You've finally done it! You've walked out of the piercing studio proudly showing off your brand-new, gleaming tragus piercing. But even though the piercing part is done, the journey isn't over. Now begins the vital stage of taking care of your piercing to ensure proper healing. With so many questions that might come to your mind, in this article, we answer all your concerns. Let's get started!
Duration of the Tragus Piercing Healing Process
Firstly, it's worth noting that the tragus is that small rounded protrusion located at the entrance of your ear canal. Its understated yet modern and unique appearance makes it a perfect spot for a first cartilage piercing. A delicate hoop or stud is ideal to adorn it.
So, how long does a tragus piercing take to heal?
On average, a tragus takes about 4 to 8 months to fully heal. The specific time will vary depending on factors such as your healing ability, the consistency of your aftercare, and the expertise of your piercer.
Other types of piercings, like the surface tragus (located closer to the cheek) take about 9 to 18 months to fully heal, while the anti-tragus (situated above the earlobe and in front of the tragus) typically requires between 3 to 9 months for complete healing.
How to Recognize if Your Tragus Piercing has Healed
Do you think your tragus has healed, but you're not entirely sure? Here are four indicators suggesting that your piercing has healed properly:
- The piercing hole has a normal color, with no redness or yellowish hue.
- There are no discharges coming from your ear, such as pus or blood.
- Your tragus isn't swollen.
- You don't feel any pain around the piercing site.
However, keep in mind that there might be complications in the healing process, even after a year. If you notice a small bump near your piercing, it could be a keloid. Alternatively, your piercing might not have fully healed yet, or it could be infected or irritated. When in doubt, don't hesitate to seek the opinion of your piercer.
If everything seems fine, congratulations! You can now switch out your tragus piercing for a more attractive design (like the ones we offer).
Pain After the Tragus Piercing
Still experiencing pain in your tragus several months after the piercing? Don't worry; it's entirely normal.
Sensitivity in the ear can persist for several months after a cartilage piercing. That's why it's vital to maintain consistency in your aftercare and read the following section.
If you experience persistent pain after several weeks, it can also indicate an infection. We will discuss this more in the sections to come.
Tips for Promoting Proper Tragus Piercing Healing You've been diligently following your piercer's recommendations, yet it seems your tragus isn't progressing in its healing journey... Don't fret, you're not alone in this 😉
The Luna team has gathered the top 5 tips to foster proper healing and care for a tragus piercing.
1. Daily Attention to Your Piercing
The first and crucial step you should rigorously follow is the daily cleaning of your piercing. It might seem a bit tedious, but we assure you, the effort is worth it.
We recommend cleaning your tragus piercing twice a day for the first few weeks, then you can do it once a day. This cleaning frequency aids the body in its healing process.
To perform the cleaning, follow these simple steps:
- Sanitize your hands before starting.
- Use a saline solution or a neutral pH soap applied on a compress.
- Gently clean the area, tapping lightly around the hole and the jewelry.
- Dry everything up. No more, no less!
2. Choose a Competent Piercer
Before getting a piercing, it's crucial to select a professional, competent, and certified piercer. A good body piercer will provide peace of mind and will have experience with cartilage piercings.
And, please, avoid jewelry stores. Sellers often use automatic piercing devices (guns) which are not suitable for this purpose.
3. Opt for Hypoallergenic Materials
This tip is especially relevant for those planning to change their piercing. We recommend exclusively using gold, titanium, or stainless steel for the tragus.
Why? These materials are hypoallergenic, durable, and promote the healing of your tragus piercing. It's also advisable to avoid ring type piercings for the first year and go for studs (straight bars).
4. Beware of Bumps and Snags
Who hasn't had a mishap with their earrings or piercings? At Luna, it happens almost daily! Be it with a wool sweater, our hair, or headphones, it can be very bothersome.
What's worse, these incidents can slow down the healing of your tragus piercing. Thus, it's vital to be careful with bumps and snags in your daily life. Avoid contact sports, wear a headband while sleeping, and a shower cap during your showers.
5. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
The last tip on this list might seem the simplest, but it's also the most crucial. Lead a healthy life: eat balanced meals, drink at least 3 liters of water a day, get enough sleep, and reduce your alcohol and tobacco consumption. Proper nutrition and rest will allow your cartilage to heal faster.
Doesn't it sound straightforward? By ensuring you follow these basic steps, you can ease the healing process of your tragus piercing and prevent any potential complication. Remember, piercing aftercare is a vital part of the piercing experience, don't underestimate it!
How to Detect an Infection in a Tragus Piercing
In the unfortunate event that your tragus piercing becomes infected, it's important to know how to recognize the signs and what to do about them. Some signs of a potential infection include:
- Pain that persists or increases after the first week.
- Redness or swelling around the piercing that spreads.
- Discharge of green or yellow pus.
- Fever and/or chills.
If you suspect your tragus piercing might be infected, seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to treat the infection yourself at home, as this could worsen the situation. Antibiotics are often required to treat piercing infections.
Conclusion
Now you're fully informed about tragus piercing care! Remember, patience is key: follow our tips and before you know it, you'll be able to wear all kinds of jewelry on your tragus.
Keep in mind, every body is unique and can react differently to a piercing. If you have any concerns or notice that your piercing isn't healing properly, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional. Enjoy your new piercing!