It should be cleaned. Once your ears are clear of metal, it's time to deep clean them. Begin with a little soap and a soft washcloth. Exfoliate the dead skin from your ears by scrubbing them front and back. If your ears are sore, rub some antibacterial ointment on them. Let them dry and then rinse well with water. If you have metal in your ears, they will need to be cleansed properly using a suitable solvent. Not all solvents are safe for use with jewelry, so read the label carefully. Some common household items that are safe for cleaning your jewelry include: oil-based products (such as cooking oils or baby oil), alcohol-based products (like rubbing alcohol or vodka), and detergents (like dishwashing liquids). Avoid using gasoline, nail polish remover, and other chemicals unless instructed to do so by a jeweler. The piercing site may also be infected. If there is any redness or swelling at the opening of your ear, see your doctor. This may be a sign of an infection spreading into your ear canal. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In some cases, people require surgery to remove excess skin and tissue surrounding their piercings. This is usually done after several years of healing have passed. However, if you plan to wear headphones often, it might make sense to have this procedure done sooner rather than later.