Ear Piercing: A Warning for Parents
Here comes the inevitable question from your little one: "Mom/Dad, can I get my ears pierced like my friend?" It's a common request after seeing similar piercings at school or preschool. But is ear piercing safe for children? Dr. Jakob Maske, a pediatrician from Berlin and a spokesperson for the German Association of Pediatricians and Youth Physicians, definitely advises against it. Yet, he frequently encounters infants under a year with pierced ears in his practice.
In Maske's opinion, ear piercing infringes upon a child's physical autonomy and should be only suggested for children who can make that decision for themselves. This is not typically the case with 4-year-olds, but maybe around 14 or 15, when children can make mature decisions, he suggests.
When it comes to the studios, they take the age of children into account. Many studios in Germany set a minimum age of 14 and require the consent of both parents. The well-being of the child and the preservation of their integrity are primary considerations.
However, ear piercing isn't without its hazards. The seemingly innocent prick in the earlobe may cause an allergy to nickel in earrings. Children may have an allergy to nickel in earrings, which can cause itching, swelling, redness, pain, blisters, or papules around the contact site. Furthermore, the earlobe serves as a tiny wound, permitting pathogens entry. Children may pull out their earrings or get them snagged during play, injuring their earlobe. These accidents often result in earrings lodged in the earlobe, requiring surgical removal.
To lessen the risk of infections, parents must ensure that the procedure is hygienic. The procedure needs to be carried out in sterile conditions, with dried skin and the use of health studs as the initial earring. Proper aftercare guidelines, such as cleaning the area, washing hands thoroughly before handling the area, and keeping the area dry, should also be followed.
The Risks of Ear Piercing in Children
- Allergic Reactions: An allergy to nickel in earrings can cause symptoms like itchiness, swelling, redness, and rashes around the piercing area.
- Infections: Bacteria can easily infect the piercing if the tools and jewelry are not properly sterilized. Symptoms include swelling, pus formation, redness, and warm sensations.
- Keloids and Hypertrophic Scarring: People prone to keloids can develop raised scars in and near the piercing site due to improper aftercare.
- Bloodborne Infections: Using an unsterilized needle can inject toxins into the blood and cause severe bacterial infections like hepatitis B and C or toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
- Nerve Damage: Piercing areas with sensitive nerves can cause prolonged numbness and severe pain.
- Tissue Damage: Piercing guns can cause significant tissue damage, resembling crush injuries, and may result in complications such as auricular chondritis (inflammation of the ear's cartilage), scarring, and problems with the cartilage.
Age Considerations
- Optimal Age: Pediatricians recommend waiting until at least 2 months old, after the child has received their first round of vaccinations, for ear piercing.
Aftercare Guidelines
- Keep the Piercing Site Clean: Clean the area once or twice a day with mild soap and water or saline solution. Use clean hands and avoid touching the area otherwise.
- Avoid Touching the Site: Avoid touching the area outside of cleaning it.
- Avoid Swimming and Tub Baths: Children should avoid swimming or bathing in oceans, pools, or tubs until the piercing is completely healed to prevent infection.
- Monitor for Signs of Infection: Check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus at the piercing site, and contact a child's doctor if symptoms persist for more than a day.
Recommendations for Safe Ear Piercing
- Use Sterile Equipment: Ensure that only sterile disposable equipment and materials proven to be safe for body piercing are used.
- Choose a Medical Facility: Pediatric ear piercing in a medical setting ensures a safe, sterile, and pain-minimized experience. Medical facilities use hypoallergenic, medical-grade equipment and provide expert aftercare guidance.
- Professional Handling: Ensure that the procedure is handled by professionals who use medical-grade piercing tools designed for safety and precision.
By following these guidelines and recommendations, parents can minimize the risks associated with ear piercing in children and ensure a smooth healing process.
