How to identify an ear piercing infection?

Can you get an inner ear infection from a tragus piercing?

• I got my tragus pierced 3 days ago. The piercing itself has not been hurting. But its really painful inside my ear. Also I feel pain below my ear and kinda down my jaw. Could this pain be because of an infection inside of my ear or is it just normal for this kind of pain to occur for a tragus piercing.

• Answer:

  Yes it is possible and sounds like you have got one, the reason its likely with a tragus piercing is that if the piercing drained down the ear canal and settled or reached further into a lymph node also if it drains into it Wish is likely to happen within the first few weeks any dried crusts and sebum can irritate the delicate lining of your ear, Ive had this occur twice and have seen it in many piercees, my advice would be to watch it, do a warm water soak, and make sure whenever it gets wet to thoroughly dry it, change your pillowcase every 2 weeks drink plenty of water. if you develop a fever temporary loss of hearing go to a doctor immeadiatly, but also keep in mind that many doctors arent educated in piercings and will ask you to simply take it out. this is a bad idea and you can simply explain that if there is any infection in it taking the jewelry out will close it up therfore sealing the infection inside your body and not allowing it to drain, they should not and almost never need to do anything more dramatic than to prescribe antibiotics.. if you have any questions or comments feel free to ask.