My piercing has closed at the front but not at the back due to staph infection. Should I re pierce my ear?

Question

My ear is now no longer infected after a course of antibiotics three times a day and antibacterial cream application three times a day to get rid of the staff infection on the back of my ear (over my third lobe piercing). Should I consider repiercing my ear again if it has closed only at the front but not at the front?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I would definitely wait until there is complete healing and no evidence of infection for several months to minimize the potential risk for repeat infection. Also have  a surgeon do the piercing for sterility purposes. #earlobeproblems#earlobesurgery

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Wait until everything is healed.  3 months is good estimate.  I would stop using any ointment and keep the area dry now and let the body breath as you may be keeping it too moist.  Best Wishes!!

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing.  Ear piercing can be repeated after the infection and inflammation has gone away.  Wait a couple months for the earlobe to be ready to be pierced again.  You may want to have a doctor do this procedure versus a store for a more sterile procedure.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

In my practice I would  wait at least 6-12 weeks after there is no infection and the tissues have softened

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Your ear could be re-pierced after the treatment of your infection and it would need to be placed through both sides of your ear even if it is closed at the front but open at the back.

My piercing has closed at the front but not at the back due to staph infection. Should I re pierce my ear?

Answers (9)

Answer: Repiercing and infection

Answer: Repiercing and infection

Answer: Piercing closed at front but not back after infection

Answer: Piercing closed at front but not back after infection

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My piercing has closed at the front but not at the back due to staph infection. Should I re pierce my ear?

Answers (9)

Answer: Repiercing and infection

Answer: Repiercing and infection

Answer: Piercing closed at front but not back after infection

Answer: Piercing closed at front but not back after infection

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.