Newly pierced ears must be properly cared for in order to heal properly. Clean the ear twice a day during the healing period and do not touch it unless absolutely necessary. Treat your piercing with care to prevent infection so you can enjoy this new accessory!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cleaning Piercings
Step 1. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your ears
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching the earrings. That way, you can prevent bacteria from passing from your hands to your ears. Use antibacterial soap to make sure your hands are really clean.
Apply soap, then wash your hands for a full 10-15 seconds to kill the germs
Step 2. Clean the ears twice a day with soap and water
Rub the mild soap between your fingers until it lathers. After that, apply the soapy lather to the front and back of the piercing. Rub a clean, damp cloth over your ear to remove any soap residue.
Step 3. Use a saline cleaning solution instead of soap and water
Ask the piercer for recommendations for sea salt-based cleaners for caring for your new piercing. This type of cleanser can clean the piercing without drying the skin layer. Simply wipe the front and back of the piercing with a cotton ball or cotton ball that has been moistened with the cleaning solution.
There is no need to rinse the ear after using the saline solution
Step 4. Apply rubbing alcohol or antibiotic ointment 2 times a day for 2-3 days
Disinfecting your ear piercing will reduce the chance of infection and speed up the healing process. You can rub rubbing alcohol or antibiotic ointment into the ear with a cotton ball or cotton ball. Stop this treatment after a few days as prolonged use of alcohol and antibiotic ointments can dry out the piercing and prevent healing.
Step 5. Gently twist the earring while the skin is still wet
Grasp the back of the earring and gently twist it after cleaning. Twisting the earring will prevent the piercing from closing too tightly during healing. However, note that you should only turn your earrings while your ears are still wet.
Twisting the earrings in a new piercing when the skin is dry can cause skin tears and bleeding, prolonging the healing time of the piercing
Method 2 of 2: Avoiding Injury and Infection
Step 1. Leave the new earrings in your ears for at least 4-6 weeks
The first time you get pierced, the piercer will also put the earrings on. These earrings are made of hypoallergenic materials that are safe for the ears. Leave the earrings in both your ears day and night for at least 4 weeks, or your piercing may close or not heal properly.
- Hypoallergenic earrings should be made of surgical stainless steel, titanium, niobium, or 14 or 18 ct gold.
- If you pierced your ear cartilage, you may need to leave the earring for 3-5 months until the wound heals completely.
Step 2. Always wash your hands before touching your ears
Holding your piercing without actually needing it can lead to infection. So, avoid touching your piercing unless you're about to clean or inspect it. If you have to handle it, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water first.
Step 3. Avoid swimming while the piercing is healing
Swimming can allow bacteria to enter the piercing and cause an infection. So, stay away from swimming pools, rivers, lakes, and other water sources while healing your piercing. Even if you soak in a hot tub, try not to soak your entire body until it wets your ears.
Step 4. Watch out for clothes that can get caught in the earrings
Keep clothing away from your earrings while your piercing has not healed, as pulling or rubbing can irritate and hinder the healing process. Don't wear hats that cover your ears, and be careful when putting on and taking off clothes to avoid injury.
If you wear a scarf, choose a material that doesn't snag easily. Or, try wearing a loose-fitting scarf and avoid wearing the same scarf several times without washing it first
Step 5. Visit a doctor if you notice any signs of infection that last for several days
If your ear hurts and swells for a week or more after getting pierced, you may have an infection. See a doctor to have your ear checked if there is pus or thick, dark fluid oozing out. The infected skin around the piercing may also appear red or dark pink in color.
Serious infections in the piercing may need to be cleared and treated with oral antibiotics
Tips
- Be careful when combing and brushing your hair so it doesn't get caught in the piercing.
- Style your hair up so it doesn't get caught in the piercing.
- If your cartilage piercing is painful, try sleeping on your side so that you don't put pressure on the piercing.
- Seek help immediately if your earlobe is torn.
- Wash pillowcases every few days to help prevent infection.
- Make sure the piercing studio you choose is clean, hygienic, and of good quality before deciding to get your ears pierced there.
- If you have long hair, try tying it up so it doesn't get caught in the piercing.
