What to know about getting those first real earrings!
Ear piercing is common in cultures around the world and a sweet rite of passage. However, the practice does come with some risks, including infection, allergic reaction and keloid formation, a type of scar tissue. So if you’re thinking about when and where to get your child’s ears pierced, it’s good to consider the following advice from pediatricians for a safe and healing process.
Age Appropriateness
Different family traditions may influence the timing of getting ears pierced. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests waiting until kids are mature enough to take care of their lobes themselves. “A few of the reasons we recommend waiting include a potential higher risk for infection and scarring. There is also the potential for the shape of the ear to change over the first few years of life,” says Dr. Jason Hefner, regional medical director of internal medicine and pediatrics at Piedmont Physicians Group. At a minimum, Hefner says to wait until after the first rounds of vaccines and preferably after your child’s 6-month pediatrician check.
Prep Work
Find a reputable place with experienced technicians, whether that’s your pediatrician’s office, private piercing studio, tattoo parlor or retail location with good public health measures. “The most important thing in choosing a location is the overall reputation and company policies toward cleanliness and hygiene. Disposable, single-use needles and properly sanitized equipment are essential to prevent complications and infections,” says Hefner, who notes that single-needle piercing tends to have less local tissue damage and lower risk of infection and keloid formation than piercing guns.
Selecting Earrings
The AAP suggests choosing an earring material that is low risk for local reactions, such as gold or stainless steel. Steer clear of plated jewelry that can cause irritation. “It is a good idea to especially make sure that the post and backing of the earrings are nickel-free. Nickel tends to be one of the substances most likely to cause local inflammatory or allergic reactions,” Hefner says. Also, stick with lightweight stud earrings over hoops to prevent tearing of the earlobes.
After Care
Overseeing your child’s healing process will help reduce risk of infection. They should not touch the new piercings except when cleaning them, or remove or change the earrings for at least four to six weeks, advises the AAP. Hefner says the routine twice daily cleaning with gentle soap and water or a cleansing solution is essential to prevent infection. He adds that most experts also recommend gentle rotation of the earring (with clean hands) a few times a day to decrease the risk for scarring and inflammation. “Lastly, make sure the backing of the earring is not applied too tightly, as this can lead to infection or the backing getting attached to the skin/scar tissue after the piercing.”
It can take several months for the ears to fully heal, so have your child keep the posts in for six months after piercing to prevent the holes from closing. If you notice an embedded earring back, pain, redness, puss or swelling that lasts longer than 24 hours after the piercing, contact your physician for an exam and treatment immediately.
PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE
piedmont.org
