Ear Piercings: Healthy or Not? - Live Better | Revere Health (2024)

Are you thinking about getting your ears pierced? You are not alone. According toStatistic Brain, 83 percent of people in the United States have had their earlobes pierced.

Piercings are beneficial in some ways. They can enhance a person’s self-image, for example. Many people believe piercings provide a spiritual benefit. Others simply feel better about themselves when they wear jewelry.

There is a downside to piercings, however. While ear piercings are generally safe, complications can occur. You can take steps to reduce your risk for complications and yourdoctor can treat any complications that may arise.

Reduce Your Risk of Ear Piercing Complications

One of the most important things you can do to ensure good results is to insist on the highest standards of safety when you have your ears pierced. Do not try to pierce your own ears or trust an unqualified friend – choose a reputable location with trained professionals. Make sure the person piercing your ears washes his or her hands, wears fresh gloves and uses proper, sterile equipment.

Reduce your risk for skin irritation by choosing earrings with posts made from surgical steel or metal like titanium. Avoid posts made from gold, as even high quality gold may contain nickel that could irritate your skin.

You can reduce your risk for complications by taking good care of your piercings. Keep your piercing dry, as moisture creates a rich environment for the growth of bacteria and other harmful microbes. Water can also contain harmful additives, compounds and natural elements that can negatively affect the way your piercings heal. Avoid swimming in pools, ponds, hot tubs, rivers or lakes while your piercings heal.

Wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water before touching your piercing. Clean your phone regularly and change to a fresh pillowcase every other day. Avoid smoking while your piercings heal, as smoking can slow the healing process.

Keep your piercing immobile; there is no need to turn your piercing. Restricting movement reduces irritation so you will have less scarring, feel less discomfort and heal faster after you get your ears pierced.

Complications Associated with Ear Piercings

Infection is one of the most common complications of ear piercing. It is more common in “high” piercings of the cartilage in the upper ear than in ear lobe piercings. In onestudy following more than 450 nurses who pierced their ears, infections occurred in 30 percent of high piercings and in 20 percent of earlobe piercings.

Signs of an infected ear piercing include:

Tenderness at the piercing site
Swelling around the piercing site that lasts for more than 48 hours
Redness
Bleeding
Yellow puss

Other complications can also occur. The presence of an earring may irritate your skin to cause allergic contact dermatitis. A thick scar made of cartilage, known as a keloid, may develop at the piercing site. The skin around the piercing can tear or rip, especially if the earring catches on a piece of clothing.

Left untreated or poorly treated, these infections can lead to seriouscomplications, such as abscesses and inflammation of the connective tissue in your ear, or even the death of tissue in your ear. Treatment depends on the complication affecting your ear, and professional medical treatment may be required. A doctor might prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection or perform a procedure to repair keloids or traumatic tears.

Our specialists have received extensive training and completed a variety of procedures, offering the best ENT care for our patients. Our team also has access to a variety of specialties to ensure that patients receive coordinated care.

Ear Piercings: Healthy or Not? - Live Better | Revere Health (2024)

FAQs

Is ear piercing good or bad? ›

According to Ayurveda, the lobe of the ear has an important point right in the center. This point is one of the most important areas for reproductive health. Moreover, piercing of ear also helps maintain a healthy menstrual cycle in females.

What piercings does Rowan do? ›

What types of piercings do you offer? Rowan is all ears. Any ear piercing you want, we've got you. We pierce the entire perimeter of the ear and offer conch and tragus piercings (in select studios).

How do piercings affect your health? ›

Is body piercing dangerous? Sometimes bad infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis, can be spread by body piercing. Other problems may include bleeding, swelling, scarring, and reactions to the jewelry. Tooth chipping and gum damage can happen in people with tongue and lip piercings.

Is it healthy to get a piercing? ›

Piercing can lead to scars and raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids). Bloodborne diseases. If the equipment used to do the piercing is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus and HIV. Tearing or trauma.

What is the most safe ear piercing? ›

Because the cartilage is thinner on the upper ear, helix piercings tend to be the least painful cartilage piercing. They measure around a 4-5/10 on the pain scale and take around 3-6 months to fully heal.

