Health Tip: Piercing Your Child's Ears

Take these precautions to avoid complications

(HealthDay News) -- Ear piercing usually is a safe procedure, assuming some basic rules are followed. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions for preventing infections and other complications:

  • Make sure you take your child to a reputable technician, doctor or nurse for the procedure.
  • The ear should be properly disinfected with rubbing alcohol or similar solution.
  • Simple round gold post earrings should be used at first to reduce chances of an allergic reaction.
  • After the ears are pierced, they should be cleaned twice daily with rubbing alcohol, then coated in an antibiotic ointment.
  • Do not remove the earring(s) for between four and six weeks.
  • If any significant redness, swelling or soreness develops, see your doctor.

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