Do you think piercing ears is easy and does not require any care or procedures? Ear piercing seems to be a simple procedure, but only if it is done by a specialized person and you take care of it. After all, a new piercing is an open wound that requires good care and hygiene, and you should take good care of it to help prevent infection.

What are the causes of infection after ear piercing?

Entry of bacteria may lead to infection. This can happen by:

• Piercing your ears in an unsanitary environment or using non-sterile equipment.
• Touching the ears with dirty hands.
• Take off the earrings before the piercings heal.
• Not cleaning your new ear piercing well every day.
• Swimming or submerging your head in a pool, hot tub, lake or river before the piercings are completely healed.

What is normal for a new piercing?

In the first few weeks, the piercing may:

• Be itchy and the surrounding area may look slightly red on white skin or a little darker than normal on dark skin.
• It produces a liquid that forms a crust.
• It forms small lumps around the piercing if it is in the cartilage of the ear. You can treat it by soaking a bandage in warm water and then holding it on once a day.

Tips for preventing complications from ear piercing

It is true that ear piercing is the most common and may be less risky than other body piercings, but they can cause complications if not handled properly. To avoid complications such as infection or piercings closure, you must follow these steps:

• Wear the earrings for six weeks or longer, even at night. Because removing the earrings early may cause the piercing to close.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching newly pierced ears to help protect you from infection.
• Gently wash the piercing with a non-perfumed soap at least once a day.
• Rinse the ear piercing well with mild water after washing them, but avoid getting water into your ears.
• Put a thin layer of Vaseline around each piercing; a wet wound heals faster.
• Watch your ears. If an ear becomes sore, red, swollen, or yellowish fluid leaks from a piercing, you may have an infection. If these symptoms do not go away quickly, see a doctor.

In the end, ear piercing is a simple procedure if the tools are sterile and done in the appropriate environment and at the hands of specialized doctors such as Health and Style Medical Center.