How to Take Out Earrings With Backs

Earrings come in many styles and configurations.

Pierced earrings have been worn for centuries by fashionable women. There are many styles of pierced earring available. Post earrings are a straight post which is then held in the ear on the back side by use of a clasp or back. It can be tricky to negotiate removing this type of earring at first since the clasp is located on the reverse side of the ear. However, with practice, you will be able to remove the backs and clasps of many styles of earring with ease.

Instructions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly, particularly if your ear piercing is fresh. This will avoid any dirt or contamination entering your piercing during the jewelry change. Even a healed piercing may be damaged during the process of removing an earring, so it's best to be hygienic and cautious.

2. Carefully grasp the front of the earring with one hand. Do not pull or tug on the earring as this can cause the fistula--the piercing's delicate interior--to tear.

3. Carefully slide the back off of the earring post. If it is a screw back style, turn the back of the earring counterclockwise gently until it loosens. For newly pierced and "starter" earrings, there may be a small notch in the post preventing the back from being removed easily. Pull back gently while wiggling the earring back side to side to slide it over this notch.

Tips & Warnings

• If your ear becomes irritated, stop attempting to remove the back, allow your ear to rest and then try again. Continued pulling can cause your ear to swell and become warm.

References

• KidsHealth: Pierced Ears