What happened to my ears?!

Question

I recently pierced my earlobes. A few days later a white ring appeared around the jewlery and a day later the white ring surrounding the site looked to be dead skin and detached from my other ear skin. I started picking at it and the dead skin came out in a chunk and left a hole in my ears. What happened?!

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A CIRCULATION ISSUE AND THAT THE EARRINGS WERE TOO TIGHT. AND I AM SURE THAT THERE IS NOTHING SEVERE THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BUT IF YOU FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE YOU SHOULD CONSULT A DOCTOR.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear picklesntea, It sounds that you possibly had the earrings in to tight after the piercing cutting off the circulation and causing the tissue to die. You may have also had a reaction to the type of metal used in your earring after piercing. I would suggest seeing the specialist who pierced your ears and determine the proper plan to surgically repair the hole. This should be a fairly simply procedure where the skin is excised and sewn back together and after proper healing you can then discuss re-piercing the ear. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Based on your description, it sounds as though your earrings were secured too tightly after your recent piercing. If the backing and posts are too tight, they could potentially reduce the circulation in the skin around the earring causing the skin to die. A photo would be helpful. Thank you for sharing your question and concerns. Best wishes.

What happened to my ears?!

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What happened to my ears?!

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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