Aftercare: Earlobe Piercing

Earlobe Piercing

What is a earlobe piercing?

Earlobe piercing is one of the most common and widely accepted forms of body piercing. It involves making a hole through the earlobe to insert jewelry. These piercings are best done with a straight, stud style jewelry.

Average Heal Time: 3 to 4 months
Recommended Downsize Timeframe: 4 to 6 weeks

Common triggers for earlobe piercings

Swapping or removing the jewelry too soon. These piercings should have jewelry in them 24/7 for the entire healing period. Once healed, piercees should not leave jewelry out for extended periods of time (more than 6-12 hours) until the piercings are really well established (this can look anywhere from 6mo-1 year depending on the individual).
Not thoroughly wiping where the jewelry goes in and comes out. Eventually, buildup of the normal white to yellow discharge on the jewelry and piercing can not only delay healing but also prevent necessary drainage and cause infection or abscesses.
Being pierced with a ring.
Twisting, turning, and moving the jewelry back and forth (the only time we recommend manipulating the jewelry is when necessary to clean).

How to clean earlobe piercings

Once a day

Rinse the piercing front and back with water. This is to be saved as the last step before exiting out of the shower. You can also rinse the piercing at a sink.
Spray sterile saline directly on the front and back of the piercing.
After several minutes have passed, dry wipe where the jewelry goes in and comes out. This is the only time we recommend moving the jewelry if you have to in order to wipe. Wipe under the top (the visible piece on the front) and between the flat disk and the back of the earlobe.

* * If your piercing was done with a ring, simply wipe where the jewelry goes in and comes out, it is generally a good idea to hold the ring with your non dominant hand while wiping.
** Wipe with only DRY, paper towel or gauze. We do not recommend q-tips or cotton products as this can cause fiber buildup on the jewelry especially with prong styles.