Take Precautions When Getting Ears Pierced

Infection is common problem

(HealthDay) -- If you're the parent of teen-ager, you might worry that she'll come home one day with a nose ring or a pierced belly button. You probably don't care if she gets her ears pierced.

But pierced ears can lead to infection, so it's important to make sure your kids take precautions, says the Kids First organization.

First, make sure that sterile equipment is used. Unclean needles are a main source of infection. Other causes of infection include earrings that are too tight, earrings inserted at a bad angle (use a mirror until you're used to putting them in), cheap earrings that leave scratches inside the holes and posts made of nickel that can trigger an allergic reaction.

Fortunately, most infections clear up within a couple weeks. If you get one, take the earrings out three times a day and clean them with rubbing alcohol. Then, rub antibiotic ointment on the posts before reinserting them.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
www.healthday.com