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During piercing appointments

nurses emphasize the importance of ear piercing aftercare. Along with cleaning the piercings, it is critical to wait at least six weeks before switching out the starter studs for another pair of earrings. It is also suggested that only hypoallergenic earrings be used to replace the starter studs when the time comes. Although ear piercings are significant life events worthy of commemoration, it is critical to understand how to care for ear piercings during the healing process.

One of the most frequently asked questions from clients

“When can I change my earrings?” Wearing the starter studs for the first six weeks allows the ears to heal properly. During this time, the piercing will go through the three stages of wound healing, which are the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases (1).

The inflammatory phase

The lasts two to four days and begins at the time of piercing. The body will do everything in its power to reject the jewelry and send signals that it should be removed. Many of the typical signs of trauma may be present, such as swelling, redness, pain, and heat at the site of the piercing. This is due to the chemicals released by the damaged cells. The inflammatory phase both protects the wound from pathogens and stimulates the growth of new skin.

The proliferative phase

which begins around day three, is the act of the body producing new skin. The new skin growth starts at both ends of the piercing and works its way inward. Angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, provides blood to the tissue to repair damage caused by the piercing. This stage can last up to a year and necessitates long-term care and precautions to ensure that the piercing does not become infected or cause other complications. It is normal for scabs to form around the piercing early on, discharge to collect on the jewelry, and the piercing to tighten to the point where the jewelry cannot move freely during this period. Although the piercing remains an open wound, it is often not painful and appears to be healed.

When the piercing

wound tunnel has finished growing and the two sides have connected, the remodeling stage begins. The piercing is no longer a sore spot. The piercing tunnel, on the other hand, remains thin and fragile. During this stage, the body produces more skin cells in order to expand and strengthen the tunnel. There should be no pain and the discharge should have ceased. The piercing holes will draw in and become more even and uniform. During the first year, the jewelry should be left in the piercing at all times to ensure that all three wound healing stages have occurred.

Once the initial six-week period has passed and earrings can be changed, it is best to only wear hypoallergenic jewelry (made of metals that do not contain nickel). Nickel is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (2). As a result, educating clients about the dangers of wearing nickel-containing earrings are an important part of the aftercare instructions provided during a piercing appointment. McGee earrings are available in a variety of styles. The earrings are not only adorable, but they are also suitable for everyday use!