Many modern parents do not usually pierce their newborn babies’ ears because there is always a risk for infection.

If your baby is now a teenager and wants to wear earrings, you should know what the piercing procedure involves and what safety measures you should employ together.

First, we will assume that the school your teenager is attending has a relaxed policy about earring, especially on boys – otherwise, the situation might get a bit complicated.

So let’s see some ear-piercing tips for teens and their parents to follow!

DIY Ear Piercing or Professional Ear Piercing?

The answer here is obvious: as parents, you should encourage your teenager to choose a medical/sterile setting for ear piercings.

DIY ear piercing is common among adolescents, especially if they are home alone with a group of friends and entertain “spontaneous ideas and activities.”

We have all seen enough teen movies to know that this can go very wrong very fast.

The safe way to go about ear piercing is with a professional venue. Most likely, you will have to sign a consent form if your child is underage and make sure she or he receives the proper aftercare.

According to statistics, the earlobe is the universally preferred site for earring piercing.

However, as you probably know, it is not the only site.

If your kid wants a cartilage piercing as well, the same rule applies: pick a professional piercer, a reputable jewelry store, or any facility that regularly offers such services.

Earlobe piercing and hoop cartilage piercing are safe procedures, as long as your teen receives them in a sanitary environment at the hand of a specialist.

Picking the right type of earring is also essential, as some materials can cause allergies.

It’s best to offer your two cents (metaphorically and literally) and invest in some quality starter ear jewelry as well.

Who Should Not Get a Piercing?

Some teens may want their ears pierced, and their parents might be alright with this choice and rite of passage.

However, doctors and professional piercers advise against the procedure if your child presents pre-existent health problems or other issues that might interfere with the healing process:

• Diabetes, hemophilia, an autoimmune disorder, any heart condition, immune system weaknesses, skin conditions, etc.
• Piercings are not recommended in the case of pregnant adolescents or adult women either.
• Teens and adults with rashes, evident skin or tissue conditions, scars, lesions, moles, freckles, or lumps should consult a doctor before they get a piercing of any kind.

How Should the Ear Piercing Procedure Unfold?

Most facilities will most likely use a piercing gun. It’s the industry standard in mall jewelry stores and other similar venues, but critics of this method claim it poses risks.

For this reason, many parents encourage their teens to have the procedure in a medical environment with fully sterile equipment.

If you do get the piercing gun, ask all the questions you feel are necessary to make sure your child receives the utmost care.

The person piercing your child’s ears should use a disinfectant to sanitize the ear area where the piercing goes. Professional piercers also use a water-based marker to highlight the piercing spots.

While your child will experience a pinch and some bleeding, the entire process takes a few minutes with no significant amount of pain.

After the piercing, the earring backs will come into place. You should know that any ear piercing should begin with starter earrings made of hypoallergenic materials that your teen will have to wear for about six weeks.

When it comes to starter rings and permanent ear or cartilage rings, make sure your child avoids nickel or other metals that can cause allergies. Silver, gold, or stainless steel are the best and safest choices.

After the procedure, the professional piercer should give you an antiseptic solution to treat the ear areas and avoid infections.

How to Safeguard Your Teen after the Piercing Procedure

Now that everything went according to plan, it is time to take the antiseptic solution at home and make sure your teen follows some basic hygiene and safety measures to ensure the proper healing of the piercings.

• Apply the disinfectant three-four times a day on the pierced area, especially after coming home from outside, exercise, or showers.
• If you do not have a particular disinfectant solution, alcohol works just as well.
• Teach your child to apply the solution around and under the earrings and on the back of the lobe/cartilage.
• Make sure your kid washes hands before and after the disinfection procedure.
• Keep your house as clean and disinfected as possible; we know you already do that, but to prevent any infection or health issue, pay attention to this matter more during the following weeks. Using natural home cleaning solutions that do not cause irritations or allergies might also be a good idea.
• Turning the earrings in place a couple of times a day prevents them from adhering to the skin and causing pain. However, the starter earrings should remain in place as long as the piercer recommended.
• Your child should also wear the earrings at night; otherwise, the holes risk to close and a re-piercing might be in order.
• Learn to spot the earliest signs of an infection or an allergic reaction to metals: ear redness and itchiness, soreness, pain, puss pustules, puffing, etc. If any of these symptoms appear, take your child to the doctor immediately.

Getting their ears pierced is an exciting moment for any teen. You can help your child enjoy this rite of passage by showing your support and teaching her all they need to know about safety measures and piercing hygiene.

Moreover, you should help your teen pick a nice pair of earrings as well!