Ear piercing is a fun way to express yourself through jewelry. However, it’s important to care for new piercings properly to avoid complications during the healing process. This guide covers everything you need to know about when it’s safe to change earrings after piercing and how to promote healthy healing.
When Should I Change Earrings After an Ear Piercing?
It’s best to wait 4-6 weeks before changing earrings in a newly pierced ear. During this initial healing period, keep the original studs or flat-back labrets in at all times to avoid irritation. This allows the small surgical wound to fully close before introducing different jewelry.
When Can You Change Earrings After Piercing?
Most piercers recommend waiting 8 weeks minimum before changing earrings. By this point, the piercing has usually fully healed. Listen to your body – if the piercing still feels tender or the ear is sensitive, it’s better to wait even longer before changing jewelry. Once the piercing feels completely comfortable day and night, it’s generally safe to start experimenting.
Different Types of Ear Piercings
- Healing times vary depending on the placement. Lobe piercings usually heal the fastest at 4-6 months, while cartilage (rook, tragus etc.) can take up to a year. Nasal and nipple piercings also require 9-12 months of healing. Be extra careful not to bump or snag cartilage piercings as they take significantly longer to fully heal compared to lobes.
Common Ear Piercing Infection Signs
Some signs that a piercing may be infected include pus, swelling, pain, redness or hot to the touch skin around the piercing. If you experience these symptoms, see your piercer or doctor right away for treatment like antibiotics or saline cleaning. Treating infections early prevents long-term issues.
What to Do If You Have an Allergic Reaction to Ear Piercing
In rare cases, people can develop an allergy to certain jewelry metals like nickel. Symptoms include itchiness, inflammation or a rash. Switch to implant grade titanium, 14k gold or other hypoallergenic options. Taking an oral antihistamine may also help relieve mild allergic reactions. See your doctor for anything more severe.
Express Your Unique Style with High-Quality Body Pierce Jewelry Today
Once fully healed, changing up your jewelry pieces allows you to customize your look. Invest in high-quality, stainless steel or implant grade titanium jewelry from a reputable piercing shop. Cheap or poorly-made pieces can irritate sensitive, new piercings. Look for seamless, smooth ends that won’t snag the piercing site during healing.
What is the right ear piercing aftercare?
Keep piercings clean during healing by rinsing with sterile saline spray twice daily. Avoid overcleaning which can dry out the skin. Do not touch or move jewelry unnecessarily. Be gentle when drying. Look for any signs of infection like swelling or pus. See your piercer with concerns for their advice.
Bottom-line
Give your piercings adequate time, usually 4-6 months, to fully heal before making jewelry changes. Listen to your body’s cues and see your piercer with any questions. With proper care, you can enjoy your piercings for years to come.
FAQs
What happens if I change my earrings too early?
Changing earrings before the piercing is fully healed can irritate the tender skin and disrupt healing. It increases the risk of infection, prolonged healing, tearing or scarring.
How do I know my ear piercing is healed?
It no longer causes any pain or tenderness. There is no swelling, redness or symptoms of infection present. The piercing has closed up enough that you can remove the earring for periods of time without it closing.
How soon can I wear fake earrings after piercing?
Its best to avoid cheap or fake earrings and wear only the studs or jewelry recommended by your piercer for the first 4-6 months of healing. Fake materials are more likely to contain contaminants or be lower quality metals that could irritate a new piercing.
Conclusion
Getting ear piercings is a fun way to accessorize any look. With proper long-term care and patience during the initial healing phase, your piercings will last for years to come. Be gentle, keep them clean, and wait at least 8 weeks before changing earrings to avoid issues. Your piercer is also an excellent resource for guidance on quality aftercare.
As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with over 6 years of hands-on experience, I’m dedicated to sharing my expertise and passion for all things hair and earrings.
