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What Causes Soreness Of The Earlobes?
Question: Two days ago I forced an earring into my earring hole after not wearing earrings for a long time. After taking the earring out my earlobe is pink and sore. Could it be infected? Are there ways I can treat this at home?
Brief Answer:
Continue with neosporin. Oral antibiotics if it gets worse
Detailed Answer:
Hello. thank you.
I am Dr. kakkar(Dermatologist and Venereologist). I have noted your concern.
Yes, certainly the ear lobe has got infected - red and sore ear lobe indicates that.
Trauma from the earring might have provided an entry point for infection.
I suggest you to remove the earrings. Do warm compresses to reduce pain and swelling.
Clean the area daily with either spirit or peroxide.
Ideally I suggest an oral antibiotic in such cases e.g either Amoxicillin or Cephalexin or Cefadroxil for 5-7 days.
However Neosporin ointment is good OTC option to start with and might be enough. Continue using the ointment 3-4 times a day.
If Neosporin ointment alone proves insufficient i.e if the lobe doesn't improve and become more red and sore you may then require to contsct your general physician for a prescription of oral antibiotics.
You may also take an OTC painkiller e.g ibuprofen or diclofenac to reduce pain and swelling.
Regards
Continue with neosporin. Oral antibiotics if it gets worse
Detailed Answer:
Hello. thank you.
I am Dr. kakkar(Dermatologist and Venereologist). I have noted your concern.
Yes, certainly the ear lobe has got infected - red and sore ear lobe indicates that.
Trauma from the earring might have provided an entry point for infection.
I suggest you to remove the earrings. Do warm compresses to reduce pain and swelling.
Clean the area daily with either spirit or peroxide.
Ideally I suggest an oral antibiotic in such cases e.g either Amoxicillin or Cephalexin or Cefadroxil for 5-7 days.
However Neosporin ointment is good OTC option to start with and might be enough. Continue using the ointment 3-4 times a day.
If Neosporin ointment alone proves insufficient i.e if the lobe doesn't improve and become more red and sore you may then require to contsct your general physician for a prescription of oral antibiotics.
You may also take an OTC painkiller e.g ibuprofen or diclofenac to reduce pain and swelling.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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