Ear piercing is a popular form of body modification, but they come with some risks, especially if you get them at a young age. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind before and after getting your ears pierced.
Make sure you’re ready
When it comes to ear piercings, it’s important to make sure you’re ready for them. Are you old enough to make the decision yourself? Are you prepared for the healing process? There are a few things to consider before getting your ears pierced.
Parents should also consider these factors when deciding if their child is ready for an ear piercing. Is the child old enough to make the decision themselves? Are they responsible enough to take care of the piercings? Will they follow the aftercare instructions?
Making sure you’re ready for an ear piercing is important, but so is following the aftercare instructions. Make sure you keep your ears clean and dry during the healing process. And don’t forget to come back for a follow-up appointment.
Don’t fiddle with the piercing afterward
It’s important to let the piercing heal properly, and that means not fiddling with it. Don’t touch or play with the piercing, especially in the first few weeks after getting it done. Don’t twist or turn the earring and don’t change the earring out for the first six weeks.
Leave the piercing alone and let it heal on its own. You might be tempted to play with it, but resist the urge. The piercing will heal quicker if you leave it alone.
Make sure that the procedures are sterile
Before getting a piercing, it’s important to make sure that the procedures are done in a sterile setting. This means that the tools used to pierce your ears must be clean and free of any bacteria. One way to ensure this is by going to a reputable piercing studio.
Another thing to keep in mind is that piercers should always use a new set of needles for each piercing. Used needles can harbour bacteria and increase your risk of infection. So, if you’re thinking about getting your ears pierced, make sure you ask about the studio’s sterilization procedures.
Use the right metals
Choosing the right metals for your ear piercings is important for two reasons. Firstly, different metals can cause different types of reactions in your body. For example, some people may have a reaction to nickel, which is often used in earrings. So, if you have sensitivities to certain metals, it’s important to choose earrings that don’t contain them.
The other reason why it’s important to choose the right metal is that some metals are more likely to cause infection than others. For example, gold is a softer metal and can be more prone to infection than stainless steel. If you’re looking for a metal that’s less likely to cause infection, stainless steel is a good option. Before getting your ears pierced, make sure you do your research on the different types of metals and their potential effects on your body.
Stick with regular earrings for some time
When you get your ears pierced, the piercer will usually give you a set of regular earrings to wear for the first six weeks. This is because regular earrings are less likely to cause infection than other types of earrings, such as dangling ones. During the first six weeks, it’s important to avoid any activities that could cause damage to your ears or increase your risk of infection. This includes things like swimming, working out, and sleeping on your side. So, if you can, try to stick with regular earrings during this time period.
After six weeks have passed, you can start to experiment with other types of earrings, but it’s still important to be careful and not push your luck. If you start to experience any problems with your ears, such as pain or redness, go back to wearing regular earrings until the problem subsides.
Overall, it’s important to be patient and take things slow when it comes to healing your newly pierced ears. By following these tips and taking it easy for the first few weeks, you can help ensure a safe and healthy piercing experience.
Watch out for infections
It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with ear piercings and to take necessary precautions to avoid infection. In the days and weeks following your piercing, it’s important to check your ears regularly for any signs of infection. This includes things like redness, swelling, pain, and discharge.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Left untreated, infections can cause serious damage to your ears and can even lead to permanent loss of hearing. If you’ve recently had your ears pierced, be sure to keep an eye on them for any signs of infection and seek medical attention if necessary. You can help ensure a smooth piercing experience by being proactive and taking proper care of your ears.
Stick to the recommended aftercare
It’s important to follow the piercer’s aftercare instructions after getting your ears pierced. This includes things like cleaning the piercings with a saline solution, avoiding contact with water, and not using any type of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
By following these instructions, you can help ensure a smooth and healthy healing process. It’s also important to be patient and not push your luck by trying to do too much too soon. To avoid any complications, it is best to take things slow and easy during the first few weeks after getting a piercing. If you start to experience any problems with your ears, such as pain or redness, go back to following the piercer’s aftercare instructions until the problem subsides.
Choose a reputable piercer
When it comes to getting your ears pierced, it’s important to choose a reputable piercer. Not all piercers are created equal, so you’ll want to do your research before choosing one.
Look for a piercer who is licensed and insured. They should also have a lot of experience piercing their ears. Ask to see their portfolio and read reviews from past clients. Make sure you feel comfortable with the piercer and their studio.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask your friends or family for recommendations. Or check out popular piercing websites for a list of qualified piercers in your area. You’ll often find reputable medical ear-piercing experts like Blomdahl on these websites, and they tend to come with further recommendations for specific needs.
Choosing a reputable piercer is important for your safety and peace of mind. Make sure you do your research and choose someone who you can trust with the job.
Rinse piercings after washing them
It’s important to rinse your piercings after you wash them, especially in the first few weeks after getting them done. Make sure you use mild soap and warm water to clean them. Gently rinse the piercings and make sure all the soap is gone. Dry them off with a clean towel and let them air dry. Don’t forget to rinse your piercings after every time you wash them. This will help keep them clean and free of bacteria.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s important to be patient and take things slow when it comes to healing your newly pierced ears. By following these tips and taking it easy for the first few weeks, you can help ensure that your piercing will heal properly. Watch out for signs of infection and be sure to follow the piercer’s aftercare instructions to avoid any complications. With a little bit of care and patience, you can enjoy your new piercing without any problems.
