Ear Piercing Ideas

The prevalence of body piercing seems to be on the rise these days, but actually piercing has been a common practice for many cultures for thousands of years. In addition to making a personal or fashion statement, many piercings-especially among those historical cultures who have embraced piercing for years-have culture significance, not just visual appeal. Before you have any piercings, you should weigh your options carefully and make an educated decision.

Tips for Safe Ear Piercing

Here are some suggestions and tips that will make your ear piercing a safer and healthier event.

* Be certain when getting a piercing that the person performing the piercing practices good hygiene such as wearing unused, latex gloves over freshly washed hands.

* All of the equipment should be clean and properly sterilized beforehand.

* The surroundings should meet high levels for cleanliness and hygiene.

For sanitary reasons, disposable needles are preferred for ear piercing. Non-disposable needles can be unsafe due to possible bacteria. Always verify that new, unused needles are being used for your ear piercing.

* There should be bright lighting and basic first aid supplies at hand.

What type of Jewelry is Best for New Piercings?

We recommend nickel-free, 18K or 14K gold studs for your first set of earrings after getting them pierced. Never use any earrings that are silver or gold plated in ears with fresh piercings. These metals can create infections and allergic reactions. If you have an allergic reaction to gold, you can use Teflon or nylon ear jewelry until your healing is complete.

Types of Ear Piercings

There are several different ways of piercing one's ears. In addition to the more traditional lobe piercings the other aspects of an ear can also be used. The following are all names of ear piercing styles: Rook, Industrial, Daith, Tragus and Anti-Tragus, Helix, Conch, and Snug.

Risks Involved with Cartilage Piercing

Some ear piercings involve using the cartilage. While there are a number of interesting looks that can be experimented with it is necessary to exercise additional caution. Cartilage can be destroyed or damaged if these styles of ear piercing are not performed very carefully. It is also wise to be selective when choosing the jewelry that will be worn. Earrings or other ornamentation that is too large or too heavy can create additional problems for the cartilage in a person's ears.

Ear piercing is perhaps the most common and it is a quick and relatively painless process. Though piercings are done often in society, knowing the concerns, care and risks before the procedure is wise.