You can generally change your earrings after a certain healing period, which varies depending on the type of piercing you have.
Ear Piercing Aftercare Wait Times
The timing for changing earrings depends on the location of your piercing and how well it’s healing. Here’s a breakdown of typical wait times based on the information provided by Rowan:
| Piercing Type | Initial Wait Time (before downsizing) | Wait Time After Downsizing (if not sore) |
|---|---|---|
| Needle Piercing, Lobe | 30 days | 6-10 weeks |
| Needle Piercing, Helix | 30 days | 6-10 weeks |
| Needle Piercing, Conch | 30 days | 6-10 weeks |
Key Considerations
- Downsizing: The initial wait time of 30 days after a needle piercing is before the downsizing process. Downsizing refers to replacing the initial, slightly longer post with a shorter one to help ensure the piercing heals properly.
- Soreness: Even after downsizing, it's crucial to wait an additional 6-10 weeks before changing your earrings if there's no soreness, indicating the piercing is healing well.
- Individual Healing: Healing times can vary from person to person. It's essential to monitor your piercing for signs of infection or irritation, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If you experience any of these issues, consult with a professional piercer or healthcare provider.
- First Change: When you do change your earrings for the first time, make sure you use earrings made from high-quality materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
When to Seek Professional Advice
- If your piercing is still tender, swollen, red, or discharging after the indicated wait time, refrain from changing the earrings. Seek advice from your piercer or a medical professional.
- Avoid touching or rotating your piercing unless you’re cleaning it.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before handling your piercing or earrings.
Summary
Changing your earrings too early can lead to complications, so following these guidelines is essential for proper healing. The initial 30-day period (after downsizing) and the additional 6-10 weeks ensure the piercing has had sufficient time to stabilize. If you aren't sure or if you think your ear is not fully healed, err on the side of caution and wait before changing your jewelry.
