Ear piercings are a great way of expressing individuality while adding a stylish look to oneself. However, with any body modification, they can have negative consequences if done incorrectly. There are several mistakes that people often make when getting their ears pierced that can lead to infections, pain, and even scarring. In this article, we'll discuss six ear piercing mistakes to avoid so that you can enjoy your new piercing without any issues.
1) Using a Piercing Gun
One of the most common mistakes people make when getting their ears pierced is using a piercing gun. While it may seem like a quick and easy way to get the job done, piercing guns are not sterile and can cause significant trauma to the ear tissue. The force of the gun can cause the jewelry to be inserted too deeply, leading to complications and infections. It's best to opt for a professional piercer who uses sterile needles and equipment to ensure a safe and healthy piercing experience. Thankfully, Blomdahl always follows regulations and makes sure that you get the highest quality services available.
2) Choosing the Wrong Jewelry
Another mistake people often make is choosing the wrong type of jewelry for their piercing. It's essential to choose jewelry made of high-quality materials, such as surgical stainless steel, titanium, or gold. Avoid cheap, low-quality jewelry that can cause allergic reactions, irritations, and infections. Additionally, it's crucial to choose the right size and style of jewelry that fits comfortably and is appropriate for the location of the piercing. Choosing inadequate jewelry can have long-term consequences for your health. Some problems may include:
- Harm to blood vessels, underlying muscles, or nerves
- Irritation at the location of the piercing
- Tearing or splitting of the skin
- Scarring/keloid scarring
3) Skipping Aftercare
Skipping aftercare is one of the biggest mistakes that people make after getting their ears pierced. Proper aftercare helps to prevent infections and promotes healing, and failure to follow these instructions can lead to complications such as swelling, redness, and even scarring. It's essential to follow your piercer's aftercare instructions carefully, which may include cleaning your piercing with a saline solution, avoiding certain activities, and avoiding tight clothing that can irritate the piercing.
Skipping aftercare can lead to delayed healing, which can be frustrating and even painful. Therefore, it's crucial to take proper care of your piercing to ensure that it heals quickly and without complications.
4) Touching or Twisting the Jewelry
Another common mistake people make when getting their ears pierced is touching or twisting the jewelry too much. This can introduce bacteria into the piercing site, leading to infections and complications. It's important to avoid touching the piercing site unless necessary and only after washing your hands thoroughly. Additionally, avoid twisting or turning the jewelry as this can cause trauma to the piercing site and delay the healing process.
5) Changing the Jewelry Too Soon
It can be tempting to change your jewelry shortly after getting your ears pierced, but this is a big mistake. Your piercing needs time to heal before you can switch out the jewelry. Changing your jewelry too soon can cause irritation, inflammation, and even infections. It's best to wait at least six weeks before changing your jewelry, and even then, it's essential to choose high-quality, hypoallergenic jewelry that won't cause any adverse reactions.
6) Ignoring Signs of Infection
Ignoring signs of infection is another significant mistake that people make when getting their ears pierced. Infections can occur even with proper aftercare, and it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Some common signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge from the piercing site.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention right away. Ignoring an infection can lead to more severe complications, such as scarring, abscesses, and even systemic infections. In some cases, an untreated infection can even lead to permanent damage or loss of the affected ear.
Therefore, it's crucial to take any signs of infection seriously and seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment can help to prevent complications and ensure that your piercing heals properly, allowing you to enjoy it without any issues. Remember, taking care of your piercing is an ongoing process, and it's essential to remain vigilant for any signs of infection, even after the initial healing period.
Ear piercing is a fun and fashionable way to express yourself, but it's crucial to do it safely and correctly. By avoiding these six common ear piercing mistakes, you can ensure a safe and healthy piercing experience. With these tips, you can enjoy your new ear piercing without any complications or issues. Remember, taking care of your piercing is a crucial part of the process, and by following these guidelines, you can ensure a beautiful and healthy ear piercing that you can show off with confidence.