4 Common Piercing Mistakes To Avoid While Your Piercing Is Healing

Getting a child's ears pierced is often a rite of passage. It's a symbolic step that is exciting, albeit a little daunting for both parents and kids alike. It is essential to ensure that this memorable experience is not overshadowed by complications during the healing process. 

After an earlobe piercing, you can expect a healing period that lasts around 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, if you want to prevent infection, inflammation, or tenderness, it’s important to stick to a few golden rules. 

In this article, we highlight four common mistakes that can delay healing and increase the risk of infection post-piercing.

Mistake 1: Neglecting Proper Aftercare

Aftercare is crucial in the healing process of any piercing. When the piercing is new, it is essentially an open wound that is susceptible to infection. One common mistake is to overlook proper aftercare instructions.

Solution: Use a saline solution or the aftercare product recommended by your piercing professional to clean the piercing at least twice a day. Do not touch the piercing with unwashed hands, and avoid rotating or moving the earrings unnecessarily, as this can cause irritation.

Mistake 2: Using Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide

Many believe that using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on a fresh piercing will help it heal faster. However, these substances can be too harsh for the healing skin, causing it to dry out and delaying the healing process.

Solution: Stick to using a saline solution or the suggested aftercare product by your professional piercer. These are gentle on the skin and will cleanse the area effectively without causing unnecessary irritation.

Mistake 3: Changing the Jewelry Too Soon

Changing the jewelry too soon after the piercing can irritate the area and prolong the healing process. It can also introduce bacteria into the piercing and potentially lead to infection.

Solution: Generally, for earlobe piercings, the minimum recommended time to keep the initial earrings is six weeks. For cartilage piercings, it's usually six months to a year. Always consult with your piercing professional before changing the earrings for the first time.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Signs of Infection

Ignoring signs of infection can lead to complications and prolonged healing time. In severe cases, it may lead to scarring or more severe infections.

Solution: Look out for persistent redness, swelling, throbbing pain, a hot feeling around the pierced area, or unusual discharge. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional immediately.

In Conclusion

The healing process of your child's piercing is crucial and must be taken seriously to avoid any unnecessary complications. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smoother, more comfortable healing process, allowing your child to enjoy their new jewelry safely and with confidence. For high-quality, safe, and child-friendly piercing jewelry, always choose our trusted children's jewelry company.