Helix puercing skin#

A consultation with an infectious diseases specialist was requested. After three days, she was discharged home with a prescription for oral ciprofloxacin.ĭespite two weeks of oral ciprofloxacin treatment, the patient continued to experience pain, swelling and discharge from her ear. Antibiotics were changed to intravenous ciprofloxacin. A specimen obtained for culture yielded a pure growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that was sensitive to ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime and piperacillin–tazobactam. After several days without improvement, a second drainage procedure was done, and intravenous treatment with cefazolin and clindamycin was started. Empirical treatment with cephalexin was started for the management of an abscess with surrounding cellulitis. The stud was removed, the posterior upper helix was incised, and pus was drained. Over the following four days, she experienced progressive pain and swelling followed by spontaneous purulent discharge from the site, prompting her to seek medical attention. The patient tried to treat the ear with a solution of boiled water and salt. Within 24 hours after the piercing, the site became erythematous, painful and swollen. The ear was not exposed to fresh water or water in swimming pools. She took showers without covering her ear.

Helix puercing skin#

Following the procedure, the patient cleansed the site using soap in combination with a skin cleanser (Spectro Jel, GlaxoSmithKline, Oakville, Ontario) and using boiled water on most occasions. The piercer wore gloves after washing both hands.

A single metallic stud was removed from a plastic packet and was placed into the hole. The ear was cleansed with an individually wrapped 70% alcohol swab and pierced with an individually wrapped sterile straight needle. A previously healthy 15-year-old girl had the upper portion of her left ear pierced at a local boutique.