Herbie Murray
Many people choose to sleep with earrings in, whether as a fashion statement, to improve their sleep quality, or to avoid the piercing closing up. However, sleeping with earrings can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection. It is recommended that new piercings are left in for at least six weeks to allow the piercing to heal, and some sources suggest keeping earrings in for up to a year to prevent the piercing from closing.
When can you sleep without earrings in?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended wait time before sleeping without earrings | 6 weeks to 1 year |
| Risk of not waiting long enough | Piercing closing up |
| Risk of not keeping earrings in long-term | Infection |
| Risk of keeping earrings in | Irritation, inflammation, pain, infection, breathing difficulties |
| Tips for keeping earrings in | Use flat back labret-style earrings, keep hair clean and away from face, wash hands before touching earrings, use saline solution twice a day |
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What You'll Learn
Piercings can close up if left without earrings for a while
To prevent a new piercing from closing, it is recommended to leave earrings in for at least a year. For the first six months, earrings should be worn consistently, and it is advised to avoid going longer than 24 hours without them. After this initial period, the earrings can be taken out overnight, but it is still recommended to keep them in to minimise irritation and decrease the chances of the piercing closing.
If a piercing closes up, it is best to visit a professional body piercer to have it reopened with a tool called an insertion taper. This tool gently stretches the piercing and guides the jewellery through. Forcing jewellery through a closed piercing can cause an open wound, infection, and scarring.
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To prevent bacterial infection, keep hair away from piercings
To prevent bacterial infection, it is important to keep hair away from piercings, especially during the first month. Hair can carry bacteria and dirt from the environment, as well as shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products. By keeping your hair away from your piercings, you reduce the risk of infection and avoid the hair getting caught on your earrings.
It is recommended to tie your hair up and away from your ears while you sleep, at least for the first month after getting your ears pierced. This simple step can make a big difference in preventing bacterial infections.
In addition to keeping hair away from piercings, there are several other measures you can take to prevent infection. Firstly, always wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercings. This is important because touching your piercings with dirty hands can introduce bacteria and lead to an infection.
Secondly, clean your piercings regularly with a sterile saline solution or a saltwater rinse. Clean your piercings twice a day or, if using a saltwater rinse, three times a day. Use a clean cotton ball to apply the solution to the front and back of the piercing, then gently twist the earring a few times while it is wet.
Thirdly, avoid turning or playing with your jewellery. Moving your jewellery around can irritate the piercing and increase the risk of infection. It is also important to leave your earrings in for at least a few months after getting your ears pierced to prevent the holes from closing up.
Finally, make sure to choose a reputable piercer who follows proper infection prevention protocols and uses sterile tools and jewellery. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your piercings remain healthy and infection-free.
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Wash hands before touching piercings
When getting a piercing, it is essential to keep the area clean and free from bacteria to prevent infection. Piercings are open wounds, and even after they have healed, the skin around them remains sensitive. This means that bacteria can enter more easily through these piercings than through unbroken skin.
Washing your hands before touching your piercings is a crucial step in preventing infection. Hands come into contact with various surfaces and objects throughout the day, such as doorknobs, shopping carts, stair rails, and animals, all of which can be a source of bacteria. By washing your hands, you reduce the risk of transferring these bacteria to your piercings.
It is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching or cleaning your piercings. Additionally, avoid using rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments like bacitracin, as these can irritate the piercing and slow down the healing process. Instead, opt for a mild antiseptic product like benzalkonium chloride or a liquid antibacterial soap, diluted with water if needed.
It is also important to keep your earrings clean. Disinfect them regularly, especially before putting them back into your ears after removing them. This will help prevent bacteria from transferring to your piercings.
In summary, always wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercings to maintain good hygiene and reduce the risk of infection.
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Earrings can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep
Hoop earrings, due to their circular design, can easily catch in bedding, leading to discomfort or even earlobe tearing. The weight and movement of hoop earrings can also cause irritation, making them unsuitable for sleeping. Stud earrings, while seemingly safer, can also cause issues if they are overly large or heavy. These studs can press against your pillow, creating pressure points that result in pain and soreness. Additionally, stud earrings with hard backing materials can dig into your skin as you sleep.
To ensure a comfortable night's sleep, opt for small, lightweight earrings designed for sleep. Flat or dome-shaped studs are comfortable and protective. Choosing earrings made from hypoallergenic materials, such as surgical stainless steel, titanium, or niobium, can minimise irritation and the risk of allergic reactions. These earrings are designed to be comfortable and safe, allowing you to move freely without feeling burdened.
It is generally recommended to keep earrings in for at least a few months to a year after getting a new piercing to prevent the holes from closing up. However, even with older piercings, it is advisable to avoid sleeping with earrings whenever possible to reduce the risk of discomfort, infection, and irritation.
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Studs can cause irritation and inflammation
Ear studs can cause irritation and inflammation, especially if you've recently had your ears pierced. The body's inflammatory response may produce symptoms such as mild redness and visible swelling of the piercing site, a slight burning or itchy sensation, and a clear or yellowish crust forming around the piercing. These signs typically indicate that the piercing is healing. However, if the redness spreads beyond the piercing, or if you experience persistent, intense pain or tenderness, warmth around the area, or yellow or green pus, these could be signs of an infection.
To prevent bacterial exposure and minimise the risk of infection, it is recommended to keep your earrings in for at least two months after getting your ears pierced. Some sources suggest keeping them in for up to a year. This extended period allows the piercing to heal fully and reduces the risk of the hole closing up.
It is also important to maintain good hygiene practices. Always wash your hands before touching your earrings or piercing to prevent the transfer of germs and bacteria. Keep your pillowcase clean, and avoid sleeping with your hair down, as your hair can carry bacteria and products that may irritate the piercing.
Additionally, be mindful of the type of earrings you wear, especially during the healing process. Butterfly backs may be uncomfortable for sleeping, so flat back labret-style posts are recommended. Jewelers suggest wearing 14K yellow gold earrings during the first year, as yellow gold is purer than most metals. White gold, on the other hand, may be mixed with nickel, which could lead to an allergic reaction and infection, depending on your skin sensitivity.
Finally, stress and lack of sleep can impair your body's ability to fight off infections. So, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and give your body enough rest to promote proper healing.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended to keep your earrings in for at least six weeks to avoid getting a bacterial infection. Even after the initial healing period, your piercings could still close up if left without earrings for a while. Some people suggest keeping your earrings in for up to a year to prevent this.
To prevent bacteria from transferring from your hair to your piercings, try pulling your hair back and away from your ears at night, especially during the first month. Make sure to always wash your hands before touching your earrings or piercings. Clean your piercings twice a day with a saline solution, and if that doesn't work, try bactine or rubbing alcohol.
Earrings can become a part of your sleep routine and disrupt your quality of sleep. Additionally, sleeping with earrings can cause irritation and inflammation around your earlobes, leading to pain and infection.
