Ear Piercing Care: When My Piercing Hurts and Bleeds

Dealing with pain and bleeding in an ear piercing can be quite concerning, especially when you're not sure how to proceed. The following steps can help you care for your piercing and regain your peace of mind.

Initial Care for Bleeding and Pain

If you find that your ear piercing is bleeding, it's crucial to act quickly and take the appropriate measures to treat it. Firstly, you may need to remove the earring. Clean a clean alcohol bottle or purchase some rubbing alcohol from a Walmart, or any other local pharmacy. This will help sterilize the area and prevent further infection.

Once the area is clean, apply firm pressure to the piercing to help stop the bleeding. It may be tempting, but avoid touching the piercing or removing the earring until the bleeding has stopped. If you are comfortable, you can keep the earring in place to allow it to continue healing.

Addressing Ear Piercing Pain and Replacing the Earring

If the earring starts to cause pain or bleeding, you should try to switch it out for a different one. It's better to use an earring that you know doesn't irritate your skin. Apply a small amount of polysporin ointment to the new earring to protect the healing area.

If the pain and bleeding do not improve in a week, it is important to remove the earring altogether and allow the piercing to heal. After a few days, you can consider replacing the earring with a new one. However, before re-piercing, it's recommended to clean the area thoroughly and ensure that it is fully healed to prevent further irritation or infection.

Preventing Further Complications

Proper care is key to avoid further complications. If you are considering changing to a larger gauge earring, make sure the size difference is not too significant. Moving from an 18-gauge to a 14 or 16-gauge is a safer option. If the size difference is larger, you may need to take additional precautions or consult a professional piercer.

While the earring is healing, it is important to keep it clean. Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap to clean the piercing and the earrings themselves. You can also use a warm saline solution for soaks to help the area heal. Be sure to clean any gunk around the holes with a cotton swab dipped in the saline solution. Regular cleaning and rotation of the jewelry will help prevent infection and ensure the piercing heals properly.

For future reference, communicate with your friends or family members about the appropriate gauge of earrings for your ears. This will help avoid the same issues in the future.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively care for your ear piercing and ensure that it heals properly. Remember, rushing the process or neglecting proper care can lead to complications later on.