Ear piercing is one of the hottest topics that mothers discuss. It might be devastating for some and acceptable for others. In some cultures, piercing your baby’s ears is a tradition. Whether it is due to a tradition or for the fun you should know the following:
Ear piercing is usually done without painkillers. The anesthetic shot hurts more than the piercing. Some believe that it is less painful at a younger age.
Not all ear piercing shops have sterilized material. You should know that ear piercing guns cannot be sterilized. There is a probability that your baby contacts any kind of infection.
At a younger age, your baby’s ears haven’t completely grown and there is a possibility that the holes look asymmetrical at a later age.
Some pediatricians would recommend waiting until your daughter is big enough to take care of the ear piercing by herself. Some recommend waiting after the age of 4 months when your baby’s immune system is stronger and she should have received her Tetanus shot.
When piercing your baby’s ears make sure that the earrings are covered with 14K gold which lowers the risk of having an allergic reaction or inflammation.
How to take care of your baby’s pierced ear?
Rotate the earrings at least two times per day and clean front and back with an antiseptic solution.
Do not remove the earrings for at least 2 months. It allows the holes to heal.
Use only surgical coated gold earrings to prevent any infection.
Teach your daughter when she gets bigger how to clean her earrings every day.
Always check the area around the earrings. If it becomes red, tender or rash occurs, call your doctor immediately. This is sign of infection.
What complications can occur from piercing my baby’s ears?
Infection: This is the most common complication. It can be due to unclean equipments, positioning of the earrings in a dirty spot and tight clasping of the earrings.
Allergic reactions: This problem is mainly due to the metals used in the earrings. It is always recommended to use nickel free earrings or surgical covered with 14K gold earrings.
Keloid formation: It occurs when the body rejects the earrings and defends itself. Swelling and inflammation occurs. Medical treatment is necessary and a scar is formed. You will not be able to pierce your baby’s ears anymore.
Choking hazard: The earrings may fall down and your baby can swallow them. Always choose earrings that don’t fall out easily.
Ear lobe rip: it can happen if you use dangling earrings. They can attach to anything ripping her ear lobe while playing.