Ear piercing has become very popular these days, especially among young people. For some, it is a fashion statement, for others, it is a way to show their identity. Instead of just piercing the earlobe, people are now getting different parts of their ears pierced. So, if you are thinking about getting your first, second, or maybe even third ear piercing, it is very important to be well-informed about it.
What are the different types of ear piercings?
Unlike before, now you can get your ear pierced anywhere. You can choose different places according to your preference. Let's see which are the most popular types.
| Piercing location and type (Piercing Type) | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Standard Lobe Piercing | This is the piercing we all know, the soft part hanging below the ear. |
| High-Lobe Piercing | The piercing is done a little above the normal earlobe piercing, closer to where the cartilage begins. |
| Tragus piercing | Piercing the small cartilage-like bump on the side of the face, near the ear hole. |
| Helix piercing | Piercing the cartilage on the upper, outer edge of the ear. |
| Conch piercing | Piercing the cartilage inside the ear, which is shaped like a shell. |
| Industrial drilling | Piercing two places in the cartilage above the ear and inserting a long earring so that the two meet. |
In addition to this, there are many other types. The pain and recovery time will vary depending on the location you choose.
How to properly pierce an ear?
Okay, now let's see how to do this exactly. When you get to a good, experienced place, these are the steps you usually follow.
1. Cleanliness : First, the piercer should wash their hands thoroughly and put on new gloves.
2. Marking: Next, your ear will be cleaned with a sterile solution and the piercing site will be marked with a skin-friendly marker pen. You can check the location with a mirror to make sure it is correct.
3. Piercing: Next, the person will pierce your ear using a new, sterile, hollow needle in a quick motion. Then, they will use a special tool to help insert the earring into the hole.
The piercing gun? The needle? Which is safer?
Most often, a piercing gun is used to pierce ears in salons and some places. However, professional piercers do not recommend this method at all.
Remember, using a sterile needle is always safer than using a piercing gun.
Because piercing guns are reused, they are difficult to completely sterilize. Therefore, you are at greater risk of contracting diseases from the blood or body fluids of someone who used them before you. Also, the rapid pressure of the gun can cause more damage to the ear tissue. This can lead to increased pain and swelling.
Does it hurt a lot when you get your ears pierced?
The biggest question many people have is, "Will this hurt?" In fact, you may feel a sharp pinch as the needle pierces the skin. But it only lasts for a few seconds. The amount of pain you feel depends on several factors:
- Piercing site: Because there are fewer nerves in the earlobe, earlobe piercings are generally less painful. Piercings in the cartilage area can be a little more painful.
- Experience of the piercer: An experienced person will do this very quickly and accurately, so the pain is minimal.
- Your pain sensitivity : Some people are more sensitive to pain than others. If you are sensitive to pain, let your piercer know beforehand.
You can take an acetaminophen tablet (e.g. Panadol, Tylenol) about an hour before the injection to reduce pain. However, do not take painkillers such as aspirin , as they can increase bleeding.
Who should avoid ear piercing?
Some health conditions can cause problems with ear piercing. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely talk to your doctor before getting your ears pierced.
- Diabetes
- Blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia
- Diseases that weaken the immune system (e.g., lupus, HIV/AIDS)
- Heart conditions
- Any medical condition that delays wound healing
- Having a skin condition, rash, lump, scar, or birthmark where you plan to get pierced
Especially if you have heart disease, there is a risk of developing a dangerous infection called infective endocarditis . Therefore, it is imperative to get permission from your doctor.
Safety and choosing the right location
Never try to do your own ear piercing at home. The equipment in piercing kits you buy online may not be sterilized. It also requires experience. If done incorrectly, it can lead to serious infections and damage.
Always choose a clean, experienced piercer. When choosing a good piercer, keep these things in mind:
- Cleanliness: Is the studio well-lit and clean?
- Equipment: Are new, sterilized needles and gloves used for each client?
- Earrings: Are there earrings made from hypoallergenic metals?
- Instructions: Do you provide written instructions on how to care for the piercing?
What kind of earrings should I wear first?
The metal that the earring is made of is very important because it will remain inside the body until the wound heals. These metals are safe:
- Surgical steel: A type of metal used in surgery.
- Titanium: A lightweight, body-friendly metal.
- Nobium: A safe, lightweight metal like titanium.
- Gold: Choose solid gold, 14 or 18 karat. Never wear gold-plated earrings. They may contain metals like nickel that can cause allergies.
How long does it take for the wound to heal?
This varies depending on where you are.
- Earlobe: Usually heals within 6-8 weeks.
- Cartilage: If you pierce a piece of cartilage in your ear, it can take anywhere from 4 months to a year to fully heal.
Remember, even if the wound looks healed on the outside, it will take longer to heal on the inside. So follow your piercer's instructions exactly.
How to care for the piercing site? (Aftercare)
Proper care can prevent infection and help the wound heal quickly.
Things to do (Dos)
- Clean your piercing two to three times a day with a saline solution recommended by your piercer or a mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water.
- After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a clean piece of gauze or cotton swab.
- Change your pillowcase regularly. Sleep on a clean pillow.
- Always clean things that come into contact with your ears, such as phones and headphones.
- If there are signs of infection (severe redness, swelling, pain, pus drainage), see a doctor immediately.
Don'ts
- Do not touch your ear piercing with dirty hands.
- Do not twist or move the earring. This can further injure the wound.
- Do not go into swimming pools and public hot tubs until the wound has healed.
- Do not let hair spray, lotion, or makeup get on the piercing site.
- As much as possible, do not sleep with the pierced side down.
If you develop an infection, don't ignore it. Sometimes it can be serious. So, if you have any doubts, seek medical advice immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Always choose an experienced, clean, professional place to get your ears pierced. A sterile needle is always safer than a piercing gun.
- If you have medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or blood clotting problems, be sure to consult a doctor before getting your ears pierced.
- Choose earrings made of a safe metal, such as surgical steel, titanium, or solid gold, to wear first. Avoid gold-plated earrings.
- Follow the aftercare instructions carefully. Avoid touching your piercing with dirty hands and twisting your earring.
- If you notice signs of infection, such as severe redness, swelling, persistent pain, or pus drainage, see a doctor immediately without delay.
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