How to Teach a Child to Care for Newly Pierced Ears

Many young girls get their ears pierced in those preteen years between 9 and 12 years old. Stores that pierce ears supply some directions for after care, but kids that age may forget them or not carefully follow them. If not properly cared for, infections can result. Plus if the ear rings are taken out too early, it may be almost impossible to get more ear rings back in. Here are some simple guidelines to make sure children follow with new ear rings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cotton swabs
• Peroxide

1. For the first 6 weeks after ears are pierced, make sure the ear rings are rotated back and forth at least 3 times a day.
2. Twice a day during the first 6 weeks after piercing, swab around the ear ring base where the ear ring hole is with a cotton swab saturated with peroxide.
3. It may be necessary for the parent to help with Steps 1 and 2 at first, depending on the age of the child. However, with practice and with a little reminding, most children can handle this by themselves.
4. Leave the piercing ear rings in for at least 6 weeks. Don't take them out, even for just a short time.
5. After 6 weeks, new ear rings can be put in, but always put new ones in right away. It is important not to go without ear rings for at least 6 months. Keep ear rings of some kind in the ears round the clock for 6 months.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be uncomfortable to rotate the ear rings in the first couple of days after piercing when the ears are still sore, but it is important to encourage children to do it anyway.
• Don't stop using the peroxide during the first 6 weeks, even if it seems like the ears are doing fine.
• Remember to keep ear rings in around the clock for 6 months. Don't let children sleep without them during this time.
• If ears become extremely red and painful, it is important to take the ear rings out and see a physician since an infection has probably set in.