What Should I Do If My Earlobes Are Swollen After Getting a Piercing?

If the newly pierced earlobes become swollen, you can use a cotton swab dipped in medical alcohol to apply it to the skin around the piercing. Be sure not to put the used cotton swab back into the alcohol to prevent bacteria from entering the alcohol. Repeat this three times a day. Alternatively, you can apply anti-inflammatory ointment to the area around the ears using a cotton swab, making sure to cover both the front and back of the ears. Apply it in the morning and evening.

1. Sleep on your back: Sleeping on your side with your ear pressed against the pillow may cause inflammation and pain in the piercing. If sleeping on your back is difficult for you, make sure your pillow is clean every night. Bacteria on the pillow can easily transfer to the piercing, causing infection. You can also avoid infection by wrapping a clean T-shirt around your pillow and changing it every night.

2. Avoid touching your ears frequently: Unnecessary contact can cause infection. Avoid touching your piercings unless you are cleaning them. If you need to touch them, wash your hands with antibacterial soap first.

3. Do not remove the initial earrings until the piercing has healed: When you get your ears pierced for the first time, the piercer will insert initial earrings. These earrings are made from hypoallergenic materials and designed as special round bars to safely and securely stay in your ears.