What is an Ear Piercing?

Ear piercing is a surgical procedure that uses a piercing gun to create a hole in the ear.  Once done, the piercer inserts an earring into this newly created opening.

You can do the piercing yourself.  Having a professional perform it is highly recommended.  This will guarantee that all tools used are sterile and reduces the risk of infection.






















What to Expect

Which part of the ear do you wish pierced, a professional will mark a spot.  And use either a needle or gun to create an opening.  They then insert an earring into this newly created hole for closure.

Ear piercings can be relatively safe.  If done by a trustworthy piercer.  And followed the aftercare instructions they provided.  You may experience some pain.  And redness or crusting during the initial days of healing.  These symptoms are normal but should not persist without medical assistance from a healthcare professional.

To reduce the risk of infection, use hand sanitizer when visiting a piercing shop.  And wash your hands frequently afterward to keep them clean and prevent transferring germs to your ears.  Wearing gloves or other protective gear helps kill bacteria.  And reduces exposure to harmful germs.

If your child gets their ears pierced, teach them how to properly care for the piercings.  That includes washing hands thoroughly before touching their ears.  And not touching them other than when cleaning them.  Furthermore, Dr. Farber advises against pressing earrings back into earlobes and suggesting they rotate their earrings at least once daily.

Children’s ears are more vulnerable to infection than adult ears.  It is essential to protect them from germs.  You can do this by keeping their piercings clean.  And taking off their earrings when they go to sleep at night.

Another effective solution is applying a thin coat of petroleum jelly from a squeeze tube around each piercing daily.  This will keep the piercings moist, which promotes faster healing times.

According to experts, you should leave your earrings in for the initial six weeks following lobe piercings.  And 12 weeks for cartilage piercings.  Removing them before the time may cause the piercings to close prematurely and lead to infection.  It is best not to remove them until after this period has elapsed.

If you have an ear piercing, regularly wash it with mild soap and water.  Gently scrub it with rubbing alcohol or saline spray, then cover it with an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin. This helps heal the piercing and prevents infections.  However, it may take up to two weeks for any drainage or redness to go away.




















Preparation

Whether this is your first piercing or you’ve had one for years, preparation is key to ensure everything runs smoothly.  It’s more complex than sticking a needle in your ear.  So take the necessary steps for a sterile procedure that won’t cause pain or discomfort.

Before visiting your piercer, inform them of any metal allergies or sensitivities that could prevent certain earrings from fitting correctly.  Doing this can save time and stress in the long run.

The piercer will also use iodine to sterilize the chair, needles.  And new jewelry i order to kill bacteria that could cause infections.  This prevents you from having to deal with unpleasant infections, painful bruising or scarring.  And speeds healing times significantly.

Once your piercing is complete, you’ll be given aftercare instructions to take home with you.  It is essential that you adhere to these guidelines so that your piercings heal safely and effectively.

At least twice or three times daily, disinfect the area with an aftercare solution specifically designed for pierced ears.  Additionally, turn your earrings one full rotation at least three times a day in order to promote healing and avoid infection.

Dry and itchy ears can easily develop an infection.  Keep the area moistened it’s important to apply petroleum jelly around each piercing opening for a speedy healing process.

It’s best to avoid swimming in pools or hot tubs for the first few weeks after your piercings have healed.  This puts you at greater risk of getting an infection.  If you must go swimming, make sure you wear a swim cap and never submerge your ears under water.

If you don’t follow an appropriate aftercare routine for your piercings,  take longer to heal.  If you notice any sores or redness from the piercing, contact a board-certified dermatologist immediately for evaluation.






















The Procedure

No matter where you go.  Or which part of your ear you want pierced.  A professional piercer with either a needle or gun will mark a spot on the skin.  And create an opening for an earring.  They then insert the ring and clean up any leftover debris before attaching it securely.

During the piercing, some blood may flow.  And you may experience some throbbing or pinching sensation.  These should not last too long.   And it’s highly unlikely you will need anesthesia for it.

To make the piercing safer, opt for a place that uses medical-grade studs for ear piercings.  These are thicker (1.3 mm) than standard earring posts.  And designed to prevent your ears from sticking together, which could lead to infection.

After the piercing, it is best to leave your earrings in for some time.  To help the piercing heal and stay open.  Starter earrings typically need to remain in for six weeks.   Depending on the size of your earlobe and type of piercing you have.  However, this timeline may be extended depending on individual circumstances.

Additionally, be wary of swimming in pools, hot tubs or open water like lakes and oceans as this could damage your piercing or cause it to close up.

Piercings can be a quick and painless procedure.  But it’s essential that you take good care of your ears afterward.  Ear piercings should be cleaned two to three times a day.  Use saline solution before being rinsed with warm water.

Maintaining your ears with clean and dry cotton buds is the best way to guarantee that your piercing heals without infection.  Be sure to adhere to your piercer’s instructions and avoid touching the piercing unless you are cleaning it.

Before having your ears pierced, be sure to inquire if the facility uses anesthesia and follow any necessary aftercare instructions.  Failing to do so could lead to infection which requires more complex treatments or cause skin issues like scars or keloids.

At ASK Pediatric Services in Tallahassee, Florida, the team offers safe ear piercings for kids and teens using the same clinical practices as adults, using only sterile surgical-grade instruments.  Get in touch with them today either over the phone or online to book an appointment!

Aftercare

After receiving an ear piercing, it is essential to follow the aftercare guidelines and instructions provided by your piercer.  Doing this will guarantee that your piercing(s) heal properly and promptly.

Your ear piercing should always be kept clean and well-hydrated to avoid infection.  This includes washing with antiseptic soap or cleanser twice daily, as well as gently rotating the earrings once daily.  Doing this will prevent bacteria from causing an infection and also helps your piercing heal faster.

After receiving an ear piercing, the area around it may experience swelling, redness and tenderness for several days.  Usually, however, these effects subside after a few days and you can return to feeling normal in the area.

If your child’s ears become painful, red, puffy and the holes ooze yellowish liquid or pus, this could be indicative of an infection.  If so, increase their cleansing regimen for several days and flush any piercings with warm salt water; if these symptoms persist consult your pediatrician.

Ear piercings are more susceptible to infections than other body parts due to their open wound nature.  Bacteria can grow quickly in these open wounds, leading to pain and inflammation.

To prevent infection, it’s essential to follow the aftercare and safety instructions provided by your piercing facility.  In most cases, they’ll provide specific instructions regarding how often and with what cleaning solution to clean your ears.

You can take some precautions to help avoid infection, like not letting anyone touch your piercing(s) until they have healed.  Furthermore, avoid soaking them in communal swimming pools, hot tubs and other forms of water.

It is essential to wash your hands before touching any part of your piercing(s).  Doing this helps prevent bacteria from growing.

After an ear piercing, the healing process typically takes between 4-6 months.  It depends on its type and how well you follow its aftercare and care instructions.  After this period has elapsed, your piercing should no longer be painful, bleed or swell and any discharge that had been present for some time should have completely stopped.

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