If you have ever wondered why earrings carry a certain (not so pleasant) smell, know that piercings can harbor bacteria. After all, people do not usually wash their ears every day. So the place of your earrings becomes a perfect storm for a smell, no, unusual.

In this regard, a certified microbial expert and dermatologist, says everything you need to know.

Why do earrings smell?

Remember that a piercing is a wound on your body. "When there is such an injury, a rather unpleasant odor can occur as a result of one of two reasons," says Jason Tetro, well known and "Son of Microbes," a microbiologist and host of The Super Awesome Science Show. According to him, a major culprit behind the smell is the production of sebum, or natural oils of your skin.

Sebum accumulation can occur around your ear canal (an area not very often cleaned) creating a mild odor. So it is basically a combination of fat and dirt in an area where "the sun does not shine".

The second reason for bad breath is the bacteria associated with a possible infection, says Tetro. Because piercings are "a wound," they are susceptible to infections, he explains.

"Usually these are species of Streptococcus or Staphylococcus [of bacteria]," says Tetro. You may have to deal with these if the odor is accompanied by discharge from the drilling area.

What to do with bad breath?

The best solution to be done is cleaning. According to Tetro, it is important to keep the drilling area clean. He recommends washing with soap and warm water or using a little isopropyl alcohol.

"Using gloves can help minimize any potential for transmission," says Tetro. "If you are sensitive to alcohol, use a mild cleanser."

Of course, if the smell of your earring is accompanied by significant pain or discomfort that spreads beyond the piercing site, Tetro recommends consulting a doctor.