Wash your hands before touching the piercing
Clean the area with sterile saline solution 2 times a day
Use a clean gauze pad or cotton swab to gently remove crust
Apply a warm compress for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day
Do not remove the jewelry unless a doctor tells you to
Avoid twisting, turning, or touching the piercing unnecessarily
Keep hair, makeup, and skincare products away from the area
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and lakes until healed
Change pillowcases regularly and keep the area clean and dry
Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed and safe for you
See a doctor if redness, swelling, or pain gets worse
See a doctor if there is thick yellow or green pus
See a doctor if you have fever, chills, or spreading redness
See a doctor if the jewelry is stuck or the ear is very swollen