What piercing helps with anxiety? ›

The daith piercing is an increasingly popular option to treat migraines, anxiety, and some other symptoms. On social media, people may come across images of this unique piercing on the inner ear, alongside promises that it will ease anxiety and improve quality of life.

Which piercing has benefits? ›

Unlike other piercings, the rook piercing benefits women because it may reduce menstrual pain and cramps. A rook piercing is a cartilage piercing done in the uppermost area of the ear, near the rim. In short, this piercing is on the pressure points connected to digestion, elimination, and the uterine muscles.

Why are piercings important? ›

The reasons for piercing or not piercing are varied. Some people pierce for religious or spiritual reasons, while others pierce for self-expression, for aesthetic value, for sexual pleasure, to conform to their culture or to rebel against it.

What is a joker piercing? ›

A Dahlia piercing is sometimes known as a joker piercing because of the comic book supervillain's well-known scars. It is one of the least common lip piercings you can get. Each corner of the mouth is pierced with a labret stud, as close to the corners as possible to create a lengthening effect.

What is the most uncommon piercing? ›

Rhino and Nasallang Piercings

These are definitely up there with the rarest and most unusual piercings!

Do piercings affect your immune system? ›

That can lead to some pretty disappointing piercing results. If you were to do 4 or 5 new piercings within close proximity of one another, you greatly increase the amount of inflammation that portion of the body will experience, which in turn greatly increases your immune response to such a concentrated area.

Do piercings affect energy flow? ›

Piercings can also stop the flow of our energy through the meridians which can cause pain and make us feel stagnant. When our energy is imbalanced, we can experience low immunity which can eventualy lead to chronic disorders.

Which piercing has the highest infection rate? ›

Of all the body sites commonly pierced, the navel is the most likely to become infected because of its shape. Infections can often be treated with good skin hygiene and antibiotic medications.

Who should not get piercings? ›

If you have a medical problem (such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem), talk to your doctor before getting pierced. If you plan to get a tongue or mouth piercing, make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.

What is the best age to get a piercing? ›

The ideal age for ear piercing varies depending on cultural and individual preferences. Some families pierce their newborn's ears as a cultural tradition. Others prefer to wait until their child expresses an interest in ear piercing, which usually occurs around the age of 7-10 years.

What foods to avoid after ear piercing? ›

Don't eat spicy, salty or acidy foods or liquids while you are healing. Avoid hot drinks such as hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Eat cold foods and drinks as they lessen swelling. Be extra careful when eating crunchy foods.

Are Claire's piercings safe? ›

Getting your ears pierced at Claire's is safe, sterile and easy. Our highly trained specialists provide a touch-free piercing experience that uses single-use sterile cartridges and requires no needles. Our equipment is sanitized before and after every customer.

What type of earrings are safest? ›

The best earrings for sensitive skin are made from pure metals; specifically gold (14 karat or higher), sterling silver, titanium and platinum. Since those materials also tend to be expensive, we consulted jewelry experts for their advice on the safest and most stunning options.

What are the safest earrings to wear? ›

The best earrings for sensitive ears are generally made with gold, platinum, or silver. Make sure you buy earrings that are 14k gold or above or sterling silver 925 to avoid the possibility of nickel being mixed in.

What ear piercing helps with depression? ›

Shen Men Piercing

This piercing is known as 'the divine gate'. This point which is located as a specific point near the top-centre cartilage of the ear is known to calm anxiety, boost immunity, relieve migraines, centre the body, and reduce depression.

What piercing helps with sleep? ›

Located where the helix is usually pierced is a point called the allergy point, which if stimulated, or pierced, is said to relieve symptoms of allergies such as congestion or a sore throat. Depending where on the helix the piercing is placed, it can also possibly aid with insomnia.

What is the most painful piercing? ›

Here is how much each type of piercing may hurt in order of most painful to least painful.
  • Genital piercing. Your genitals are among the most nerve-dense areas on your body. ...
  • Nipple piercing pain level. The nipple is another commonly pierced area that's pretty sensitive. ...
  • Nose piercing pain level. ...
  • Dermal piercing pain.
Apr 16, 2020

What is the least attractive piercing? ›

The most attractive spot for a piercing is the belly button. The least attractive is a tie between the nose and the nether regions.

