Perichondritis is the infection of the auricular perichondrium (aka -cartilage.) It is a rare and unfortunate risk of cartilage piercing. It makes it all the more crucial that your piercing is performed in a safe, sterile setting by a licensed, insured, and knowledgeable professional. Never be afraid to quiz your piercer on their technique, reasoning, portfolio, or aftercare information.
This client came to see me a few years after she had her ear pierced with a gun on a market stall, blissfully unaware of the risks that were posed by having the piercing performed in an unhygienic environment with improper technique.
A combination of the poor method/hygiene practises, poor jewellery style, and poor jewellery quality meant that within a few days, she was at the doctors office with a swollen and painful ear, embedding jewelry, and a course of strong anti-biotics to fight the infection.
Perichondritis, once established, often causes significant destruction and collapse of the ear.
Total ear reconstruction is sometimes necessary, as would likely be the case for this client - this permanent deformity of the ear is also known as 'cauliflower ear'.This client allowed me to photograph and share an image of her ear as an educational resource. The best cure is prevention. Please be sure that you visit a professional, by doing so, you significantly lower the chances of initial trauma, and if correct aftercare is given, the likelihood of contracting an infection is hugely reduced.
If you are EVER concerned about an infected piercing, please make visiting a GP or an hospital setting your immediate priority, and make your piercer aware so that we can advise and assist where possible. An untreated infection poses not only long term aesthetic risks, but also risks to your health. Keep your piercer in the loop, but bare in mind we are not allowed to diagnose, nor treat infections, and cannot prescribe anti-biotics! Stay Sharp!
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