[kideo]

Early last year my younger sister (20yrs) decided to pierce her ears again (now making it two holes on each ear) because she complained that the one she was already using ached her anytime she put on earrings. Unfortunately for her, an infection later occurred and she basically paid little attention to it (she seems to have a phobia for hospitals). Now each ear has a large bulge behind the newly pieced area and it has been like that for about a year now. Finally I was able to get her to a hospital last week but the doctor said that peoples skin varies and that if he decides to cut the bulge off that it could grow back even larger if her skin is sensitive. He only gave her a cream to ease the occasional itching and because she complained that at times she feels as if something is moving inside the bulge. I might be wrong, but I'm not fully satisfied with the doctors analysis. Please what exactly is her conditoned called and what are the most effective and complication free ways of treating her. I will really appreciate your advice. Thanks

[rosemcs]

That sounds like a metal allergy which results in a huge bump and itch/pain anywhere around the earring. She will have to wear 14K gold or white gold or up and sterling silver to begin with. If that doesn't help, go with a higher karat.

Also, she has to keep the earlobe clean with hydrogen peroxide. She can wipe the peroxide onto the part of the earring that goes into her ear.