What does ear piercing symbolize? ›

In many societies, ear piercing is done as a ritual indicating puberty, of which each of the parents would pierce an ear, symbolising the child's dependence upon them. The Ancient Egyptians are of the oldest bodies found with stretched ear lobes.

What does left ear piercing mean? ›

In the 1980s and 1990s, there was a saying recited by men that helped them decide which ear to pierce. “Left is right, right is wrong.” The meaning behind this phrase is that men who pierce their left ears are heterosexual, and men who pierce their right ears are hom*osexual.

What was the original purpose of piercings? ›

While nowadays there isn't always a meaning or reason behind piercings other than for adornment or personal choice, some of the first piercings came about due to spiritual or religious reasons. Ancient tribes believed that piercings offered protection from demons and spirits because metal repelled such beings.

Why do people want so many piercings? ›

"Pleasure may feel nice, but it doesn't make us happy without something painful to compare it to." Many piercing enthusiasts describe the feeling after getting one as release and relaxation, she says. "Some people seek out a piercing procedure as a form of self-therapy, allowing them to release stress."

Do piercings make you happier? ›

When you get a piercing, the anticipation, pain, and subsequent success releases endorphins in your brain, leaving you begging for more. It's a feeling so intense, you'll find yourself researching your next piercing before you've even gotten home from your piercer's shop. Piercings make us happy.

What is a Dracula piercing? ›

Dracula Nail is pierced in the position between upper lip and upper gum. There are very few nerves in this place. It hardly hurts during the puncture. Try to lean up a bit when piercing. Not suitable for long-term wear.

What is a love piercing? ›

A Lobe piercing is situated in the lower, soft fleshy region of the ear called the Lobule. It is pierced usually in the centre of the space, evenly spaced between the lower edge, the face and the opening of the ear canel. For comfort, safety and aesthetics, the lobe is pierced using a stud for jewellery.

What is a butterfly piercing? ›

The anti-eyebrow piercing, also known as the butterfly piercing, is a surface piercing. This means that the piercer will use clamps to pinch the skin that you want to be pierced and push the needle straight through. They will then insert a curved barbell into the piercing.

What piercing do guys like the most? ›

The most popular piercings for men include nipple piercings, eyebrow piercings, ear cartilage piercings, tongue piercings, nose piercings, lip piercings, and genital piercings, in that order.

What are the least popular piercings? ›

A few more uncommon piercings are eyeball piercings, dermal piercings (pictured to the left), corset piercings, some genital piercings, uvula piercings, bridge piercings, and anti-eyebrow piercings (the latter two are pictured above).

What does Chinese medicine say about piercings? ›

In traditional Chinese acupuncture, most piercings are frowned upon, according to acupuncturist Dann. Piercings can interrupt the flow of energy, especially along the middle meridian, where the navel is located. A piecing in one of the energy lines can weaken an entire organ or system.

How do piercings affect your liver? ›

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. And research shows that people who have body piercings have an increased risk of the infection.

Do jobs care about piercings anymore? ›

Businesses can enact tattoo and piercing rules as part of dress code policies prohibiting visible body modifications. These policies can be unpredictable and varied. Businesses where workplace safety is a concern. A job may have workplace safety issues that require the removal of jewelry in someone's piercings.

Do ear piercings affect nerves? ›

Nerve damage complications are also possible – and sometimes they affect internal organs or lead to sepsis, a potentially fatal illness that requires immediate medical attention. Other complications, less common, include brain abscess and endocarditis, a heart inflammation that can be life-threatening.

Do piercings boost self esteem? ›

Piercings have an amazing, magical ability to help improve your confidence and self image. And for many hundreds of yeas across many cultures piercings have been viewed as a status symbol, and a symbol of beauty and strength. Modern piercing is no different.

Why do piercings make me feel better? ›

The brain goes through a unique process throughout the piercing procedure. When your body goes through an intense physical stressor or pain, the brain releases endorphins. These endorphins interact with the body's pain receptors and activate the bodies opiate receptors.

What are the riskiest piercings? ›

OK, so enough let's move on to some of the more common dangerous piercings to get done:
  • Genital Beading / Pealing and BrailleTattooing: ...
  • Penile Subincision: ...
  • Achilles Piercing: ...
  • Crucifixion Piercing: ...
  • Corset Piercings and Play Piercings: ...
  • Suspensions: ...
  • Conclusion:
Aug 31, 2018

What ear piercings are least likely to get infected? ›

Ear Piercings

You should choose gold earrings, as this metal is less likely to cause an infection in newly-pierced ears. The earrings should also be post earrings, or small earrings that sit in your earlobe. By choosing a good piercer and earrings, you lessen your chances of getting an infected piercing.

