Ear piercing is a popular choice for many parents looking to adorn their child’s ears with earrings. While it can be an exciting milestone, it’s important to approach pediatric ear piercing with care and consideration. Understanding the process, choosing the right time, and ensuring proper aftercare can help make the experience safe and enjoyable for your child. You may not realize that you’re able to visit your pediatrician for an ear piercing, which can make you feel more comfortable with the entire process and reduce the risk of infection.
Piercing Your Child’s Ears
There’s no universally “right” age for ear piercing, as the decision largely depends on personal preference and cultural practices. Some parents choose to pierce their child’s ears in infancy, while others wait until the child is older and can participate in the decision-making process.
When you’re interested in getting your child’s ears pierced, you want to make sure you’re going to an environment that uses sterile equipment and follows proper hygiene protocols. Your pediatrician can offer a professional experience for your child and safely pierce their ears.
When getting your child’s ears pierced, your pediatrician will clean the earlobe with an antiseptic solution. The spot will be marked, and you can check to make sure that you like the placement for your child. From there, a sterilized needle will create the hole, and a hypoallergenic starter earring will be placed. The entire process is typically quick, and any discomfort is usually brief.
Once the piercing is done, your pediatrician will provide aftercare instructions to help ensure proper healing. Gently clean the pierced area twice a day with a saline solution or antiseptic recommended by your pediatrician. Avoid alcohol-based products, as they can be too harsh for sensitive skin.
Redness, swelling, pain, or discharge could indicate an infection. If you notice these symptoms, contact your pediatrician for advice. Keep the starter earrings in place for at least 6–8 weeks to allow the piercings to heal properly. After this period, you can switch to other hypoallergenic earrings.
Contact Our Pediatrician Today
If you’re interested in piercing your child’s ears, consider talking to your pediatrician! Contact Dr. Azarcon and Dr. Cortes at Children’s Clinic of El Paso with two locations in El Paso, TX. Call (915) 544-2225 for the Westside location and (915) 592-2600 for the Eastside location.