Finally, you have got your ears pierced and are wondering how to care for them properly. Explore this article to know some simple tips on how to heal newly pierced ears.

How To Heal Pierced Ears

Both men and women enjoy having pierced ears. After all, ear piercing is considered very fashionable these days. Though ears are one of the fastest healing body parts a person has, they require proper care when pierced, else they can easily get infected and cause a lot of pain as well. A daily cleaning and care regimen is very important to promote healing of the pierced skin and stave off bacterial infection. Earlobe piercings can take six to eight weeks, while ear cartilage piercings can take from four months to a complete year to heal completely. Most likely, your ears will make your feel uncomfortable for the first few days after you get them pierced. As to how soon will they heal, it will completely depend on the amount of care you bestow on them. Given here are some tips to help you know how to heal pierced ears. Do read on.
Image: mrmanc@flickr
 
How To Care For Newly Pierced Ears
 
  • Do not turn or twist the earrings for the first few days, to lower the chances of infection. Also avoid touching your piercing even now and then.
  • Do not remove the earrings for the first three months. Give your ears optimum time to heal and keep the wound from being further damaged by the earring going in and out.
  • After you get your ears pierced, do not sleep on your sides. Ensure that your bed linens are clean and cover your pillow with a clean t-shirt, to avoid infection.
  • Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly before handling the piercing.
  • Dissolve ¼ teaspoon of non-ionized salt in 1 cup of warm, distilled water. Soak a cotton gauze or paper towel in the saline solution and apply to your pierced ears. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse the ears with warm water thereafter.
  • Do not use alcohol, witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide on a healing ear lobe or ear cartilage. These products promote scarring in tender flesh.
  • Use a mild, fragrance-free and antimicrobial liquid soap to wash your pierced ears. Form lather and clean the area for 30 seconds. Rinse with warm water to remove soap and crusty areas.
  • While bathing, ensure that no shampoo or conditioner gets on your ears. If these substances are not rinsed out properly, they can lead to infection. If required, wear a shower cap.
  • Take a vitamin B tablet that contains zinc. This will help in the process of healing. Also, add multivitamin supplements to your regime to speed up healing and boost immunity.
  • Pin up all hair around your ears, since hair can transmit hair products, bacteria, dirt, oil and other irritants into the piercing.
  • Avoid bumping or injuring your ears. Do not play rough sports and prevent babies or toddlers from grabbing at your ears.
  • After your ears have healed completely, stay away from dangling or heavy earrings for the first few months. Start off with small earrings or studs and then gradually work your way up to heavier and bigger varieties.

How to Cite

More from iloveindia.com