posted: Mar. 19, 2021.
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. In earlier centuries, ear piercing was a sign of nobility. Today, it’s simply a fashion statement. Of course, getting ears pierced do come with some potential risks, which is why it might be best to skip that local jewelry shop’s ear-piercing services and turn to a qualified ENT doctor instead.
The Risks andComplications of Ear Piercing
While getting your ears pierced by a trained medical professional can greatly lessen the risk of infections and complications, sometimes issues still occur after a piercing. Common problems caused by ear piercings include:
- Allergy to certain metals: If you have an allergy to certain types of jewelry or your skin is particularly sensitive to metals, talk with your doctor about getting jewelry made from materials such as stainless steel or titanium, which are less likely to cause a reaction.
- Infections: We know that it’s fun to fiddle and play with your piercing, but it’s important to leave it alone while it heals and to practice proper aftercare to prevent infection. If you continue to mess with the piercing before the skin heals, bacteria from your hands can lead to irritation or infection. If you develop redness, swelling, pain, or pus, these are all signs of an infection.
- Scarring: Certain individuals are prone to scarring, particularly keloid scars (excessive buildup of scar tissue). Keloids scars can be unsightly and uncomfortable but can be treated with laser therapy, steroid injections, or surgery
Certain Medical Conditions Could Make Piercings an Issue
Certain individuals may want to talk with their ENT doctor before getting their ears pierced, as there may be an increase in complications. Let your doctor know beforehand if you,
- Are pregnant
- Have diabetes
- Have an autoimmune disorder
- Have a blood clotting disorder (e.g., hemophilia)
If you want to get your ears pierced, an ENT specialist will be the best doctor to turn to, as they can provide a clean, sterilized environment to reduce the risk for infection and piercing-related complications. Turn to an ENT doctor for your professional ear piercing.
FAQs
An infection can cause redness, pain and swelling after a piercing. A fluid that looks like pus also may come out of the pierced hole when there's an infection. Other skin problems. Piercing can lead to keloids.
How risky is an ear piercing? ›
Ear piercing can be safe and simple, but there are some important guidelines to follow when you get it done. If you know what to expect during the piercing and how to take care of your ear afterward, you'll cut your chances of infection.
Should I be worried about getting my ears pierced? ›
Ears can be pierced using different techniques, including a gun or needles. It's important to keep your piercing clean and rotate the earrings regularly while they are healing. Possible complications of ear piercings are infection, allergic reactions to metal, a splitting earlobe, or keloid scars.
What are the dangers of earlobe piercing? ›
There are many risks to piercings, some of which are serious and deadly. They include infection, allergic reactions, pain, nerve damage, bleeding, scarring, dental trauma, tearing, difficulty breastfeeding or urinating, and sexual dysfunction.
Is it wrong to get your ears pierced? ›
Ear piercing is generally considered safe, but it may not be for everyone. It's generally best to check with your primary care doctor before getting your ears pierced, if you: are pregnant. are immunocompromised.
Is a gun or needle better for ear piercing? ›
Ear piercing machines are only ever used for earlobes. Piercing guns are never used for other parts of the ear or body such as the helix or nose. Needles work best in cartilage areas, due to their scalpel-like sharpness and precision. Needle piercing in these areas promotes better healing!
When not to pierce your ears? ›
If you get rashes or lesions on your ears, you might want to avoid piercing them. If you have an autoimmune disorder that can interrupt the healing process, you might want to avoid piercing them. If you have allergies to jewelry or metals, you might want to avoid piercing them.
Who shouldn't get a piercing? ›
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.
Why shouldn't you get pierced at Claire's? ›
A typical Claire's piercing earring isn't as sharp as a needle, so when you ram it through the skin, it causes unnecessary pain, damage, and inflammation to the body (and can make the healing process longer and more difficult).
What percentage of ear piercings get infected? ›
Even with proper care, about 20% of earlobe piercings become infected and 30% of cartilage piercings become infected. Most commonly, an infected ear piercing is caused by bacteria entering the wound, which can happen in several ways. Handling with unclean hands.
Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while the piercing heals. Leave the piercing alone during healing. Don't touch a new piercing or twist the jewelry unless you're cleaning it. Keep clothing away from the piercing.
What is the Claire's ear piercing lawsuit? ›
Amy Locastro filed a lawsuit against Claire's under the theory of negligence. According to the evidence at trial, all of Claire's employees were required to undergo training on how to pierce ears. However, there was no specific evidence that the employee who pierced Alexis' ears was ever formally trained.
Where is the safest place to get your ears pierced? ›
Some pediatricians' offices will pierce ears for a small fee or you can go to a reputable jewelry store. If you do go to a store, like at the mall, make sure the person is trained and using sterile equipment.
How likely are ear piercings to get infected? ›
Even with proper care, about 20% of earlobe piercings become infected and 30% of cartilage piercings become infected. Most commonly, an infected ear piercing is caused by bacteria entering the wound, which can happen in several ways. Handling with unclean hands.
How much does a ear piercing hurt on a scale of 1 to 10? ›
A standard lobe piercing is widely considered the most common and least painful ear piercing available. It is the lowest maintenance option and has the shortest healing time. Standard lobe piercings rank at around a 2/10 on the pain scale and take 6-8 weeks to heal.
Can an ear piercing cause nerve damage? ›
Poor practices during piercing procedure can lead to: infection including blood-borne viruses. allergic reactions. nerve damage.
