I got my ears pierced for the first time four weeks ago. It was a nerve wracking at the beginning, but with the support of friends, I feel that it was well worth it. I picked out a steel plated zirconium earring and then sat nervously on the chair while the piercer prepared the “gun”. The “gun” was not as big as I thought. She then marked on my ear where I would want the earring and then measured both sides using what look like a rubber band. Then she placed the “gun” to my ear and within seconds it was done. The noise was loud, but the pain was not that much. I could feel that my ear got heavier though. That day my ear was slightly swollen and at times throbby, but the pain was less than I expected. The following are tips that I have compiled from my friends who have had their ears pierced and from my four week experience.
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Once you decide to get your ears pierced
Choose a proper location based on cleanliness and price. Make sure the facility has someone that is licensed to do the ear piercing. Gold or steel plated hypoallergenic metals are recommended for first timers, as certain metals can cause allergic reactions.
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Clean regularly
I tried a variety of cleaning agents including rubbing alcohol, Bactine, ear pierce gel, but hydrogen peroxide works the best for me. After washing your hands, clean your ears at least two times a day and rotate the the earring at least three times.
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Leave your earrings in after you first get them pierced for 4-6 weeks.
Also, avoid chlorinated waters or areas with dirt and potential contamination.
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Be cautious of hitting your ear
I sleep on my side so I was cautious not to hit my ear during my sleep. I realized though that I was most prone to hitting my ear during the day when I would pull back my hair. Any contact can cause little cuts and areas where germs are prone to enter.
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If you do get your ears infected
As cautious as I was and even with the regular cleansing, my ears did get infected. For me, it was probably traveling into an area where there was lots of dirt. I did not clean more than 2 times a day which I should of. However, I was able to get rid of the infections by incessant cleaning and rotating my earrings. When the skin and white discharge started covering my ears, I sterilized the tweezer (through heat and alcohol) and tried to push the earring forward to help rotation. I also put Neosporin on the area that was affected. Within days, the infection and swelling was better.
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Avoid heavy earrings or wear them for a shorter amount of time
Especially at the beginning it is best not to wear heavy earrings as it can change the shape of your ear (saggy appearance).
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Regularly clean your earrings and enjoy!
