The main caution I tend to have for patients obtaining piercings through cartilage is to make sure that the earring used is made of stainless steel or hypoallergenic. Read more...
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Photo: Wix
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What is a helix piercing?
Helix piercing refers to the piercing of the upper outer portion of the ear through the cartilage. Most people are familiar with traditional ear piercing through the ear lobe which contains no cartilage. Helix piercing tends to be more painful than traditional ear lobe piercing because puncturing the cartilage is a bit more painful. That being said, just like with traditional piercing, it’s a quick pinch and the discomfort doesn’t last long. I find it’s the anticipation that bothers people more.
Any precautions to take with cartilage piercings?
The main caution I tend to have for patients obtaining piercings through cartilage is to make sure that the earring used is made of stainless steel or hypoallergenic. It’s common for piercings to ‘tattoo’ the skin in this area (also an issue for nose piercing). This happens more with silver jewelry and is called localized cutaneous argyria. This can be lasered but it’s easily avoided. It is also important to note that these piercings should stay in place for a few months and not the usual 4-6 weeks for the ear lobe. They can take a little longer to heal successfully.
Any specific aftercare tips for cartilage piercing?
The most important tip is to keep the piercing clean.
Wash gently with soap and water.
Blot dry.
If a little oozing, crusting, or scabbing develops, take a cotton tip swab soaked in saline and gently wipe the edges of the piercing.
It is ok to apply antibiotic ointment or Vaseline to prevent scabbing and speed healing.
Try to avoid sleeping on the piercing- it’s really common for the piercing to get caught or pulled— ouch!
With earlobe piercing, we tend to recommend spinning the stud to avoid the build-up of scabbing. You cannot really do this with helix piercing, however, you can gently move it up and down.
If any swelling, thickened scar tissue, bumps, or tenderness develops and persists be sure to see your dermatologist. I promise we don’t pull the piercing out most of the time. Usually, I just have to inject a little steroid around the base to reduce the inflammation and accelerate healing. I worry some people don’t come in for a check because they assume the only response we will have is to pull the piercing. It’s rare that I ever do this to someone who really wants to keep it! We can usually figure out a way to make it work.
What should people look for in a piercer to ensure safety?
It’s a good idea to check with the piercer to see what type of device they use to pierce.
See if they have an autoclave that they use to clean their tools with.
Many states and counties do have licensing requirements for body piercing and tattoo artists. This generally involves proving training in the field but also an understanding of blood-borne pathogens through OSHA training or courses.
If someone is knowledgeable they will be less likely to cross-contaminate and put your health at risk.
There have been significant strides in the industry in the right direction to ensure the health of consumers.
Trust your gut- if you don’t have a good feeling about a place, just don’t go. There are plenty of options!
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