Pierced Ears Hurt After Changing Earrings: Causes and Care Tips

Have you noticed your newly pierced ears feeling sore after changing earrings for the first time? This is a common and natural occurrence, especially as your piercings heal. Here, we will discuss the reasons for this discomfort and provide some essential care tips to help manage the situation.

Common Causes of Soreness

After six weeks, you have likely changed your earrings for the first time. However, even though the healing process has reached a stage where it may seem like your ears have fully healed, it's important to understand that the tissue around the piercing can still be inflamed or irritated during the earring change. Several factors can contribute to this:

Earring Type: New earrings, particularly those with heavier or different materials, can cause more discomfort. It's advisable to stick to hypoallergenic materials such as surgical steel, titanium, or gold during the healing process. Cleaning: Proper cleaning is crucial to prevent infections and irritation. Ensure both your ears and earrings are clean before and after changing them. Gentle Handling: Be gentle when putting on or taking off earrings to avoid causing additional irritation.

Signs of Infection

While some soreness is normal, you should be aware of signs of infection. If you notice increased redness, swelling, the presence of pus, or a fever, seeking advice from a healthcare professional or piercer is recommended.

Proactive Care Tips

If you're experiencing persistent or worsening soreness, consider the following care tips to minimize your discomfort:

Use Hypoallergenic Jewelry: Stick to hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel or 925 silver to reduce the risk of irritation. Proper Aftercare: Follow these steps to care for your ears and earrings: Wash Hands: Before handling your earrings, always wash your hands to keep your ears clean and free from bacteria. Clean Earring Posts: Use surgical spirits to clean the posts of your earrings. This can help prevent irritation and infection. Avoid Touching Your Ears: Try to avoid touching your pierced ears with dirty hands to prevent introducing bacteria.

Conclusion

Changing earrings after six weeks can lead to some soreness, especially as the healing process continues. It's important to use suitable materials, follow proper aftercare procedures, and stay vigilant for signs of infection. If you're unsure about your situation or experiencing discomfort, consulting a professional piercer or healthcare provider is always a good idea.

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