What is the easiest ear piercing to get infected? ›

Piercings that go through ear cartilage are much more likely to become infected and are more difficult to treat than infections through the ear lobe or the soft tissue just above the lobe,” Dr. Kaplan says.

Do ear piercings symbolize? ›

The definition of piercing is “the insertion of jewelry into various parts of one's body.” Historically, in may societies piercing has been considered a symbol of royalty and elitism or even virility and courage; some even believe that pierced ears can ward off the evil eye.

What is the problem of piercing ear? ›

Ear piercing infections may be red, swollen, sore, warm, itchy or tender. Sometimes, piercings ooze blood or white, yellow or green pus. A new piercing is an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal. During that time, any bacteria that enter the wound can lead to infection.

Is ear piercing lucky? ›

They are believed to be lucky in the future for their partner. For a girl child, the first Ear is the left Ear; for a male, the first Ear is the suitable Ear, to get pierced. These traditions carry some beliefs on which everyone relies, which helps one to know more about their rituals.

Which age is best for ear piercing? ›

You can consult with your pediatrician on whether to pierce your baby's ears, but many recommend that your baby is at least three months old. Some people pierce their kids' ears during infancy while others will wait until the child is mature enough to take care of the piercing site.

What does piercings mean in the Bible? ›

Ultimately, much of the Christian debate around body piercing, tattoos, and other modifications boils down to personal interpretation of scripture and concepts. Some see piercings as self-expression and not “marking your body,” whereas others see piercing as a sin that goes against the Bible's teachings.

What does only a left ear piercing mean? ›

In the 1980s and 1990s, there was a saying recited by men that helped them decide which ear to pierce. “Left is right, right is wrong.” The meaning behind this phrase is that men who pierce their left ears are heterosexual, and men who pierce their right ears are hom*osexual.

What does an earring in the left ear mean? ›

Protection against bad luck

According to an ancient Chinese belief, wearing an earring in the left ear symbolizes that that person's life has been endangered, and to prevent a recurrence, an earring is worn on the left ear. It is supposedly protection against bad luck.

What are the cons of piercings? ›

You may face other issues which may include bleeding, tissue trauma, like scarring, skin/tissue tears (for example, a torn earlobe), or bruising. It is estimated that as many as 20 to 25 percent of people who have a body piercing have one of these issues.

What percentage of people have their ears pierced? ›

Between 80-90 percent of American women have their ears pierced, and men are also joining the ear-piercing ranks. Body modifications have been trendy for centuries, first discovered in Otzi, the famous “Iceman” mummy that lived between 3400-3100 BCE.

What is the most problematic piercing? ›

Most Painful Piercings
  • Daith. A daith piercing is a puncture to the lump of cartilage in your inner ear, above the ear canal. ...
  • Helix. The helix piercing is placed in the cartilage groove of the upper ear. ...
  • Rook. ...
  • Conch. ...
  • Industrial. ...
  • Dermal Anchor. ...
  • Septum. ...
  • Nipple.

Do ear piercings affect energy flow? ›

Piercings can also stop the flow of our energy through the meridians which can cause pain and make us feel stagnant. When our energy is imbalanced, we can experience low immunity which can eventualy lead to chronic disorders.

What is the average age for a girl to get her ears pierced? ›

Although a survey we've just done found 10 is the average age children are first getting their ears pierced, and one in six children have their ears pierced when aged five or under, 60 per cent of parents believe the legal age to get ear piercings should be at least 16.

Are Claire's ear piercings safe? ›

Getting your ears pierced at Claire's is safe, sterile and easy. Our highly trained specialists provide a touch-free piercing experience that uses single-use sterile cartridges and requires no needles. Our equipment is sanitized before and after every customer.

Which season is best for piercing? ›

The warmer weather in the springtime allows for better blood flow, which will speed up the healing process and flush away toxins on the skin. Therefore, getting your piercing in the springtime will allow for enough healing time so you can mix and match all you want.

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