About Ear Piercings

Look around and you'll notice lots of people have their ears pierced. Is this safe? Is it a good idea? What should you be aware of if you do decide to get your ears pierced?

Before you get your ears pierced, you should talk to your parents, consider the risks, think about how to protect yourself from infections, and consider any other complications.

Is it safe?

Piercings are usually safe, but there are some safety concerns. Sometimes, piercings do not heal well. If the pierced area gets red and swollen, don't ignore it. It will just get worse.

Sharing piercing instruments can also spread infections and diseases. Only a trained specialist working in a safe, clean and professional environment should do the piercing – not anyone else. The piercing needle should be brand new and only used once. Make sure you see the sterilized needle come out of a package.

The guns they use at some piercing stations actually damage more tissue and cannot be completely cleaned. A safer alternative is to go to a piercing studio, where they will use a single-use needle.

Is it painful?

Most people feel a sharp pinch when the actual piercing happens. For a few days after the piercing, the area usually feels sore and might feel like it is burning. Piercings on the earlobe hurt much less than piercings in cartilage, or the harder parts of the ear (the higher areas).

What can I wear in my new piercing?

For a new piercing, use pieces of jewelry that are only made of non-toxic or non-corrosive metal – such as titanium, niobium, surgical stainless steel or solid 14K or 18K gold. Using any other metal will cause an infection.

How do you take care of a new piercing?

• Follow the instructions that the piercing studio gives you. It's important to take care of the new piercing and avoid infection. Make sure you do not touch the area very much. The hole is open at first and you could easily get an infection.
• Be gentle with your new piercing. The area around the piercing will be sensitive.
• Be careful when removing clothing over your head, such as T-shirts and sweatshirts. Do so slowly and cautiously.
• Always wash your hands before you touch the earring or pierced area, so that you don't spread an infection. The area needs to be clean in order for it to heal. Use a salt-water soak or an antibacterial soap to gently clean the pierced area twice a day. Make sure all crust is removed from the skin and the jewelry. Do not swim in public pools or Jacuzzis until the healing process is completely finished, which is about six weeks.

Youth reviewer: Amanda Hung

Reviewed by: Nancy Brown, Ph.D.

Last reviewed: August 2019