Pondering Ear Piercings for Kids: A Medical Expert's Perspective
"Mom, can I have earrings like my friends have?" - a question frequently echoing in homes as kids return from school, their little faces adorned with glittering studs. But, is this a whim worth satisfying, especially for the young ones? Dr. Jakob Maske, a pediatrician from Berlin and a spokesperson for the German Association of Pediatricians and Youth Physicians, advises against it for most kids due to their vulnerability. However, his clinic often witnesses ear piercing in infants merely a year old!
"Ear piercing infringes upon a child's physical autonomy. It's only suitable for those who can make that decision for themselves," says Maske. This maturity often arises when kids are around 14 or 15, explains the doctor. At this age, children can understand the consequences of piercing, including the potential pain, risks, and long-term implications.
The aura of innocence surrounding ear piercing belies its potential hazards. Children may suffer from nickel allergies – a contact allergy proliferating from the use of inappropriate materials in earrings. In the European Union, maximum nickel levels in jewelry have been established by the Chemicals Act. However, research often shows that these limits are surpassed, resulting in adverse responses from the body, manifesting in symptoms like itching, redness, swelling, or blisters around the piercing site.
Besides this, pierced earholes serve as portals for pathogens. "Infections can spread, and the earlobes are situated close to the brain region, so parents should ensure no serious infections break out," warns Maske. Children are also at risk of accidentally pulling out their earrings or getting them snagged while playing, causing injury to their earlobe. Such incidents often necessitate surgical removal, reports the pediatrician.
To reduce the chance of infections, parents must ensure the procedure is performed under hygienic conditions. This means employing sterilized tools, wearing gloves, disinfecting the area, and adhering to proper cleaning procedures after the piercing. "Recommending a place for ear piercing is a challenge because it's not a medical field," says Maske. Nonetheless, he insists on using health studs as the initial earring and following post-care guidelines meticulously.
The German Society for Piercing (DGP) provides tips to identify a reputable piercing studio:
- Hygiene: The studio should utilize sterile disposable materials and instruments.
- Sterilized Jewelry: The initial earrings should be packaged sterilely and made from suitable materials like titanium.
- Consultation: The piercer should explain the process and possible consequences to those seeking the piercing.
- Qualification: The piercers should be well-trained and experienced.
- Customer Reviews: Positive reviews from other customers can indicate the reputation of the piercing studio.
The piercing method can also impact the healing process. While an ear piercing gun is simpler, a needle piercing lessens irritation and trauma on the skin, ensuring a smoother healing journey. The healing period can span 6 to 12 weeks. During this phase, parents should maintain cleanliness, avoid strong mechanical stimuli, and consult a medical professional at the earliest signs of infection.
Considering the risks and potential for allergies, infections, and accidents, some children's doctors suggest delaying ear piercing until the child is old enough to fully comprehend the implications. Parents must also ensure punctual visits to reputable piercing studios with high hygiene standards if their older children decide to get their ears pierced.
