Ear piercing is the most common kind of piercing across the globe, and most of us get it done as kids. So we barely remember how it was and the dos and don'ts that we followed. 

But with all those tempting Pinterest photos of people with multiple ear piercings, it's hard not to get another one. 

So in case you recently got an ear piercing or are planning to get one, here is everything you need to know about when to change it, aftercare, and more. 

How long should you wait before changing your Ear Piercing?

The waiting period depends on what kind of ear piercing you did. The different types of ear piercings can be broadly categorized into two types: 1. Earlobe Piercings, 2. Ear Cartilage Piercings. 

Check out which type is yours and what is the recommended waiting time for it.

1. Ear Lobe Piercings:

An earlobe piercing is one at the fleshy lower part of our ears. This is also the most common type of ear piercing. If someone is piercing their ears for the first time, they'll mostly go with this one. 

Since this type of piercing is done on the softer part of our ears, it is lesser painful and easier to heal. 

It usually takes about 2 months to completely heal if proper care is taken. Depending on your aftercare, it may take more or less time than this. 

Since it is so common, don't think it isn't cool enough. You have 18 different styles to play with!

2. Ear Cartilage Piercings:

Cartilage piercings are the ones we do on the middle to upper cartilage part of the ears. They are comparatively more painful than the earlobe ones and take more time to heal. 

Depending on the position of the cartilage piercing, it can take anywhere between 3 months to a year to heal. 

Some of the most popular styles of cartilage piercings include helix piercing (here also you have options like a main helix, forward helix, and helix flap), tragus piercing, anti-tragus piercing, industrial piercing, and daith piercing. 

It doesn’t matter if your cartilage piercing has healed early, experts always recommend not to change the piercing before 6 months! 

Also, if it is your first cartilage piercing, I recommend visiting a piercing store and taking a professional's help for changing so that you don't get keloid scars. 

What happens if you change your Piercing too Early? 

The last thing you want to do after the piercing is to be impatient with the healing process! Piercings are puncture wounds, and they heal in three stages. The inflammatory phase, the proliferative phase, and the remodeling phase. 

Disturbing these three can lead to problems ranging from irritation to severe infection and scarring. 

If the wound is not healed correctly, there's a high chance of you getting allergies from new jewelry that you'll put on. Even metals like gold can irritate open wounds. This can prolong the healing process. 

Besides, changing your piercing too early also carries the risk of the hole closing up because your lobe is still in healing mode. 

In case your piercing has come off accidentally, visit a professional and get an implant-grade, sterilized titanium stud inserted. DO NOT put any fashion jewelry or gold and silver earrings. 

Proper Aftercare for Ear Piercing 

Even though ear piercings are the least risky among all the body piercings, you should still be considerate about them. 

Here are some tips (apart from removing it early) to follow to do the right aftercare for your ear piercings. 

1. Keep Your Dirty Hands Away From It! 

I know it can be tempting to touch your ears repeatedly, but don't do it. If you want to touch your ears, properly wash your hands with soap first.

2. Wash It Lightly With A Gentle Fragrance-Free Soap And Water

You should clean your piercing at least once daily with mild fragrance-free soap and water. To be more light-handed, you can use a cotton bud. 

3. Use Petroleum Jelly To Retain Moisture

Use a squeeze tube of petroleum jelly to avoid transferring germs from your hand to your wound. It is essential to keep a wound moist as it heals faster. 

4. Keep Your Piercings In Check

Regularly look for any abnormal changes like soaring, puffiness, or yellowish liquid oozing out of the hole. These can be signs of infection. In that case, visit a Dermat ASAP. 

5. Keep Your Piercings Away From Alcohol-Based Perfumes 

Alcohol can irritate the skin around the wound and slow down the healing process. So avoid spritzing perfume near your newly pierced ears. 

How to know if your Piercing is Healed? 

Here are some common signs you can look for apart from feeling no pain. 

1. No Signs Of Discharge

Note that it is not the ultimate sign that your wound has healed, but if it has healed, it'll have no signs of discharge. 

2. No Red Puffiness Around The Holes

The more your piercings heal, the more sturdy it gets. The redness and bumps around the hole will be gone, and the skin around the hole will look pulled inwards. 

3. The Jewelry Can Move Freely 

When the wound is healed and dried, you'll be able to twist and turn your jewelry smoothly. If you notice that the skin is still sticking to the jewelry, then you need some more time to heal. 

Final Words

It is always best not to be haste when it comes to healing your piercings. The better they heal, the faster you'll be able to put on those fancy earrings you wanted!

Until your piercings heal, you can go on retail therapy at Bijou Limon and add some outstanding pieces for the future!