Ear piercings are, undoubtedly, the most popular type of body piercing. Some like getting their ear lobes pierced, while others get a bit more adventurous and try various styles of cartilage piercing. No matter which category you fall in, you should never take these piercings lightly.

If you’re looking to get your ears pierced to reinvent your look, make sure you’re doing it right! Follow these simple dos and don’ts to avoid getting ear piercing infection.

Choose a Reliable Piercing Technician for the Job

Don’t just go to any piercing shop to get your piercing done. Make sure you choose someone who is certified and experienced for this job. Cheap piercing parlors will not only mess up the piercing but also expose you to harmful germs and pathogens.

Choose Safe Metals for Your Piercing

Make sure the jewelry you’re going to wear is made of the right metal. Titanium, surgical stainless steel, and nickel-free 14 karat gold and platinum are ideal for fresh piercings. Avoid the use of metals with traces of nickel and lead, such as sterling silver, to avoid allergic reactions.

Clean Your Piercing with a Sea Salt Solution

Maintaining good hygiene is very important for ear piercing aftercare. Sea salt solution is an effective cleaning agent that can prevent microbial growth around the piercing to stop an infection. You can prepare this solution easily by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water. Soak cotton with this solution and use it to clean your piercing a few times during the day.

Never Use Piercing Guns

More and more piercing experts advise against the use of a gun. A gunshot quickly forces a blunt post through your flesh, and this may result in scarring. Your piercer should use a sharp, hollow and sterilized needle that is discarded after use. Guns should never be used in case of cartilage piercings.

Avoid the Use of Irritants Until Your Piercing is Fully Healed

Chemicals contained in hairsprays, body sprays, and other cosmetic products can irritate your piercing. Avoid the use of all such products at least for the first few days. Take special care when talking on the phone or using earphones since you have to maintain a bacteria-free environment around the pierced area.

Don’t Touch Your Piercing Unnecessarily

Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water before you clean your piercing or touch it. Dirty hands can transmit bacteria into the wound. Also, avoid sleeping on your piercing during the initial days of wound healing.

Last Few Words

Ear piercings are fun and can be styled in a variety of ways. If you take care of these simple things, your ear piercing will heal sooner than you think and you will not experience any problems handling it.