They should not contain alloys such as nickel (which you often find in costume jewelry) because you can develop a sensitivity. Fourteen-carat gold, medical-grade steel and titanium are the best. When you do switch earrings, make sure they’re made from hypoallergenic materials so they won’t cause an allergic reaction. After that, only take earrings out for short periods because the holes can still close fast. Since cartilage doesn’t heal as quickly as earlobe tissue, keep cartilage piercings in longer - at least three to four months. Leave your earrings in for at least six weeks if they’re in your earlobe. Avoid using antibiotic ointments unless directed by a doctor - you can develop allergies to them if you use them too long. You can also use those little rubbing alcohol squares. If you take a morning shower, clean it then and again right before bed. To prevent it, follow these three tips:Ĭlean the area twice daily with mild soap and water.

You’ve created an opening in your skin, so there’s a risk of infection. How do you take care of newly pierced ears?Ī. You want to make sure they can’t pull them out. If you do decide to get your baby’s ears pierced, the earrings should be flat studs that are close to the earlobe. Some cultures pierce their baby’s ears as early as a couple of months old. This is more of a cultural consideration than a medical one. Unless the child has some underlying condition, getting a baby’s ears pierced is fine. How young is too young to get your ears pierced?Ī. But in general, most people are fine with just ice. If you have a fear of needles or pain, we can certainly give you a numbing cream ahead of time. But taking an extra-strength acetaminophen an hour before your procedure could help. I don’t recommend taking aspirin or ibuprofen beforehand because they tend to thin your blood and could cause more bleeding. The cold numbs the area and confuses the brain about where the pain’s coming from. Putting an ice cube or ice pack on your ear before the piercing can help. But the fatty tissue in the earlobe has less than other areas, so it may feel less painful. The pain from either piercing method is probably equivalent. You may feel a pinch and some throbbing after, but it shouldn’t last long. That also depends on you and your pain threshold. You may also bleed more if you take blood thinners or aspirin. If there is a lot of bleeding, you should seek medical help right away. You may see a little drop of blood, but there shouldn’t be much.

It depends on the part of the ear and person - everyone is different. They’re a little gentler than piercing guns because there is no spring action. As they push through, they create a tiny hole in the earlobe or cartilage. Hollow-bore needles are the needles used when starting an IV. Some tattoo and piercing shops use hollow-bore needles instead. When the trigger is released, the rapid spring motion pushes the earring through the ear. If you go to a doctor’s office - whether it’s a pediatrician or dermatologist - they mark where you want the piercing and use an ear piercing gun. What happens when you get your ears pierced?Ī. Policyīut before you (or your child) join the land of the pierced, get answers to some of the most common piercing questions from dermatologist Rachel Ward, MD. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

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