How to Care for an Ear Piercing

An ear piercing is the most popular type of piercing for both men and women. It is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes. If you take proper care of your ears following the piercing, you will be able to enjoy wearing earrings for many years to come. Read on to learn how to care for an ear piercing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use a high quality metal. Check with the associate piercing your ears on which types of metal are safe to use. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to use gold or silver studs.

2. Wash your hands before touching your ears. This will help reduce the risk of spreading an infection to the site.

3. Clean the piercing once in the morning and at night. Use an ear care antiseptic to cleanse the area. Place the solution on a cotton swab and use it on the area between the earring and the ear.

4. Rotate the earring a few times a day. This will prevent the earring from sticking to your ear.

5. Keep the earrings in for the specified time. You typically need to leave the earrings in for at least four to six weeks.

6. Return for a follow up visit at the piercing salon. Many companies, including Piercing Pagoda, will request that you return in a month for them to check to see how the piercing is healing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice any redness, swelling or pain for more than a day after the piercing, it could be a sign of an infection. Contact the salon or a physician for advice.
• Don't use hairspray or perfume near the piercing site.
• Avoid playing with the piercing until it has adequate time to heal.

[jklvs4ks]

on 10/20/2009 never use peroxide on a new piercing.