You probably don’t associate your ears with odor. Unlike your armpits, they’re not typically the first thing you think to scrub in the shower, and it’s not like there’s ear deodorant for sale (not yet anyway). But the truth is, your ears aren’t as stink-free as you might think.
Some of us have smelly ear wax, for one, and it’s possible to get a bad smell behind your ears. Add piercings into the mix, and, yep, that rotten cheese smell is coming from your ears. Eww.
Whether you just went under the needle or you’ve got a years-old ear hole that’s suddenly pungent, there are a few different reasons why your ear piercing smells so bad. Here, board-certified dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, a cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and founder of Sobel Skin, explains why this happens and what to do about it.
What Causes a Smelly Ear Piercing
A smelly ear piercing might be caused by an infection, allergic reaction or irritation. More specifically, Dr. Sobel says the following can cause these issues:
1. Getting Pierced in Unsanitary Conditions
Choosing a safe, clean place to get pierced is key to preventing infection or irritation that can lead to foul smells. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends looking for an experienced piercer in a licensed studio, such as a professional piercing studio that specializes in body piercings, a dermatologist’s office or a jewelry store.
Search for a location certified by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), which has a database to find a piercer.
2. Touching the Area With Unclean Hands
“Twisting or turning a new earring can cause infection from the germs and bacteria from your hands,” Dr. Sobel says.
You should always wash your hands before touching newly pierced ears, according to the AAD. You should also gently wash new piercings at least once a day with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and water, then thoroughly rinse away any soap.
Avoid cleaning products such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or harsh soaps, and instead use a sterile saline wound wash, per the APP. One option is Arm & Hammer’s Simply Saline Wound Wash ($31.38 for a pack of 4, Amazon).
“If an older piercing emits an odor, it could be because you are using a metal that you are allergic to,” Dr. Sobel says.
Earrings that contain nickel are a common culprit, per the APP. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction to an earring include redness, itchiness and tenderness. An allergic reaction can also make a piercing more vulnerable to infection.
4. Earrings That Are Too Tight or Left in Too Long
Pressure from an earring that’s too tight against your ear can reduce blood flow, potentially leading to infection and an accompanying foul smell, according to West Side Pediatrics.
On the other hand, an earring that’s been left in too long (sans cleaning every now and then) could start to stink. Dead skin and sebum can build up in the area, providing bacteria with a prime place to multiply.
What to Do if Your Ear Piercing Starts to Smell
If your piercing starts to stink, Dr. Sobel recommends washing the area gently three times a day and dabbing an antibiotic ointment around the hole. One option is Polysporin Antibiotic Ointment ($11.96, Amazon). Make sure to only touch the area with clean hands.
If it’s an older piercing, consider switching out the earring you’re using if it contains a potential allergen like nickel and opting instead for a hypoallergenic metal like titanium. Also, make sure the back of the earring isn’t locked too tightly to your ear.
It’s time to seek medical attention if the smell from your ear piercing comes with swelling and redness that does not improve within three days or more, Dr. Sobel says.
See a doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms, according to the APP:
- Severe redness, pain or swelling
- A lot of smelly discharge that is thick, green, yellow or gray
- Red streaks coming from the piercing site
- Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or disorientation
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