Ashwin Lewis
Whether or not you can take off your piercing to sleep depends on how old the piercing is. For new piercings, it is recommended to keep the earrings in for at least six weeks or longer, or until your piercer advises it is safe to remove them. This is because there is a risk that the piercing hole may close up if the jewellery is removed too early. However, it is important to note that sleeping with new piercings can cause discomfort, especially for side sleepers, and there is a risk of infection and irritation. To reduce these risks, it is recommended to sleep on your back, use a smooth pillowcase, and keep the piercing clean. For older piercings, there is more flexibility, but it is still important to take care of your piercings and avoid jewellery made with nickel, as well as large hoops and dangly earrings, as these can increase the risk of painful side effects.
Can I take off my piercing to sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taking off piercings while sleeping | It is recommended to not take off piercings while sleeping as piercings can close up overnight. |
| Exceptions | New piercings should be kept in for 6 weeks or longer, or until your piercer says it is safe to take them off. |
| Piercing type | Cartilage piercings are more comfortable to sleep in than lobe piercings. Sleeper hoops are recommended for comfort. |
| Piercing backs | Butterfly backs are uncomfortable to sleep in. Flat back labrets made from titanium or gold are recommended as alternatives. |
| Piercing care | Piercings should be cleaned with a saline solution or gentle soap and water 2-3 times a day. |
| Pillowcases | Smooth pillowcases are recommended to reduce the risk of snagging the piercing. |
| Hair | Long hair should be pulled back while sleeping to avoid unpleasant snags and tangles. |
| Metal allergies | People with nickel allergies should avoid jewellery containing nickel. |
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What You'll Learn
You should not take out new piercings
New piercings are made with professional-grade, hypoallergenic materials, so you can safely leave them in for several weeks as the piercing heals. It is important to keep the piercing clean by routinely washing the area at least twice per day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water. Make sure to always wash your hands before touching your piercings.
If you have a new piercing, it is recommended that you sleep on your back to keep pressure off the piercing and minimise irritation and pain. This is especially important if you have a cartilage piercing, as sleeping directly on a new piercing can cause irritation and even shift the direction or angle of the piercing. If you are a side sleeper, you can use a travel pillow to create a hollow space under your ear, protecting the piercing.
It is normal to experience slight bleeding with new piercings, but this should not last for more than a few days. If you experience any symptoms such as redness or a rash that does not improve, you should contact your doctor.
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Cartilage piercings close quickly
It is generally advised to keep earrings in while sleeping if the piercing is new. This is because piercings can close very quickly, especially cartilage piercings.
Cartilage piercings tend to close up more quickly than other piercings because of the way the skin and body tissue heal. When a piercing is new, the body treats the wound as a puncture and tries to heal it. However, when the earring is removed, the body shifts its focus to closing the hole, and scar tissue can form, which grows quickly in areas with less blood flow, such as cartilage.
The rate at which a piercing closes varies from person to person and depends on the age of the piercing. New piercings can close in a few hours, while older piercings can take several weeks. Cartilage piercings, in particular, can close up in a matter of days, even if they are years old. Some people have reported that their cartilage piercings closed up in a few hours, while others have left theirs out for several days without issue.
To prevent a piercing from closing, it is recommended to keep earrings in for the first six months after getting the piercing. After this, it is generally safe to take them out for short periods, but it is still possible for the piercing to close up.
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Avoid sleeping on piercings
It is important to avoid sleeping on piercings, especially new ones, as it can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. If you sleep directly on a new piercing, you may also shift the direction or angle of the piercing.
To avoid sleeping on your piercings, try sleeping on your back instead of your side. This will keep pressure off your piercings and minimise irritation, pain, and further discomfort. If you are a side sleeper, you can use a piercing pillow to protect your piercings. Pull your hair back and cover the piercing pillow with a clean pillowcase or t-shirt to prevent bacteria from entering the piercing site.
If you have just had your ears pierced, it is recommended that you keep the small studs in for at least six weeks or longer, or until your piercer advises you otherwise. This is because the holes can close up if you take them out too early, and you will have to wait several weeks for the skin to heal before you can get the area re-pierced.
