Can MRSA Be Contracted By Sharing Earrings?

Posted on Sun, 5 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 5 Jun 2016 Answered on

Tue, 5 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : About 1 year ago I let a friend of mine borrow a pair of earrings (which she wore). I wore these earrings the other day (11-12 months later after she wore them). I soaked the earrings in rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) for a couple of minutes prior to wearing them. I recently found out she has had MRSA in the past. Is there any chance that I could have contracted MRSA from her? I don't have symptoms (yet) but its only been 24hrs since wearing the earrings. I am having a ton of anxiety about this! I am hoping that enough time went by and the alcohol killed the germs but I can't find a solid answer online anywhere about this.

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are less likely to be infected

Detailed Answer:
Hi celes
Welcome
I have gone through your query and do understand your concern.
Based on the information provided by you, you are less likely to be infected.
As you have placed it in alcohol based solution, ear ring would have disinfected.
To prevent infection we usually advice people to wash their hands with alcohol based agent for at least 20 seconds to get rid of the bacteria.
So, in the absence of any active infection I would suggest you to relax, you are fine.
Hope this helps
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D