Ear Piercing: Proceed with Caution
"Daddy, can I have earrings like my friends too?" is a question many parents have heard. While it's natural for kids to want to emulate their peers, should they be granted this wish at a young age? Dr. Jakob Maske, a pediatrician from Berlin and spokesperson for the German Association of Pediatricians and Youth Physicians, advises against it. Yet, he often encounters infants under a year having their ears pierced in his practice.
"Ear piercing infringes upon a child's physical autonomy. Thus, it's only suggested for children who can make that decision for themselves," Maske explains. The appropriate age is when children can comprehend the procedure's potential discomfort and evaluate the consequences - around 14 or 15, according to Maske.
Piercing studios share this view. They usually set a minimum age of 14 and require the consent of both parents before proceeding. The welfare of the child and the preservation of their integrity are top priorities.
Beneath the seemingly innocent prick in the earlobe lies potential hazards. Children may show an allergy to nickel in earrings. Regulations governing the use of nickel are established by the Chemicals Act in the EU. However, studies have revealed that maximum nickel levels in initial earrings for piercings are frequently surpassed. A nickel allergy is a contact allergy, which means the body reacts negatively to contact with the material, resulting in symptoms like itching, swelling, redness, pain, blisters, or papules around the contact site.
Ear piercing is also risky due to infections. Pathogens can enter through the pierced ear holes, potentially spreading infections. Children may pull out their earrings or get them snagged during play, injuring their earlobe. These accidents often require surgical removal, reports Maske.
To minimize the risk of infections, parents must ensure that the procedure is hygienic. This means sterilizing the necessary tools, wearing gloves, disinfecting the area, and cleaning the skin thoroughly. Proper aftercare guidelines should also be followed, including using health studs as the initial earring and avoiding strong mechanical stimuli.
A reputable piercing studio can usually be identified by its adherence to high hygiene standards, use of suitable materials such as titanium, thorough training and experience of piercers, and positive customer reviews.
The healing process for newly pierced ears takes around six to twelve weeks. During this time, it's crucial to touch the piercings only with thoroughly washed hands and follow other aftercare instructions, such as cleaning the jewelry regularly and maintaining a dry piercing canal.
Considering the risks involved, it might be appropriate for a children's physician to advise against ear piercing for children under a certain age due to the potential for allergies, infections, and accidents.
In conclusion, while ear piercing may seem like a relatively harmless procedure, it carries significant risks. Parents should be cautious and ensure that if their older child decides to get their ears pierced, they visit a reputable piercing studio that adheres to high hygiene standards, uses suitable materials such as titanium, and provides comprehensive information about the piercing process and aftercare.