To keep the piercing clean, wash the area at least twice a day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water. You can also use an aftercare solution to keep the piercing clean before you go to sleep and after you wake up. This will help to avoid any potential infection caused by tossing and turning during the night.
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Clean piercings regularly
It is important to clean your piercings regularly to avoid infection and tissue damage. The cleaning process may vary depending on the type of piercing you have. Here are some general guidelines for cleaning different types of piercings:
Ear Piercings:
Ear piercings are one of the most common types of piercings, and they require careful cleaning to avoid complications. It is recommended to clean the skin around the studs two to three times a day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water. You can use a cotton swab soaked in a saline or salt solution to gently clean the area. Make sure to wash your hands before cleaning and avoid touching surfaces that may have bacteria. Do not use fragrant soaps or ointments as they can irritate the piercing.
Cartilage Piercings:
Cartilage piercings, such as those in the upper helix or tragus, can be more difficult to clean and care for. It is important to follow your piercer's aftercare instructions for these types of piercings. In general, you should clean the area regularly with a saline solution or gentle soap and water. You can also use salt soaks to clean and soothe the piercing. Avoid sleeping on your cartilage piercings as it can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection.
Body Piercings:
For body piercings, such as belly button or nipple piercings, it is important to clean the area regularly to prevent infection. You can use salt soaks or a mild antiseptic solution to clean the piercing and the surrounding skin. Soak a cotton swab or Q-tip with the cleaning solution and apply it to the pierced area for a few minutes. Remove any dried matter and rotate the jewelry while the area is wet. Belly button piercings may require a longer soaking time, and you can create a suction seal between a cup and your belly button to soak the area effectively.
New Piercings:
New piercings require special care to ensure proper healing. It is recommended to leave new piercings in for at least six weeks or longer, or until your piercer advises otherwise. During this time, clean the area two to three times a day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water. Avoid twisting or playing with the jewelry to reduce the risk of irritation and infection. Only touch the jewelry when cleaning the area, and make sure to wash your hands first.
Remember to always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your piercer and seek medical advice if you experience any signs of infection or allergic reaction.
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Choose flat-back earrings
It is generally advised to keep new piercings in for at least six weeks to prevent the holes from closing up. However, it is recommended to follow your piercer's aftercare instructions, which may include cleaning the skin around the studs two to three times a day with saline solution or gentle soap and water.
If you are looking for earrings that you can keep in while sleeping, flat-back earrings, also known as "nap" earrings, are a comfortable option. They are designed to sit flush against the earlobe, minimising irritation and preventing the earring from poking or pressing into the skin while sleeping. Flat-back earrings are also thicker than standard earrings, reducing the risk of them falling out.
Flat-back earrings are available in a variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel, sterling silver, 18-karat gold, and medical-grade titanium. Some popular brands offering flat-back earrings include STUDS, Maison Miru, Gorjana, Wildlike, and Mint & Lily.
It is important to keep your earrings clean, regardless of the type, to prevent bacterial growth and potential infections. For flat-back earrings, regular showers are usually sufficient to keep them clean, but for a deeper clean, you can use mild soap and water, drying them with a soft cloth afterward.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should not take off your new piercing to sleep. If you remove a new piercing before it has completely healed, it may close, making it difficult or impossible to reinsert your jewellery. The healing time for a piercing varies depending on the location of the piercing. Standard ear lobe piercings generally take six weeks to several months to fully heal, whereas helix or pinna piercings take around three to four months.
To sleep with a new piercing, it is recommended that you sleep on your back to avoid putting pressure on the piercing. You should also use a smooth pillowcase to reduce the risk of snagging your piercing during the night.
Sleeping with a piercing can increase your risk of infection as bacteria can become trapped in the wound. It can also cause skin irritation, pain, and headaches. If you have a nickel allergy, you should avoid jewellery containing nickel as this can cause a red, itchy rash and increase your risk of developing eczema.
To care for your new piercing, you should clean the skin around it two to three times per day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water. You should also wash your hands before touching your piercing and avoid twisting or playing with the jewellery.
