piercing closing

Hi,

I got my earlobes pierced in December. Both piercings developed a red, raised bump right above/on the piercing site. I went to a doctor to see if it would be ok to have the piercing removed. (I had read that a doctor should look at it first, because the piercing should not be removed if infected.)

The doctor said he could remove it himself. Once he did, he said it was infected! He prescribed antibiotics for me. I feel like he didnt' know what he was doing by removing it in the first place. Is there a chance I could develop an abcess (abscess)? What should I do if the red bumps persist?

Thank you!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Ear lobe near the piercing is a frequent site for epidermoid cyst or a keloid. While removal, both can get infected. Treatment options for keloids include intralesional injections of steroids, surgery, laser treatment, silicone sheets, cryotherapy, radiation treatment and injections of fluorouracil.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.