Piercing ears generally does not result in a tetanus infection. Since the wounds from ear piercings are relatively small, they basically reach aerobic conditions. Tetanus bacillus are anaerobic bacteria and generally do not proliferate in an aerobic environment. In an anaerobic environment, however, tetanus bacillus can proliferate extensively, which is when a patient might show symptoms of tetanus. However, the specific condition of the patient's ears must also be considered. If the patient’s earlobes are very thick, the small external opening from the piercing might create an anaerobic environment within the middle of the earlobe. If tetanus bacillus colonizes inside the wound, it may lead to extensive proliferation of the bacteria.