How to Stop Pierced Ears From Seeping

It is not uncommon for people with pierced ears to develop conditions or infections that will cause the ears to be irritated, inflamed or to seep a pus-like substance. There are several factors that can make pierced ears seep, and taking care of this requires following and maintaining a few basic hygienic procedures. If the puss is clear and your ears were just pierced, this seeping is simply a part of the healing process. If the pus is dark yellow or greenish, you probably have an infection. This will require additional steps. Always consult your piercer and/or doctor if there is a fear of serious infection, as antibiotics might be necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Sea salt, or another type of non-iodized salt
• Cotton balls

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Instructions

• 1

  Wear only stainless steel earrings and studs if you think you are having an allergic reaction. Stainless steel earrings (or surgical steel) are hypoallergenic and will prevent seeping due to skin irritation caused by other kinds of metal.

• 2

  Remove your earrings and soak them in alcohol or hydrogen peroxide twice a day. Always wash your hands before taking out and putting in earrings.

• 3

  Stir a large pinch of non-iodized salt (sea salt) into 1 cup of warm water until the salt is dissolved. Soak a cotton ball with the solution and hold it on your ear for 10 minutes. Wipe away gently any crusting. Clean your ears with the salt solution 2 to 3 times a day.

• 4

  Clean both sides of the piercing with alcohol if the ear is infected. Apply antibiotic ointment to the earring before putting it back in. Do this twice a day until you are sure the infection is completely cleared. It is important to note that alcohol is not recommended for cleaning new piercings.