How Long Does It Take For Ear Piercings To Heal?

How Long Does It Take For Ear Piercings To Heal?

Posted by Dr. Cannon on Dec 20th 2022

Keynotes

  • Healing Times and Types: Healing periods vary by piercing type, ranging from 2-5 months. Lobe piercings heal fastest (2-3 months), while industrials take the longest (4-5 months).
  • Age-Specific Care: Babies and kids require special care, especially under 2 years, with frequent checks for infection. Teens should focus on hygiene, avoid mobile germs, and diligently care for the first 6-9 weeks.Consider using an ear piercing pillow for better sleep and comfort during the healing process.
  • Cleaning and Healing Process: Normal healing includes swelling, tenderness, discharge, color changes, and crust formation. Clean piercings daily with antibacterial soap or saline, avoid removing earrings initially, and stay vigilant for signs of allergies or infections.

You have got your ears pierced, now it is time to take care of the piercing so you can wear the jewelry you always loved.

Ear piercings are painful, no doubt about that. You can make them less painful or reduce the time they stay painful by taking proper care of your ear piercings to make them heal quickly.

We have discussed the estimated healing time for different types of ear piercings, ear piercing healing time for different age groups, allergy-affected ear piercing healing, and how you can take care of ear piercings.

Types Of Ear Piercing And How Long Does It Take For Them To Heal 

How Long Does It Take For Ear Piercings To Heal

Lobe Ear Piercing: Lobe is the soft part of the ear that is hanging near the cheek. It is the most popular ear piercing and also the one that most easily heals. The average healing time for a lobe ear piercing is 2-3 months.

Stacked Lobes Ear Piercing: Stacked lobe ear piercings are multiple piercings in your ear lobe. These piercings are sometimes joined and used for specific jewelry. On average, your stacked lobe ear piercings can take anywhere between 2-3 months to heal.

Upper Lobe Ear Piercing: Lobe is soft and it heals quickly when pierced, upper lobe ear piercing is no different. Your upper lobe ear piercing will heal in 2-3 months on average.

Snakebite Midi Ear Piercing: Snakebite Midi is the center-back part of the ear, right above the lobe. This includes a hard part of the ear that can take on average 3-4 months to heal.

Helix Ear Piercing: Helix is your ear’s raised ring-like structure. A helix ear piercing will heal in 3-4 months on average.

Flat Helix Ear Piercing: It is mid of your ear helix. Piercing in the helix area is painful. A flat helix ear piercing will heal in an average of 3-4 months.

Forward Helix Ear Piercing: It is the frontal part of the ear helix. A piercing in your forward helix will heal in an average of 3-4 months.

Conch Ear Piercing: Conch is the inner part of the ear. A conch ear piercing will heal in an average of 3-4 months.

Tragus Ear Piercing: The tragus is the little raised bone near the ear hole. This type of ear piercing is uncommon and it heals in an average of 3-4 months.

Anti-Tragus Ear Piercing: Anti-tragus is the area of the ear directly opposite to the tragus. Such ear piercings may take 3-4 months to completely heal.

Rook Ear Piercing: Inner ear piercings are painful and take the most time to heal. Your rook ear piercing can take 3-4 months to heal on average.

Daith Ear Piercing: The most exotic and one of the most popular ear piercings is daith ear piercing. It looks like a piercing inside the ear and it may take 3-4 months to heal completely.

Industrial Ear Piercing; It is the type of ear piercing that is done across the ear helix. It is hard to heal and is considered the most painful ear piercing. An industrial ear piercing will heal in an average of 4-5 months.

Ear Piercing Healing Time For Different Age Groups

The healing time for ear piercing for different age groups depends on factors including general health and immunity of the person, type of ear piercing, etc. These healing times are only average and may be different for different people.

Babies and Kids Ear Piercing Care and Healing

Babies’ and youngsters' ear piercings need special care. The ear piercing's healing time and care process are different for kids of different ages.

If the baby's age is under 2 years, you will need to be extra careful and you will need to visit the doctor as soon as you see signs of infection like redness or fever.

All babies and kids touch their ears, or any place you will stop them from touching. You cannot stop them from touching their ear piercing but you can increase the care and check on them.

Be in touch with your pediatrician. The ear piercings in infants will demand constant care.

Clean the ear piercings in the babies and kids at least twice a day with saline or salt water or disinfectant.

Keep the pillow and bed linen clean.

Teens Ear Piercing Care and Healing

When taking care of teens’ ear piercings, the first thing you should take care of is the mobile phone. Admit it or not, our cell phones carry germs and bacteria. The earbuds and earphones are the same as they also have germs on them. A good way of controlling germs on mobile devices and accessories is by regularly cleaning them with alcohol wipes and using speakerphones when calling.

The first 6 to 9 weeks are important for healing ear piercing. If they take care of their ear piercing at this time, the piercing will heal completely.

Other ear-piercing care instructions include:

  • Changing pillowcases regularly and keeping bed linen clean
  • Washing hands before touching the ear piercings
  • Cleaning the ear piercing twice a day with a disinfectant
  • Don't take off the earring in the first 6-9 weeks

Adults Ear Piercing Care and Healing

The ear piercing healing time in adults can be different for everyone. Keep checking your ear piercings for any signs of allergy or infection like bleeding or fever, etc.

Also, contact your doctor if the OTC topical antiseptic is not effective.

These are more tips to help you heal ear piercings safely.

