If
your child is young, the easiest way to care for newly
pierced ears it to clean them at each diaper change.
For older kids, 2-3 times a day should be sufficient.
Chances are the place where you had your child’s
ears pierced would have provided you some cleaning
solution.
Cotton
swabs or “Q-Tips” work best. Soak the
cotton in the cleaning solution or hydrogen peroxide
and swab both sides of the studs. If you notice any
redness, over the counter antibiotic ointment may
be used to help counteract infection but depending
on your child’s age, you may want to consult
with their pediatrician first.
Pay
attention to the instructions given at the time of
the piercing. There is usually a set amount of time
that the studs should be left in before they can safely
be removed without causing the holes to close. While
everyone is different, the general time frame is six
weeks.
If
you’re having a young infants ears pierced,
also inquire about special studs that are used especially
for young children. These lessen the chances of injury
to the baby’s head from the studs.
During
cleanings, make sure the clasps are not too tight.
This can also cause an infection.
Keloid
formation can also occur and is something to consider
when having your child’s ears pierced. Keloids
are bumps or scars that develop when the skin is injured.
If there is a family history of keloid formation,
you may want to consider holding off on having your
child’s ears pierced.
Monitor
your child (of any age) for any signs of an allergic
reaction. Typically, surgical steel studs are used
at the time of piercing but when you replace them
with other earrings, an allergy to the metal may develop.
Allergic reactions sometimes mimic that of an infection.
The skin and external ear may become red, hot and
itchy. Removal of the earring should remedy the reaction.
Hypoallergenic earrings should be used in that instance.
Use
caution when selecting earrings for your children.
Hoops and dangly earrings can catch on clothing, hair
and other items which could cause damage to your child’s
ear lobe.
The
important thing to be aware of is watching your child’s
earrings closely. It is natural for a child to play
with their ears when they are pierced. It would not
take much playing to dislodge an earring from the
ear. This earring could then be placed in the child’s
mouth and be swallowed. This is why earrings are considered
a choking hazard.
Caring
for a child’s pierced ears requires very little
up keep. Good cleanings help prevent infections. It
is up to you, as the parent, to decide when and if
your child will get their ears pierced. It is also,
however, your responsibility to care for those ears.
©
Rebecca Pillar 2007
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