Ear lobe piercing care, infection, healing, jewelry, price, types

What is ear lobe piercing

One of the oldest body modifications, ear lobe piercing involves perforation of the center of the earlobe, the soft and fleshy part of the bottom of the ear. Having immense cultural significance in some parts of the world, it is now universally rampant among the youth. With an ear lobe piercing, you get to flaunt an array of designer earrings, redefining your personality as well.

How to pierce your ear lobe

Being a traditional piercing, some people attempt it at home under unhygienic conditions increasing the risk of infection. Always make sure you visit a sophisticated piercing salon to get it done by an experienced piercing professional. Although several ear piercing instruments such as piercing gun are available, the safest means to carry out the piercing is using a sterilized, heavier-gauge needle. After a thorough cleaning of the ear lobe with an antiseptic solution, the needle is passed through it followed by placement of the jewelry.

Ear lobe piercing pain

Unlike ear cartilage piercing, it is marked as one of the least painful ear piercings. However, the pierced area might undergo bruising, swelling, and bleeding for few days during the healing process.

Ear lobe piercing aftercare

Clean the pierced region twice a day with a cotton ball soaked in warm saline water
Use a mild soap while bathing lathering up a pearl size around the pierced earlobe to rinse the area as well as the jewelry
Pat dry the piercing with a paper towel
Avoid the application of ointments, lotions, creams, body oil, or cosmetic product over the pierced region
Do not remove or change the jewelry till the piercing heals fully

Ear lobe piercing healing time

The piercing region takes approximately 3 to 9 weeks for complete healing.

Ear lobe piercing infection and complications

An infected earlobe is characterized by redness, swelling, tenderness, and a yellow pus discharge. In most cases, handling the piercing with unclean hands or using unsterilized piercing instruments cause infection. Do not delay the treatment of the infected, swollen piercing as it could lead to major complications. Although chances of rejection and migration are low, be careful regarding the selection of the jewelry to avoid an allergic reaction that might compel you to get it removed.

Ear lobe piercing jewelry

An ideal spot for displaying a wide assortment of jewelry ranging from uniquely designed rings, circular barbells to studs and straight barbells, the pierced ear lobe should be carefully adorned with appropriate jewelry during the healing period to avoid unnecessary trauma. Once it heals properly, you can opt for the other choices.

Ear lobe piercing cost

Although the price of the piercing may vary according to the type of jewelry chosen, in most elite piercing studios it may cost you anywhere between $20 and $30.