Can I change my earrings 2 weeks after piercing?
I’m going to tell you a story. This will tell you what I did to change my piercing the day after it was pierced. It has my method, products I used and a disclaimer to protect myself should anyone copy and mimic what I did. It is the reader’sresponsibilityto read this disclaimer at the end. I am no professional and I am posting this only as an anecdote not as an instruction tutorial. I am not liable for your decisions or accidents/infections or injuries you face.
Story time:
On the 9th September 2020 I got my second lobe piercing done at a reputable piercest. I will still go to them again. However the lady who did it had a problem with her piercing tool and the butterfly clasp was at an angle on my earring. Also the earring was too short for my ear which neither of us knew. This made my ear swollen and painful. So tonight (10th) I made the decision to go against all advice out there and change my earring.
Now I’m not going to encourage you to do this. Because the risks for you are higher then for me.
I have a prescription of antibiotics on repeat that comes in a liquid that I apply to my acne. I keep some of it stored in a spray bottle incase i have to pop a zit and sanitize the wound. So before, during and after the process of changing my earrings ( which are titanium- the most hypoallergenic and sterile kind there is!) I was using my antibiotics on the wound to kill bacteria and minimise infection. My hands were also clean (and repeatedly sanitized throughout) and hair put up.
I also was using this antibiotic the earring I was going to use – a brand new out of the packet titanium earing stud with no gems and was long enough to accommodate my ear properly. Titanium is the only metal that I don’t have a reaction to and I always have a couple of unopened plain studs available. So I sanitized both the front and back (leaving the back in the solution as I swapped them out.)
Now here’s what most people wouldn’tthink to do that I found on youtube. When inserting into an unhealed piercing you need to have lubed metal to prevent you tearing the raw tiny tunnel in your ear which will lead to infection. So After sterilising i added to the stem (the bit that goes in my ear hole) of the front of earring Eucalyptus oil (this is antifungal, anti inflammatory and will lube up the metal) . Took out the old one, and immediately slid in my lubed new stud. Took my earring back clip out of the solution , but it on and applied new antibiotics to the area. I already can feel relief in my ear area.
Now I’m going to say I was quite lucky to have the things I had and I was clean and prepared and took soooooo many precautions. You might not be as lucky. But if I can’t deter you. I I atleast provide you with some product alternatives and remind you to do your research, speak to professionals and if you are going to do it you have to be beyond squeaky clean to avoid infection and be careful.
Products:
If you can’t find eucalyptus oil you can use a tiny bit of vapo rub/vicks as this contains it and its proven that vapo rub can treat fungal infections in things like nails. It’s also good on bruises (personal experience). You may be able to use coconut oil as this is antifungal too but I wouldn’t reccomend it .I’ve read somewhere someone used liquid hand soap too.
The antibiotics I use is from a brand called Zineryt and contains zinc for inflammation as well as the antibiotic. Incredibly strong, leaves a protective coating and can dry skin .I have used them on a small cist before too-again its prescription. P.s it will sting raw wounds.
Alternatively rubbing alcohol/ surgical spirit and witch hazel will work (these will sting on open wounds and areas with bacteria) – it must be something that can kill bacteria but be safe on skin. Even a little of that brown dettol antibacterial wash works or TCP. Saline and salt water I would reserve for post procedure cleaning. You should also avoid multiple earring switches and doing what I have done altogether until 6-8 weeks after getting pierced.
P.s
Pure Rose water is also anti inflammatory and a mild antibacterial liquid. So you can also use this to clean ears after the earring is situated to help with swelling. This is a great option for little kids as (unless you have an allergy to roses) it is hypoallergenic, gentle and smells nice so no wrinkling up the nose. (Its also great for sore spots and cleansing/moisturising the skin/lips)
You should also wear gloves and have clean hands and hair out of the way. I also recommend titanium studs if you do this. Please don’t use hoops or cheap shop earrings as this will cause damage and be a high risk for infection.
DISCLAIMER
I am in no way a medical practitioner or qualified piercist. Seek advice from a professional ! If you are a child under 18 years old you must discuss with a parent and a professional.
This is in no way advice to do this. This is my experience , the method and products I use for a minor piercing emergency and care with my own ears and if you do choose to do what I have done and have any issues then it is your responsibility and I am in no way responsible for any injuries, infections or problems you may face. If you do this you are accepting responsibility of yourself, your actions and the outcome. It is your responsibility to talk to the relevant people, do your own research and take the upmost care. And if you are a child it is your responsibility to talk to your parent or guardian and both yours and your guardian’s responsibility then.
I’m a broke ass student who owns nothing and do not need any legal issues because you decided to do this without knowing the risks. The risks of which are infection and injury and I have multiple disclaimers for my own protection throughoutthis post. So please be careful if you do. And know this disclaimer will be used should a legal case be brought to me as you know the risks.