Ear piercings are one of the most common body piercings so it is important to keep them clean and avoid contamination!
Always, always, ALWAYS wash your hands before touching your piercings (most importantly under the fingernails), this will lower the chances of contaminating the site especially if your piercing is in the newer months and the wound is still open
Newly pierced:
If your piercing is still new and the wound is still open, it is best to avoid rubbing alcohol. You can create your own saline wash by mixing non-iodized salt (1 tsp) to 8oz of water. If you have a spray/ or squeeze bottle you can simply rinse over a sink or towel.
Keeping your pillow clean is also a plus because bacteria from the hair can transfer to the pillow and then possibly transferring back to the piercing. Flip the pillow after each night and change the pillow case every 2 to 3 days. If you run out of pillow cases, you can always put a clean t-shirt on top!
Healed piercings:
Healed piercings are easier to care for since they are less likely to get infections. Taking out your piercings and cleaning the hole with a swab dipped in rubbing alcohol is usually sufficient enough, or you can use a more concentrated solution of saline water. As for the piercing, wipe the metal with rubbing alcohol and allowing it to dry before placing it back into the ear.
Piercings are susceptible to allergies reactions due to metal sensitivity. For new piercings, it is recommended to wear surgical steel 316L or titanium to lower your chances of infection. Regardless, it is safer to wear these metals to lower allergic reactions whether your piercing is new or old.
Here are some frequently bought hypoallergenic piercings to add to your collection:
If you ever need to take an earring out whether it is to go through an airport check, x-ray machine, or for work attire, always use a retainer to keep the hole from closing up:
Disclaimer: Content from this article is not a substitute for advice from a professional.The article is based on information gathered from AAP and AAD and personal experiences and is not intended to provide professional advice. Please consult advice from a professional piercer or dermatologist for any questions or concerns. Products recommended will not have guaranteed results with every individual.