Ear piercing infection

[ShantiDass]

I had my ear pierced on the top of my ear - it's called a helix - and it has been infected since the beginning. Now that's my fault as I was told to soak it in warm salt water 3 times a day. I find that a pain in the you know what because of where the piercing is and never followed through. It gets my hair all wet, etc.

I am going to actually try to do the salt water soak but was wondering if anyone has any other ideas on what I should do. My doc wants me to use hydrogen peroxide and an antibotic ointment. Another doc said not to put the ointment on as it needs to be able to breath and wants me to take antibiotics. I don't want to use antibiotics if possible. I've been dealing with this since I had it done in Nov. I was thinking about using some tea tree oil on it between the soaks but am really not all that familiar with what might work. I did put some coconut oil on it last night just because I love that stuff!

Any thoughts or ideas are greatly appreciated.

[OneBite@aTime]

You could always take it out...and let it heal, unless of course you're attached to having it.

[ShantiDass]

That's the confusing part. I am/was attached to it. I had it done on my birthday and while I was having it done, my best friend died unexpectantly. For some reason, I've felt like I need to keep it as it reminds me of her.

It's been so infected that I decided to take it out but didn't really want to do that. It's a gold ring with a ball on it that twists to open it. Well, I can't get the darn thing open! It won't twist for anything. So, it's staying for now. I may decide to go back to the piercing place and have them try but I was hoping there was some kind of natural treatment so I can keep it.

[rawbutterfly]

I had the same problem. I started the salt water soak and tea tree oil and it healed very quickly. When I got my nose pierced, the darn thing wouldn't heal (because I am very active and kept ripping it out!) until I started using tea tree oil. Actually what I used was an ear oil that was a mix of tea tree oil, garlic, and a mix of herbs. It was what I had, so I decided to try it before buying a new bottle of tea tree oil.

[Sugar Snap Pea]

If you're opposed to antibiotics, good old soap and water morning and night, warm soaks (washcloth 4x daily) and Tea Tree Oil in between those times. I've seen good results w that.

[shashibala]

Hydrogen peroxide i usually effective. I must admit though, that I had that piercing and it wouldn't heal. It was so painful that after about a month I gave up and let it heal over. I really like how it looks, but my body said no thank you.
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. If you do decide to let your ear heal closed, you can visualize the healing process as a healing for your heart as well. I'm sure your friend would want you to be healed and not hurting. I wish you all the best.

[Pookietooth]

So sorry to hear about your friend. You might try using colloidal silver on the wound as well to help with healing. Also, a paste of pascalite clay can help draw out the infection. Are you sensitive to nickel or any other metal? I can't wear metal on my body anymore because I'm sensitive to it all. Hope youfeel better.