A few days after getting my tragus pierced, I started noticing redness, swelling, and pain that only got worse.
It seemed like no matter how careful I was, the irritation wouldn’t go away. After some research, trial, and error, I finally found a routine that worked, and the infection cleared up.
Now that I’m on the other side of it, I want to share the steps that helped me heal and avoid further complications, so others can get through it faster and with less stress.
Here is what worked for me and how you can manage a tragus piercing infection effectively.
These Are the Best Solutions
- Clean with saline
- Apply warm compress
- Use antibiotic ointment
- Take ibuprofen for pain
- Keep the area dry
- Avoid swimming
- Use hypoallergenic jewelry
1. Clean with Saline
Many professionals recommend saline because it helps keep the area clean, reduces swelling, and prevents bacteria from causing irritation.
Here is the advice from the Association of Professional Piercers: “Spray with sterile saline wound wash while healing. Moving or rotating jewelry is not necessary during cleaning and may actually irritate the piercing.”
2. Apply Warm Compress
A warm compress is a highly recommended method to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and promote faster healing for infected tragus piercings. Heat from the compress helps increase blood flow to the area, opening up capillaries and encouraging drainage, which can prevent further buildup of fluids and reduce inflammation.
According to Healthline, “You can also apply a warm compress to help encourage faster wound healing. Although a warm towel can do the trick, chamomile tea bags are an excellent alternative as they provide additional soothing properties”.
How to Apply a Warm Compress?
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Use a clean, soft cloth | Soak the cloth in warm water (ensure it’s not too hot). |
| Apply to the piercing | Place the warm cloth over the piercing for 5-10 minutes. |
| Repeat 2-3 times a day | Helps reduce swelling and promotes healing. |
| Optional: Chamomile tea bags | Use them as a natural anti-inflammatory compress. |
Benefits of Warm Compress
- Opens up capillaries for better blood flow.
- Encourages drainage of fluids and reduces swelling.
- Provides soothing relief for pain and irritation.
- Helps promote faster healing by keeping the area warm and moist.
3. Use Antibiotic Ointment
The NHS advises that “antibiotic ointments may be needed if your piercing is infected. These can include either a cream or ointment depending on the severity of the infection”.
When my tragus piercing got infected, I tried using an antibiotic ointment, and it made all the difference. I started with Bacitracin, and it really helped stop the infection from getting worse. The swelling went down, and the pain eased up after a couple of days.
How to Apply Antibiotic Ointment
- Clean the area with saline or warm water.
- Gently pat the area dry using a clean cloth or tissue.
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the infected area, making sure not to over-apply.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day until symptoms improve.
If you’re experiencing ear pain due to an infection or other issues, learn more about how to treat ear pain here.
Common Ointments You Can Use
| Ointment | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Bacitracin | Works great for minor infections and keeps bacteria away. |
| Neosporin | Another solid option, especially for minor cuts or infections. |
| Mupirocin (Bactroban) | This is stronger and helpful for more serious infections. |
4. Take Ibuprofen for Pain
Redness and itching are not the only things you may face after getting piercing. If you don’t pay attention, you could repeat my mistake, and not do anything for first few days thinking it will just go away. However, it got worse the second day. The pain was constant, and the swelling was getting annoying.
I took ibuprofen to calm everything down, and it really helped. It cut the swelling and made the pain easier to deal with.
If you’re in the same situation, grab some ibuprofen from any store. It’s easy to find, and it works fast to reduce swelling and pain.
And this is not something I figured out on my own. It is crucial to talk to your doctor before taking any medicine.
Kaiser Permanente suggests asking your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce swelling caused by the infection. They recommend using it in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure proper use during the healing process.
5. Keep the Area Dry
I didn’t realize at first how much moisture could mess with the healing process. Water kept getting trapped around the piercing, and it only made things worse. Once I started focusing on keeping it dry, the infection began to clear up faster.
If you’re going through this, make sure the area stays dry. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, and it can slow down the healing. You’ll notice a big difference when you keep water away.
MyHealth Alberta highlights that patting the area dry with a clean gauze or tissue after cleaning is a key part of piercing aftercare.
6. Avoid Swimming
Water from pools, lakes, or even long showers can introduce bacteria and contaminants that may worsen an already sensitive piercing.
SwimRight Academy adds that “due to the increased risk of infection with surface piercings, it’s best to avoid swimming for at least 3-4 months.” Surface piercings like those on the tragus are particularly prone to infection from bacteria present in pools and natural bodies of water.
How Long to Avoid Swimming?
- Avoid all swimming in pools, lakes, and oceans for at least 2-3 weeks.
- After the initial period, consult your piercer for advice on when it’s safe to swim.
- During the healing process, long showers or soaking in bathtubs should also be avoided.
7. Use Hypoallergenic Jewelry
I knew that even before getting a piercing, but for anyone with nickel jewelry, make sure to avoid using it for piercings to prevent irritation and prolonged healing.
Body Pierce Jewelry explains that “hypoallergenic earrings are crucial to ensure that your body does not react negatively to the material.” If your body reacts poorly to a certain material, continuing to wear it could worsen the infection or inflammation.
Best Hypoallergenic Materials
- Surgical stainless steel: Safe and affordable.
- Titanium: Lightweight and completely hypoallergenic.
- 14k gold: Less likely to irritate, but ensure it’s solid gold.
- Niobium: Another hypoallergenic metal that works well for sensitive skin.
FAQs
How long does a tragus piercing take to heal?
A tragus piercing generally takes between 3 to 6 months to heal completely. However, the healing time can vary based on how well aftercare is followed and whether any complications, such as infections, arise.
Can I sleep on my tragus piercing?
It is not recommended to sleep on your tragus piercing, especially during the healing period. Sleeping on the piercing can cause irritation, pressure, and increase the risk of infection or delayed healing.
Can I change my tragus jewelry while it’s healing?
You should not change your jewelry during the healing process. Changing the jewelry too early can disrupt the healing and introduce bacteria, leading to infections.
Why does my tragus piercing itch?
Itching can be a normal part of the healing process, but if it persists, it could indicate irritation or an allergic reaction to the jewelry. Ensure that your jewelry is hypoallergenic and keep the area clean to avoid further irritation.
Can I use alcohol to clean my tragus piercing?
No, avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they can dry out the skin and delay healing. Stick to saline solution, which is gentler on the skin and promotes healing without causing irritation.
Last Words
Infections and complications with tragus piercings can be frustrating, but with the right care and attention, healing is possible without significant issues.
Following proper aftercare routines, including cleaning with saline, applying warm compresses, and using hypoallergenic jewelry, will greatly reduce the chances of infection.