I have a problem with my ears, I think I have cysts in both earlobes. I have had my ears pierced since I was in the 4th grade, but for some reason, they’ve recently been a total b****. I think there are cysts in them, but I am not sure. Anyone ever have this problem? Most the time theyre normal looking, but if I mess with them (touch them a little - with clean hands always) they swell up and act b***** (swell, get red, bleed) until they calm down again. They may be infected as well…but it doesnt seem that severe…it seems like an infection would be bad all the time. Sea salt soaks help a lot, but the problem isnt going away.
Anyway, I have no idea what to do…if anyone has had this experience, I’d love to know how you dealt with it.
Is the dermatologist on Shida still there/any good? Anywhere else I should try? I’m thinking a good derm could figure out if it was a cyst and then just inject it with some antibiotic…unfortunately, I need an english speaker, still not there yet with my mandarin and wont be for a while!
Just for in case this is related to some dirt in there: There are cleaning strips for ear holes available, I saw them so far in those shops that sell Japanese stuff, like “Hands Tailung”. These are “strings” made from (I guess) thin paper rolled up to ~10cm long pieces. You dip them into an alcoholic solution for a second, then insert one side in the ear hole, and pull them through.
Just as an update if anyone finds themselves in this situation any time soon:
Went to Zhongshan today and talked to the ear doctor (first hospital visit in Taiwan…wohoo, got that done! boy they are fast and cheap). All and all, it was a fine experience, though he was a little rough…but very friendly, kept saying “No hurt, no hurt” and its like, yeah but youre tugging on the earlobe that hurts… it was fine though.
ANYWAY…Doctor said (in English thank goodness) that I am having an allergic reaction…prescribed me the triad of pills…antihistamines and antibiotics for the minor infection going on…and painkiller (I swear Asian doctors prescribe in threes and always throw some tylenol in there…this happened to me in Japan)
So if anyone starts to feel like their piercings are acting up, getting bumps and acting bitchy but not quite hot red or super painful (thats sure fire infection, go to the doctor asap), you might just be experiencing an allergy to the metal. I guess in new climates and whatnot if your allergies are getting set off, it can set off other allergies that you dont normally have…and I tell ya, I dont think I’m used to this tropical weather s***.
For allergy-prone piercees…titanium, glass, and organic jewelry is a good choice.
it was fine though.