Caring for newly pierced ears, especially for children, can be a challenge for many parents. But with proper care and the use of the best materials, infections and other complications can be prevented. In this article, we will go over the basic steps for caring for newly pierced ears, as well as which materials are appropriate to use, such as titanium and surgical steel.
- Hygiene and maintenance
When your child has new pierced ears, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Follow these simple steps to ensure good hygiene:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the child's ears.
- Clean the ears twice a day with a cotton swab dipped in a saline solution or an antiseptic recommended by the piercer or healthcare professional.
- Avoid twisting or spinning the earrings, as this can irritate the hole and delay healing.
- Do not replace the earrings until healing is complete, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks for the earlobe and longer for cartilage.
- Material selection
It is important to choose the right material for the earrings to avoid allergic reactions and irritations. Here are some of the best materials to use:
- Titanium: This light, strong and durable material is an excellent choice for newly made holes. Titanium is biocompatible and contains no allergens, making it safe for children and adults with sensitive skin and nickel allergies.
- Surgical Steel: This material is common in medical equipment and is considered safe and hygienic. Surgical steel has a low nickel content, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions. However, people with severe nickel allergy may still be sensitive to this material.
- Signs of infection and when to seek care
Even if you follow all the advice, infections can still occur. Here are some signs of infection that you should be aware of:
- Increased redness, swelling or pain around the hole
- Persistent or foul-smelling discharge from the hole
- Fever or chills
If you suspect an infection, contact healthcare professionals or the piercer for advice and treatment. It is important not to ignore signs of infection, as this can lead to complications.
Here are some signs and complications you should be aware of:
- Increased redness, swelling or pain around the hole
- Persistent or foul-smelling discharge from the hole
- Fever or chills
- Allergic reactions due to the jewelry's material
- Keloids, raised scar tissue that forms around the hole
- Displaced or bad
See our recommendations below for earrings that fit children with newly pierced holes. We especially recommend our titanium earrings, as they are made of pure titanium. If you want to be extra careful, you can choose our hoop earrings , because they allow the holes to air properly.
