Cartilage Piercings and Healing
When it comes to cartilage piercings, the healing process is slow and delicate. Removing the jewelry before the cartilage is fully stable can lead to various complications. These include the piercing being rejected by the body, improper healing, or infection. It is important to note that cartilage piercings can take up to a year to fully heal internally.
Can You Take a Cartilage Piercing Out?
Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, creating a tunnel through the ear. It is crucial not to remove the earring until the piercing has fully healed. Even then, it is recommended to swap in another earring to prevent the piercing from closing up quickly. Proper aftercare, such as washing with saline solution or antibacterial soap, is essential to avoid irritation.
Taking Cartilage Piercing Out for a Few Hours
To promote faster healing, it is recommended to wear earrings made of implant-grade metal. This allows the body to form a healed layer around the metal. Additionally, avoiding going without earrings for more than 24 hours during the first six months of a new piercing can prevent the hole from closing.
How Fast Do Cartilage Piercings Close?
Cartilage piercings have the potential to close up quickly, especially if they are not given enough time to heal. Cartilage takes longer to heal and is more susceptible to irritation. Complete healing of an ear cartilage piercing can take anywhere from 6 months to two years.
Dealing with Infected Cartilage Piercing
If a cartilage piercing becomes infected, it is important not to use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments, as they can further irritate the skin and slow down the healing process. Removing the piercing should also be avoided, as it can cause the hole to close up and trap the infection.
Signs of Proper Healing for Cartilage Piercings
A fully healed cartilage piercing should exhibit normal color, with no redness, swelling, or tenderness. There should be no drainage of clear or yellowish fluid, and the area should not be painful when touched. For most people, the earliest a cartilage piercing fully heals is around 3 months.
Pain Level of Cartilage Piercings
Cartilage piercings are generally more painful than earlobe piercings but less painful than other types of body piercings. This is because cartilage tissue is thicker and harder. Some pain and discomfort are to be expected. Pinching the ear cartilage area can give an idea of the level of pain.
Tips for Faster Cartilage Piercing Healing
- Seek professional piercing services.
- Avoid piercing guns.
- Choose high-quality jewelry and avoid changing it frequently.
- Get one piercing done at a time.
- Keep the piercing clean.
- Use salt baths to promote healing.
- Consider using emu oil.
- Avoid activities that may irritate the piercing.
Dealing with Crust on Piercings
After the initial healing period, lymph crust may form around the piercing. It is important not to pick at it. Piercings may also experience slight swelling during the healing process.
Duration of Soreness for Cartilage Piercings
It is normal for a cartilage piercing to be sore immediately after getting it done. The pain can last for two weeks to a month. Sleeping on the pierced side should be avoided to prevent complications and discomfort.
Showering and Sleeping with a New Cartilage Piercing
When showering, it is important to take care not to get the piercing excessively wet and to avoid using harsh products on it. Sleeping without the earring can cause the piercing to close up too quickly, especially for cartilage piercings, which generally take longer to heal.
Removing a Fresh Piercing
If you are unhappy with a fresh piercing and wish to remove it, you can do so. Piercings close up and heal rapidly if taken out shortly after being done. Therefore, if you no longer want the piercing, removing it is a viable option.
In conclusion, proper care and patience are essential when it comes to cartilage piercings. Following the recommended aftercare, avoiding premature removal of the jewelry, and being aware of signs of infection or improper healing can help ensure a successful and problem-free piercing experience.