  • Always wash your hands before you touch your ear piercings
  • Don't remove the earrings for at least the first 6 weeks
  • Clean earrings and ear piercings with a disinfectant/antiseptic solution
  • Don't touch ear piercings when they are healing
  • Avoid or limit the use of mobile phones, earphones, earbuds, etc. Use speaker phones

Healing time for Other Types of Ear Piercing

General healing time for normal ear piercing: Mostly, ear piercing healing takes around 2 months but this time can extend to 3 months, depending on various factors. If you are planning something and your ear piercings are a part of that planning, consider keeping the healing time to 3 months to avoid any bad surprises.

Allergy-affected and infected ear piercing healing time: The allergy-affected ear piercings can take anywhere between 3 months to one year to completely heal.

How To Take Care Of Your Ear Piercing When It Is Healing

Ear piercing care is easy, all you have to do is allocate about 20 minutes a day and implement some disciplines on how you touch your ear.

Taking these three steps will help you take proper care of your ear piercing.

Wash The Piercing Area Daily

Make a habit of washing your ear piercings daily with antibacterial soap and warm water. Also, wash your hand every time you want to touch your ear piercings. Tap dry your ear piercing with tissue paper or a soft towel.

Apply Anti-Bacterial Solution On-Ear Piercing

Use an antibacterial solution like saline, or rubbing alcohol for cleaning the  ear piercings. If alcohol feels hard, you are good with simple saline.

Doing this 2-3 times daily is enough.

Don’t Remove Piercing Or Ear Ring When It Is Healing

When you keep the ear piercings on, you help the tissues heal. Removing the earring may close the piercing hole or slow the healing process. A good idea is to keep the earrings always on for at least the first 6-9 weeks.

Ear Pillow for Better Sleep with Ear Piercing

Getting a good night's sleep is really a battle with ear piercings. a quality ear pillow helps you get good sleep thanks to its unique design.

SleepEasy Ear Piercing Pillow

SleepEasy Ear Piercing Pillow

Ear piercing can be painful; don’t make it more painful than it has to be. Use an ear piercing pillow to save yourself ear pain and get sound sleep.

SleepEasy Ear Piercing Pillow

- 59.99

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Check our range of  ear piercing pillow range and make your sleep comfortable. 

how to take care of your ear piercing

WHAT IS NORMAL DURING A PIERCING'S HEALING PROCESS?

During a piercing's healing process, it's normal to experience various stages and reactions as your body works to repair the pierced area. Here are some common aspects that are typically considered normal:

  • Swelling and Redness: In the initial days after getting a piercing, some swelling and redness around the pierced area are normal reactions. This is part of the body's natural response to trauma.
  • Tenderness and Sensitivity: The pierced area may be tender and sensitive to touch during the early stages of healing. This sensitivity can gradually decrease as the healing progresses.
  • Discharge: A clear or slightly yellowish discharge (lymph fluid) is normal as the piercing heals. However, if there is excessive pus, a foul smell, or signs of infection, it's important to seek professional advice.
  • Itching: As the piercing heals, you may experience mild itching. It's crucial not to scratch the piercing, as this can introduce bacteria and hinder the healing process.
  • Change in Color: The color of the skin around the piercing may change temporarily due to increased blood flow and healing processes. This is usually temporary.
  • Formation of a Crust: A crust may form around the piercing as a result of the discharge drying. It's essential not to force the crust off; it will naturally fall off during the cleaning process.
  • Minor Bleeding: Some minor bleeding might occur during or immediately after the piercing process. However, persistent or heavy bleeding should be reported to your piercer or healthcare professional.
  • Migration and Shifting: In some cases, piercings may shift slightly during the healing process. This is typically normal, but if you notice significant migration or rejection, consult with your piercer.

Remember that everyone's body reacts differently to piercings, and individual healing times can vary. If you're ever unsure or concerned about any aspect of your piercing's healing process, it's best to consult with a professional piercer or healthcare provider for guidance.

How To Clean Ear Piercing

  • Regularly Clean your Ear Piercing
  • Always Wash your Hands before you Touch Ear Piercings
  • Clean Piercing with Salt & Water Solution
  • Dab the Ear Piercing with Tissue to Dry it
  • Clean the Pierced Area if you Have to take the piercing out
  • Never use the bathroom to clean your ear piercing
  • Try giving Pierced Ear some rest by either changing sides or using an ear pillow
  • Keep away perfume soaps, hair products, or skin care products from ear piercing
  • Stay alert for spotting any signs of allergy Step By Step Process of Cleaning Your Ear Piercing

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my ear piercing is healed?

Your ear piercing is likely healed if there's no more tenderness, redness, or discharge. The surrounding tissue should feel normal, and you can change earrings without discomfort. Healing times vary, but it's typically 2-3 months for earlobes and longer for cartilage.

What helps ear piercings heal faster?

To promote faster healing, clean your piercing regularly with saline solution, avoid touching it with dirty hands, and refrain from rotating the jewelry. Ensure proper aftercare, and avoid swimming in pools or hot tubs during the initial healing period.

Can ear piercing heal in 3 days?

It's highly unlikely for an ear piercing to heal completely in 3 days. Healing time depends on factors like the type of piercing and individual healing capabilities. Earlobe piercings may take 2-3 months, while cartilage piercings can take several months to a year.

How long after piercing can I change my earrings?

Wait at least 6-8 weeks before changing earrings for earlobes and 4-6 months for cartilage piercings. Changing too soon can disrupt the healing process and lead to complications. Always use sterile, hypoallergenic earrings when switching.