Ear piercing is the act of piercing a hole into the earlobe for the purpose of wearing jewellery.
What is the risk?
- If not done properly, ear piercing could cause minor complications such as contact dermatitis, keloids, metal-associated sensitivities and lesions
- It could also cause more serious bloodborne
infections such as hepatitis B and C or HIV
How can it be done safely?
- The operator must use a gun with pre-loaded studs and butterflies, so he/she doesn't have to touch the earrings and the gun does not have to touch your ear
- The operator should not use old-style piercing guns because they can't be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Operators must:
- Clean and disinfect all piercing guns thoroughly after use
- Store piercing guns in a clean, covered container
- Use only studs from a sealed package
- Not handle sterile studs with bare hands and should be able to load all guns without touching the studs or the stud holding devices on the gun
- Get rid of disposable cartridges after each client
- Use ear piercing guns for earlobes only-not for other parts of the ear or body such as the navel or cartilage
- Have a sink with hot and cold running water to wash their hands and clean their equipment
- Must wash their hands before and after the procedure
- Wear gloves
- Give each client written and verbal advice on aftercare.
Aftercare for ear piercing:
- Keep the pierced area dry except when bathing or showering
- Wash hands before touching jewellery
- Do not turn jewellery when wound is dry
- Do not closely cover the wound; allow access to air
- If the pierced area becomes red, swollen and tender, or if pus develops, see your doctor immediately. You may have an infection.
Information based on Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Personal Services Settings Protocols, January 1998
