reported incidences of disease transmission through piercing guns. In a nutshell, penetrating devices should be avoided. The potential for discomfort, disease, and/or blunder is too high.
Where Can—& Should—You Get Your Child’s Ears Pierced?
Having a professional pierce your ears or your kid’s is best. Although many individuals have had their bodies pierced using ice and a sewing needle, this technique is neither hygienic, safe, or clean.
“A reputable piercing shop will make sure that everything is clean,” states an article published by Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Before beginning, you should see the individual engaging in hand hygiene, whether washing their hands, using hand sanitizer or donning gloves. Your ear lobes should be washed with antibacterial soap, and this individual should do it for you.” Sterilization of the jewelry is also recommended.
What Are the Signs of Infection After Ear Piercing?
There will be no hiding the signs of infection in your child’s piercing. Redness, discomfort, swelling, and/or heat may also be present. Dark yellow, green, or red discharge is possible.
Typically, the smell of this discharge is unpleasant. Occasionally, a little “pimple” containing fluid may show up. Antiseptics may do their job more effectively if they can get into the wound, and discharge can drain. This may lead to the infection spreading beyond the wound’s original site. Without jewelry, the wound’s surface will eventually seal, trapping the infection within.
RELATED: Q&A: What Is The Best Way To Treat Bumps From A New Piercing?
How Should You & Your Child Care For Their New Piercing?
Care for your piercings correctly, even if they don’t take much upkeep. You and your kid should try not to touch it. You should always wash your hands before touching the piercing, even if it’s only to clean it. Use a gentle soap for this. After that, you should wash the region with saline solution or soap without dyes or fragrances. Also, be patient. Healing is a gradual process.
There are some things you shouldn’t do, though. Earring twisting, popular in the 1980s and 1990s, is now frowned upon. Jewelry should be left in place during the healing period, and harsh agents like rubbing alcohol and/or hydrogen peroxide should be avoided. Both ear piercings and cartilage piercings need at least this amount of time to heal properly. Keep hairspray, shampoo, perfume, and similar agents away from the earrings, and take care while dressing or grooming your child.
Should Children With New Piercings Avoid Sports & Other Activities?
Some medical professionals think it’s safe for kids, but others say they should be extra vigilant, particularly in the first two weeks after getting their ears pierced.
The Association of Professional Piercers has recommended that you don’t go swimming in the lake or ocean because unidentified microorganisms are possible. For the same reason, you should stay out of pools and hot tubs. Sports that need protective headgear, such as horseback riding or baseball, would need to be put on hold for a week or two.