You just had your ears pierced. Now what? It is important to follow ear piercing aftercare instructions to prevent your new piercing from infections and pain.
Read on to learn how to care for your newly-pierced ears.
Q: How long does it take for an ear piercing to heal?
A: The average healing time is 6 weeks for an earlobe piercing and 12 weeks for a cartilage piercing.
Q: How often do I need to clean my pierced ears?
A: We recommend cleaning the front and back of your newly pierced ears and piercing earrings 3 times a day using CLEAN HANDS and a fresh cotton swab soaked in ear care solution. Gently rotate your earrings after applying ear care solution.
Q: How do I keep my pierced ears from getting infected?
A: In addition to following your aftercare instructions carefully, please remember:
- It is important to keep your piercing clean at all times. ALWAYS wash your hands well with soap and water before touching your piercing or earrings.
- Be sure to rinse your ears carefully and reapply ear care solution after swimming or sports.
Q: My newly-pierced ears are painful and red. What should I do?
A: Pain, redness and swelling are NOT a normal part of the ear piercing experience. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor. If instructed remove your earrings.
Q: Is it OK to change my earrings or take them out during the healing period?
A: No. Newly pierced ears are very sensitive and require special care and attention. If you take your earrings out for any length of time during the healing period, the holes may close or you may find it to be very difficult to re-insert earrings into a piercing hole that has not fully healed.
Q: When can I change my earrings?
A: You should only switch into new earrings after the healing period: 6 weeks for an earlobe piercing and 12 weeks for a cartilage piercing. For the first 6 months after your earlobe piercing heals, do not go more than 24 hours without an earring or your piercing may close. For cartilage piercings, you will want to wear an earring 24/7 for the 6 months after your piercing heals or your piercing may close.