Heal pierced ears: three years ago I pierced my ears and they still get infected. Tea tree oil temporarily heals the infection, but is there a permanent natural solution? - Ask the experts: answers to your questions from the leaders in natural medicine - Brief Article

LAUREL VUKOVIC REPLIES: You should not be battling an infection for this long. An ear lobe piercing should heal within two months, and a cartilage piercing, such as through your upper ear, usually takes less than one year to heal. Your continuing problem leads me to believe you may be allergic to nickel, which may be added to gold and silver jewelry. Nickel allergies cause symptoms like itching, crusting, and blisters. If you think you are allergic, buy nickel-free earrings (Simply Whispers is one line of jewelry that offers this option; call 800-451-5700 or visit www.simplywhispers.com).

In the meantime, follow this routine twice daily to heal your infection: Wash the pierced area with a mild natural antiseptic soap (available at natural food stores) and warm water. Rinse it thoroughly. Follow with a warm sea salt compress to remove crusting and clean out any infection. Dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt in 1/2 cup of very warm water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply to the piercing for 5 minutes, and then pat dry with a clean towel. Finally, apply a mix of I teaspoon of calendula gel (Calendula officinalis) and 5 drops of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) to the pierced area with a clean cotton swab. Both antibacterial herbs soothe your skin and promote healing.

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