How To Reduce Swelling After Getting An Ear Piercing - EarCandy

Photo courtesy of Arriba on Flickr

One thing you may not know when you get a piercing is that the piercer puts in jewelry that is longer than what you would ordinarily wear. The reason for this is to compensate for any swelling that occurs during and after the piercing process. Remember: A piercing is a wound. Your body’s natural response to tissue damage is to increase blood flow to the area which causes a leakage of fluid (more commonly known as “pus”). Hence, the swelling.

Once the swelling goes away, typically after two weeks, go back to your piercer and ask him or her to downsize your jewelry. If the longer jewelry is left in, it can get caught on clothes, hair, etc. which can cause more damage. Instead of replacing the entire piece of jewelry, your piercer will probably only replace the post with a shorter one. The downside, however, is that it usually costs money for a new post.

In the meantime, here are some ways to ease the swelling:

1. Wrap an ice pack in a paper towel and gently apply it to the swollen area for a few minutes.

Why does this work? Ice is a constricting agent and will lessen the blood flow to the area. While white blood cells are required to heal the wound, your body overcompensates and sends too much. The ice will relieve the pain and swelling that is making you uncomfortable. However, keeping ice on the wound for too long can cause even more damage, so you need to find a happy medium.

2. Take an anti-inflammatory such as Advil, Motrin or Aleve.

These drugs, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, block proteins and enzymes in the body that cause the swelling. They also reduce fevers and, therefore, reduce pain.

3. Make sure you are keeping the area clean by doing regular sea salt soaks.

4. In the shower, rinse your piercings with a mild soap. Make sure to do this last to get rid of residue from shampoo, conditioner or body wash.

If you have any questions, refer to your aftercare brochure provided to you by your piercer. If that doesn’t answer your questions, give them a call.

Happy healing!

Share this:

• X
• Facebook
• Pinterest

Like Loading...

Related