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Ear piercing infection
My 4 month old kid have ear piercing done. A small pus filled blister has came on back side of piercing. I bought betadine ointment usp 10 % for him but can i use it or concentration of ointment should be 5%?
Answers (3)
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Do not remove the earring immediately unless there is significant swelling or pain — this may trap the infection
Avoid touching or rotating the earring frequently
Betadine Ointment 5% (Povidone-iodine 5%)
Avoid: 10% solution — this is typically the liquid antiseptic solution, not the ointment, and may be too strong for infant skin, especially on delicate areas like the ear.
Consider Oral Antibiotics if: Redness, warmth, and swelling are spreading, Baby has fever, irritability, or poor feeding, Lesion is large or not improving in 2 days with topical treatment
Next Steps
Clean the area twice daily with sterile saline or diluted antiseptic solution (like diluted Betadine or Savlon)
Apply topical antibiotic ointment (e.g. mupirocin or fusidic acid) twice a day for 5–7 days
Health Tips
Red flags:
Spreading redness or swelling
Pus not reducing after 48 hours of treatment
Baby develops fever or becomes irritable
Signs of abscess or fluctuant swelling
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It’s common for ear piercings in infants to develop mild infections, especially if a pus-filled blister appears. You may gently clean the area with mild soap and clean water, then use Betadine ointment—10% is safe for topical use, but apply only a thin layer and avoid excessive use, as too much may irritate sensitive baby skin. However, in infants this young, skin reactions are more likely, so I recommend using minimal ointment or even just saline washes unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
Next Steps
Monitor the blister for signs of spreading redness, increased swelling, fever, or the baby appearing unwell. If these symptoms develop, or if the blister worsens or does not improve in 2-3 days, please bring your child in for a check-up. If the blister is large or painful, or you’re unsure, it’s always better to have it seen sooner
Health Tips
Always wash your hands before touching your baby’s ear. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can delay healing. Do not remove the earring unless advised, as that can cause the hole to close and trap the infection. Use only products intended for infants, and never start oral antibiotics without a doctor’s advice.
If you have ongoing concerns or the baby’s symptoms worsen, please schedule a consultation so we can provide tailored care
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Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
10% ointment is enough
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.