What causes swelling with discharge of pus from ear hole?
Patient: My earholes begin to swell up when I wear earrings, and they form pus when I touch them. Is this because I'm not wearing gold earrings or is it because I've developed an infection?This has happened twice.I usually wear gold earrings and have been for 16 years.I wear plastic ear sticks too. Doctor: Hi..Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..As per your question if you do not have swelling of ear holes and pus discharge while wearing gold and plastic earrings then the cause for swelling and pus discharge is due to allergic reaction with other metals which causes reaction when comes in contact with air and water and cause the symptoms that you are experiencing..As gold and plastic are inert materials they do not cause this reaction...I would suggest you to gently remove the earrings and clean the earholes with betadine [povidone iodine] solution and try to discharge pus as much as possible..After cleaning properly apply Triple Antibiotic Ointment over it..Repeat it atleast twice a day..If it improves in 3 to 4 days its fine otherwise consult a physician and he can advise you oral intake of antibiotics..Once the healing takes place it will be better to avoid wearing metallic earrings and wear only gold earrings and plastic if you wish to..Hope this information helps..Thanks and regards.Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora