Gina Johnson
There are a number of factors to consider when sleeping with new earrings after a piercing. It is generally recommended to keep earrings in for at least six weeks to prevent the piercing from closing. However, some sources suggest keeping them in for up to a year. To sleep comfortably, it is recommended to sleep on your back, choose small studs, use a travel pillow, and use smooth pillowcases. It is also important to maintain cleanliness and follow care advice, such as using petroleum jelly and seeking medical attention if needed. Additionally, some people find that wearing earrings while sleeping helps to keep them cool and prevents deep sleep. However, risks associated with sleeping with earrings include skin irritation, pain, headaches, and infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ear piercing healing time | 6 weeks to several months |
| Ear piercing aftercare | Clean the skin around the studs 2-3 times a day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water |
| When to sleep without earrings | After the piercing has healed and with the piercer's approval |
| Risks of sleeping with earrings | Skin irritation, pain, headaches, infections, tearing of the earlobe, and difficulty breathing |
| Risks of sleeping without earrings | The piercing hole may close |
| Earring type to sleep in | Small flat-back studs made from surgical steel, sterling silver, or at least 18-karat gold |
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What You'll Learn
Piercing aftercare instructions
Cleaning
- Clean your piercing regularly, at least twice a day, but no more than is necessary.
- Use unscented antibacterial soap, Epson salt dissolved in warm water, or a saline solution.
- Avoid over-cleaning, as this can irritate the piercing and slow down the healing process.
- Do not use petroleum-based ointments, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or betadine to clean your piercing, as these will irritate the piercing and slow down healing.
- Wash your hands before touching your piercing.
- If you have an oral piercing, rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash after eating, drinking anything besides water, smoking, or kissing.
Jewellery
- Do not change or remove your jewellery while the piercing is healing.
- Keep your jewellery in place for at least 3 months, and preferably 6 months to a year.
- If your piercing is still irritated after 3-6 months, consider switching to flat-back labrets, which are more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation.
- Book a downsizing appointment 4-6 weeks after your piercing to ensure optimal healing and comfort.
Activities to Avoid
- Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean until your piercing has healed (at least 4-6 weeks).
- Avoid rough activity or intense friction that may damage your piercing.
- Avoid touching your piercing with unwashed hands, as this can cause irritation or infection.
- Do not play with your jewellery.
Signs of Infection
- Redness
- Swelling
- Soreness
- Pus
- If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
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Piercing closing up
To prevent a piercing from closing up, it is important to keep jewellery in the piercing site and to regularly clean and care for the piercing, even after it has healed. Dermatologist Dr Rachel Nazarian recommends keeping a small stud in the piercing and rotating it regularly with a product like Aquaphor or Vaseline for lubrication. If the jewellery needs to be removed, placing a small stud in the hole and rotating it a few times a day with a small amount of product can help keep the area open without irritation.
If a piercing has closed up, there is still hope that the hole can be reopened. However, it is important to be careful and consult a professional to avoid causing further damage or irritation to the area.
It is generally recommended to keep jewellery in a new piercing for at least three months to minimise irritation and decrease the chance of the piercing closing up. Some people suggest keeping jewellery in for up to a year, especially when sleeping, as piercings can close up extremely fast even after the initial healing period.
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Types of earrings to avoid
When it comes to new piercings, it's essential to choose earrings that are suitable for your healing piercings and won't cause any complications. Here are some types of earrings that you should generally avoid:
- Plated earrings: Plated earrings, such as gold-plated or other materials, should be introduced only after your piercing has fully healed. Plated earrings may increase the risk of infection and irritation during the healing process.
- Earrings with uneven surfaces or scratches: Avoid earrings with nicks, scratches, or uneven surfaces. These imperfections can trap bacteria, leading to infections. Additionally, when your piercing heals around these uneven surfaces, you may experience irritation and scar tissue formation when the jewellery moves.
- Butterfly back earrings: Butterfly back earrings can be uncomfortable to sleep in and may increase the chances of irritation and bacterial growth. Consider switching to flat-back labret-style earrings, which are designed to be more comfortable and less likely to cause issues.
- Jewellery made with inappropriate metals: Choose earrings made from hypoallergenic and implant-grade materials. Avoid earrings with nickel or cadmium if you are susceptible to allergies. Look for options like 14k or 18k solid gold, implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136, ASTM F1285, ISO 5832-3, or ASTM F-67 compliant), or biocompatible surgical steel (ASTM F-138, ISO 5832-1, or ISO 10993 compliant).
- Heavy or bulky earrings: While not directly related to the type of earring, it's worth mentioning that you should avoid heavy or bulky earrings, especially during the initial healing stages. These can put extra strain on your piercings and increase the chances of irritation or tearing.
Remember, the key to choosing the right earrings is finding those that suit your personal anatomy, promote quick healing, and provide comfort during the entire healing process.
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Pros and cons of sleeping with earrings
When you get a new piercing, it's crucial to keep the earrings in to prevent the hole from closing. This means wearing them continuously, including when sleeping. However, once your piercings are older, the risks associated with sleeping with earrings in change, and it's important to consider the pros and cons.
Pros of Sleeping with Earrings:
- Keeping earrings in older piercings can help prevent the holes from closing up. This is especially important if you don't wear earrings regularly, as the holes tend to close up extremely fast even after years of being healed.
- If you have any known metal sensitivities or allergies, sleeping with earrings made from hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, sterling silver, or 18-karat gold can help prevent allergic reactions.
Cons of Sleeping with Earrings:
- Sleeping with earrings, especially larger or dangling styles, can increase the risk of them getting caught in your hair or bedding, potentially causing torn earlobes.
- Wearing earrings to bed can lead to skin irritation, pain, and discomfort, especially if you sleep on your side, as the earrings can press against your head.
- Certain materials, such as nickel, can cause allergic reactions, including red, itchy rashes, and even increase the risk of developing eczema around your ears.
- Sleeping with earrings for extended periods without proper cleaning can trap bacteria and lead to infections.
It's important to note that the decision to sleep with or without earrings depends on individual preferences and the healing status of your piercings. Always follow your piercer's aftercare instructions and maintain good hygiene practices to minimise potential risks.
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Signs of infection
While ear piercings are usually safe and simple, it's important to watch out for signs of infection. An infected ear piercing, if left untreated, can spread to the rest of the body, becoming a systemic infection. Here are some signs of infection to look out for:
- Redness and swelling: Redness and swelling around the piercing site are common signs of infection. If the redness continues to expand beyond the piercing, it could indicate that the infection is spreading.
- Warmth: The area around the piercing may feel warm to the touch, but if it becomes excessively hot or the warmth spreads, it could be infected.
- Itching and tenderness: It is normal to experience some itching and tenderness with a new piercing. However, excessive or prolonged itching and tenderness may indicate an infection.
- Discharge: A crusty or pus-like discharge is common during the initial healing process. However, if the discharge is excessive or continues for an extended period, it could be a sign of infection, especially if it is white, yellow, or green pus.
- Bumps: If you have a high ear piercing or cartilage piercing, small bumps called granulomas can form around the piercing due to fluid buildup. While these are usually normal, they can also indicate an infection if they persist or are accompanied by other symptoms.
- Pain: If the piercing site becomes excessively painful or sore, it could indicate an infection.
If you suspect an infection, it is important to consult a healthcare provider or a reputable piercer for guidance and treatment. They may recommend treatments such as applying a warm compress, cleaning the piercing with sterile saline, or using antibiotic ointment. Remember, preventing an infection is crucial to enjoying your healthy piercings for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
You should wait at least 3 months, but preferably 6 months to a year, before sleeping without earrings after getting your ears pierced. This is to prevent the piercing hole from closing up.
Yes, there are risks associated with sleeping with earrings in, especially if they are large or have openings, such as hoops or dangles. The earrings can get caught on your bedding or hair, and you could risk tearing your earlobe as you move around in your sleep.
It is important to follow your piercer's aftercare instructions. This may include cleaning the skin around the studs two to three times per day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water.
