Once you have drilled the holes in the lobes, you need to take care of them so that the wounds heal properly. Clean them twice a day and avoid touching the earrings if you don't need to. Gently treat your ears to avoid injury or infection and enjoy your new look!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Cleaning the Holes and Earrings
Step 1. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your ears
Make sure you clean them thoroughly before touching the earrings, so as not to transfer bacteria from the fingers to the earlobes. Use antibacterial soap to make sure they are as clean as possible.
Pour the soap on your hands and rub them for 10-15 seconds to kill most germs
Step 2. Clean your lobes 2 times a day with soap and water
Use a mild soap and massage it between your fingers until foam forms. Gently apply it to the front and back of the holes. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove the soap.
Step 3. Use a saline cleaning solution as an alternative to soap and water
To take care of pierced ears, ask the piercer if he can recommend a salt-based product; this way you can clean them without drying the skin. Blot the front and back of the holes with a cotton swab or cotton swab dipped in cleaning solution.
It is not necessary to rinse the area where you applied the saline solution
Step 4. Use denatured alcohol or antibiotic ointment 2 times a day, for 2-3 days
Disinfecting the holes will reduce the risk of infections and wounds will heal faster. Dab a cotton ball or Q-tip impregnated with denatured alcohol or antibiotic ointment on the lobes. Stop applying for a few days, as prolonged use of this treatment can dehydrate the skin and delay the healing process.
Step 5. Gently rotate the earrings when the earlobes are still wet
Grab the back of the earrings and carefully turn them right after cleaning the area. This will prevent them from sticking to the skin as the wounds heal. You should only do this when the ears are still wet.
If you do this when the skin is dry it may tear and bleed, taking longer to heal
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Injuries and Infections
Step 1. Do not remove the temporary earrings for at least 4-6 weeks
When you pierce the earlobes for the first time, you will be inserted a pair of earrings made of a hypoallergenic material that does not cause irritation. Keep them both day and night for at least 4 weeks, otherwise the holes could close or heal badly.
- The hypoallergenic earrings are constructed with surgical stainless steel, titanium, niobium or 14/18 karat gold.
- If you have pierced the cartilage area of the ear, you will need to leave the earring for 3-5 months so that the wound heals properly.
Step 2. Always wash your hands before touching your ears
If you touch them more than necessary they could develop an infection, so avoid it, unless you need to clean them or control the situation. If you have this need, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water first.
Step 3. Avoid swimming during the healing process
Water can encourage bacteria to enter the wound produced by the hole you just drilled, causing an infection. Therefore, avoid swimming pools, rivers, lakes and the sea during the healing process. If you own a hot tub, take a dip without getting your ears wet.
Step 4. Watch out for objects that can accidentally get caught in the earrings
Pull the meshes away from the lobes as you dress and undress. Stress and friction can cause irritation and slow the healing process. Avoid wearing hats that cover your ears and be careful when putting on and taking off your clothes to avoid injury.
If you wear a veil, choose a fabric that does not snag easily. Try to lay it comfortably and avoid wearing the same veil several times without washing it
Step 5. See your doctor if you notice signs of infection that have lasted for several days
If the earlobes are swollen and painful after a week, an infection may have developed. See your doctor for a visit if you notice thick, dark purulent discharge. The infected skin around the holes may also become red.
If the infection is severe, you will likely need to take antibiotics and drain the pus
Advice
- Be careful when brushing and combing your hair to prevent it from getting caught in your earrings.
- When wearing a hat, don't drop it too low to prevent it from getting stuck in your earrings.
- If the cartilage piercing is causing you pain, try sleeping on the opposite side to relieve the pressure.
- See your doctor immediately if the wound produces secretions.
- Wash the pillow case you sleep on every 2-3 days to prevent an infection from developing.
- First make sure that the shop where you drill your lobes is clean, uses sterilized tools and has all the requirements to practice this activity.
- If you have long hair, try to pull it up to prevent it from tangling in your earrings.
