Earlobe piercing infection?

[ainulindale7]

My ears were pierced maybe 25 years ago, and I haven't worn earrings for at least 10 years.
Occasionally, the old piercing holes contain a small amount of pus, but they are never inflamed or sensitive (though they used to be so back when I wore earrings.)
My feeling is that somewhere inside the earlobes are tiny fragments of metal from the years of wearing cheap earrings.  Any thoughts?  If this is so, is it difficult so have such fragments cleared out?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,

Thanks for your kind words. Kind regards and best wishes.

[ainulindale7]

Thank you for your very helpful and informative response!!!  I will visit a dermatologist and let you know how it goes.  
Thanks again!
Laura

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Any external piece of metal if staying for such a long time can cause an allergic reaction. So the possibility of cysts have to be ruled out from your symptoms. They may occur anywhere on body but scalp, ears, back, face, and upper arm, are common sites for sebaceous cysts. Blocked sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles and excessive testosterone production will cause such cysts.

Generally no treatment is required but they become painful then it means they are infected,Then surgical excision by traditional wide excision, minimal excision, and punch biopsy excision may be required.
I suggest you to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.