Ear piercings are common today for both men and women and can be performed on children as who are only a few months old. There’s no medical reason not to get your ears or those of your children pierced, but there are some considerations because it’s very important to keep new piercings clean as infection affects nearly 20% of all piercings.
If you’re not sure if you’re allergic to certain kinds of metals, it’s best to spring for 14-karat studs for your new earrings. Make sure to check a shop’s hygienic standards before getting any kind of piercing. Technicians should always open sterilized tools and wear gloves.
Here are a few tips for keeping new piercings clean.
- Try not touch the earring or the skin around the earring too much. If you must touch it, wash your hands first.
- Clean the area around the earring twice (and only twice) per day with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab. The antiseptic provided by your ear piercer can also be used.
- Try to avoid getting excess amounts of soap and shampoo in and around the piercing.
- Be careful with head coverings like veils, hoods, and headbands. If you must cover your ears, try to wear the fabric loosely and wash it between uses.
- Your ears should heal in around 6-9 weeks, at which point it should be safe to change out earrings if you like. Make sure the piercing is fully healed though before removing the initial earring.
