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Symptom Checker

Ear Piercing Problems

An ear-piercing problem is irritation, swelling, pain, drainage or infection around a piercing hole. The skin may become red or tender during healing.

Friction, pressure, metal sensitivity, poor aftercare and bacterial infection can cause problems. Cartilage piercings can develop deeper infections because cartilage has a limited blood supply.

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AAP Guide to Ear Piercing Problems

The AAP guide below explains cleaning, infection signs and when to call us.

AAP Symptom CheckerEar piercing

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Redness, swelling or pain keeps increasing.
  • Pus or bad-smelling drainage develops.
  • Your child has fever.
  • Jewelry becomes embedded in the skin.
  • The piercing goes through cartilage and looks infected.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Infection spreads rapidly and your child appears severely ill.
  • Your child has any life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on ears, nose, mouth and teeth

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms