The most likely reason your second ear piercing hurts after years is that you're experiencing an allergic reaction to the metal in your earrings.
Here's a breakdown of potential causes and solutions:
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Metal Allergy (Contact Dermatitis):
- This is the most common culprit. Many earrings contain nickel, even if they're plated with other metals like gold or silver. Nickel is a frequent allergen.
- Symptoms: Redness, itching, swelling, burning, pain, blisters, or even oozing at the piercing site.
- Solution: Switch to hypoallergenic earrings made from implant-grade titanium, surgical stainless steel, 14k or 18k gold (or higher, the higher the karat, the less alloy), platinum, niobium, or glass. Ensure the posts and backs are made of hypoallergenic materials.
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Irritation:
- Even without a true allergy, certain metals or poorly polished earrings can cause irritation.
- Symptoms: Similar to an allergy, but often milder. Redness, slight itching, and minor discomfort.
- Solution: Ensure your earrings are smooth and well-polished. Clean your earrings and piercing regularly with a saline solution. Avoid wearing earrings that are too tight or heavy.
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Infection:
- While less common in older piercings, infections can still occur if bacteria enter the piercing site.
- Symptoms: Significant pain, swelling, redness, pus or discharge, and potentially a fever.
- Solution: Consult a doctor or piercer immediately. Do not remove the earring unless advised by a medical professional, as this can trap the infection. Clean the piercing with a saline solution and follow medical advice (which may include antibiotics).
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Trauma:
- Accidental tugging, snagging, or sleeping on your ear piercing can cause pain and inflammation.
- Symptoms: Localized pain, tenderness, and potential swelling.
- Solution: Avoid activities that could irritate the piercing. Sleep on your back or side with a piercing pillow. Use a saline solution to clean the piercing.
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Product Sensitivity:
- Hair products, soaps, shampoos, or perfumes can irritate the piercing site.
- Symptoms: Itching, redness, and discomfort.
- Solution: Be mindful of what products come into contact with your piercing. Rinse the area thoroughly after showering or using hair products.
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Build-up:
- Dead skin cells and sebum can accumulate around the piercing, causing irritation.
- Symptoms: Mild discomfort, crustiness around the piercing.
- Solution: Clean the piercing regularly with a saline solution to remove debris.
What to do if your piercing hurts:
- Remove the earring: If possible, take out the earring that's causing the problem.
- Clean the area: Gently clean the piercing with a sterile saline solution.
- Identify the cause: Try to determine what might be causing the pain (e.g., new earrings, recent trauma).
- Switch to hypoallergenic earrings: If you suspect a metal allergy, switch to hypoallergenic earrings.
- Consult a professional: If the pain persists or worsens, see a doctor or piercer.
