Minor Procedures: Embedded Earrings

Embedded earrings are a common pediatric emergency department presentation that can usually be managed quickly and safely without procedural sedation. This episode reviews why earrings become embedded, how to distinguish uncomplicated earlobe cases from higher-risk cartilage piercings, step-by-step removal techniques, pain control strategies, and appropriate wound care, antibiotics, and follow-up.

Learning Objectives

Recognize the evaluation and management of embedded earlobe earrings, including indications for local anesthesia, incision, and removal techniques.

Differentiate uncomplicated earlobe piercings from cartilage piercings that require additional concern for perichondritis, Pseudomonas infection, and possible ENT consultation.

Apply evidence-based post-procedure care, including appropriate wound management, antibiotic selection, and counseling to help prevent future embedded earrings.

References

Timm N, Iyer S. Embedded earrings in children. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2008;24(1):21-24.

Muntz HR, Pa-C DJ, Asher BF. Embedded earrings: a complication of the ear-piercing gun. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 1990;19(1):73-76.

Kim MM, Goldman RD. Ear-piercing complications in children and adolescents. Can Fam Physician. 2022;68(9):661-663.

Transcript

This transcript was generated using Descript and subsequently reviewed and lightly edited for spelling, grammar, and clarity. Minor inaccuracies may remain, and the audio recording should be considered the definitive version of this content.

Welcome to PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast. As always, I’m your host, Brad Sobolewski. Today, we’re continuing our new series on minor procedures. These are the procedures we perform all the time in pediatric emergency departments. They’re not the subject of giant multicenter trials or big keynote lectures, but they are the procedures that families remember.