohol, as this may worsen the infection.
Another cause of an earlobe infection is an abscess, which is a collection of pus. The abscess is a painful, debilitating condition that is usually caused by bacterial infections. It may also be accompanied by a fever and increased irritability. As you may expect, the earlobe infection can interfere with hearing. The best way to treat an ear infection is to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Home remedies for a swollen earlobe can be helpful if you suspect a bacterial or fungal infection. While simple home remedies may relieve the pain and redness, if the earlobe is oozing pus, it could be indicative of a bacterial infection, abscess, or cyst. If you suspect a bacterial infection, you should seek medical attention. A doctor’s visit will allow you to determine the exact diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Bacterial or Fungal Ear Infections
Symptoms of a bacterial or fungal ear infection include redness and swelling of the ear canal, and itching. In addition to the pain, the infection is also caused by a viral illness, such as certain types of shingles. Some people who spend a lot of time swimming may be at risk for this condition. It’s recommended that you seek medical attention if you suspect your child has a perichondritis or other ear infection.
Common signs of an earlobe infection include pain, redness, and yellow discharge. You may also experience some swelling and redness around the pierced area. An infection is most often caused by improper cleaning and use of non-sterile devices or swabs, frequent contact with dirty hands, or a combination of these factors. Luckily, an infection in the earlobe can be treated with antibiotic cream or an earlobe graft after healing has occurred.
Symptoms of an earlobe infection vary in severity, but the infection generally clears up within six to eight weeks. Taking good care of your earring post will prevent an earlobe infection from recurring. You may also notice a dark red or white discharge from the infection. Moreover, you may have a general feeling of unwellness. If the infection is recurring, you should seek medical attention right away to ensure the earring’s safety.
Main Causes of Swollen Ears
A new ear piercing is one of the leading causes of a swollen earlobe. An open wound causes the body to react by swelling. The pain usually lasts up to a week after the procedure. People with gauges in their ears may experience a similar phenomenon. An infected ear piercing can also cause swelling of the earlobe. A physician can perform a proper diagnosis and treat the infection.
During this treatment, the piercing should be cleaned thoroughly. A saltwater rinse is recommended three times a day. If the piercing is removed, do not apply antibiotic ointments to the area. They may impede healing and could even close the piercing hole, trapping the infection inside. Always dry the piercing with a paper towel. Avoid the use of cloth or towels because these may leave fibers behind.
Reference:
Watkins, Jean. “Ear infections, in images.” Independent Nurse 2014.14 (2014): 33-34.