Introduction

When you first got your ears pierced, you may have experienced a burst of excitement coupled with a bit of discomfort as your body began healing. Over time, however, life changes and busy schedules might mean that you rarely wear your earrings. In some cases, an old ear piercing may start to close up, become irritated, or even develop complications if proper care was not maintained. In this blog post we will discuss how to heal an ear piercing that may be old – whether it’s partially closed, fully closed, or simply not looking as healthy as you’d wish. We’ll explore home care methods, signs of infection, and when it might be time to visit a professional to re-open or re-pierce.

Understanding Old Ear Piercings

Through the years, the tissue surrounding an ear piercing will change. Usually, a fresh piercing is supported by a well-established “tunnel” that holds the jewelry in place. An old piercing, particularly if it’s been left without jewelry for an extended period, might show a thin layer of skin bridging the hole. This may make it appear as though the piercing is closed even if there’s still a passage beneath that superficial skin layer.

Old ear piercings might be more prone to irritation or even an infection once you try to reinsert jewelry. The process of healing, as well as the natural aging of the skin, sometimes leads to the accumulation of scar tissue, which can make the piercings more sensitive. In some cases, if the area has had previous infections, the tissue may have scarred in a way that makes piercing more difficult.

It’s important to understand that even if your piercing appears healed, the underlying tissue may be fragile. You might notice that even a small earring or stud can be difficult to insert if the hole has begun to close. Ultimately, the best your body can do is to reconstitute the “tunnel” by regenerating skin between the two sides of the piercing wound. However, every person’s healing process is unique, and many factors—such as your age, genetics, and overall health—play a role in keeping a piercing open over time.

Recognizing Signs That Your Piercing Needs Attention

One of the most important steps in healing an old ear piercing is knowing the signs that indicate attention is necessary. Even if your piercing isn’t causing significant pain, early warning signs can help you prevent complications. Look out for:

• Discomfort or Pain: If the piercing begins to hurt or feels tender every time you try to wear earrings.
• Redness and Swelling: Persistent redness or slight swelling may be a normal part of the early healing process, but if these symptoms disturb you in an old piercing, it might be an infection.
• Itching or Burning: While some itching can be normal as your skin heals, a burning sensation can indicate irritation or a mild infection.
• Discharge: A yellow, green, or white discharge is a red flag, signaling that bacteria are present.
• Closed or Narrowed Hole: Even a partially closed piercing might make it difficult to reinsert jewelry.

If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist beyond a few days, it might be a sign that your piercing is not healing properly or that infection has set in. Paying attention to these clues early on can help you decide whether you should care for your piercing at home or consult a professional body piercer or healthcare professional.

Options for Managing a Old Piercing

There are a couple of different approaches to consider when faced with an old or partially closed ear piercing. Determining which option is right for you depends on the extent of the closure, the presence of any discomfort or infection, and your overall aesthetic goals. Here are some common options:

At-Home Re-Opening

For piercings that are only partially closed, you may attempt to gently re-open the piercing yourself. Here are a few steps to guide you if you choose to try this at home:

1. Warm Compress: Soak your ear in warm water or take a warm shower. This helps to soften the tissue around the piercing, making it more pliable.
2. Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of a fragrance-free ointment such as Aquaphor or Vaseline. This lubrication can make it easier for the jewelry to slide through without causing unnecessary trauma to the skin.
3. Gentle Pressure: Carefully try to insert a small stud through the piercing. Do not force the jewelry; if you experience significant resistance or pain, stop immediately.
4. Rotation: Once you’ve re-inserted the jewelry, gently rotate it. This can help keep the tunnel open and prevent new scar tissue from forming.
5. Keep It Clean: Continue to clean your ear piercing regularly with a saline solution and mild soap.

It is extremely important during this process that you do not use a needle or any sharp object to force the opening. Forcing jewelry or introducing an unsterilized object could cause bleeding, damage, or an infection.

Professional Re-Piercing

If your piercing is completely closed or if you have significant scar tissue, it’s highly recommended that you see a professional body piercer. A trained piercer can evaluate your ear, determine whether it is safe to re-pierce the same spot, and do so using sterilized equipment in a controlled environment. As noted by professionals and organizations such as the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), re-piercing is more successful when performed by someone with the proper training and experience.

Some individuals who have experienced previous complications such as allergic reactions or infections may find that their closed piercing is not ideal for re-use. In these cases, a professional might recommend selecting an alternative location on the ear for piercing. Although many old piercings can be successfully re-opened, scar tissue or keloids can sometimes make the process challenging.

Aftercare and Home Treatment for Healing

Proper aftercare plays a crucial role when attempting to heal and maintain an old ear piercing. Taking the correct steps can not only help prevent infection but also ensure that the piercing remains open and healthy. Here are some essential aftercare practices:

Cleaning the Piercing

• Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your piercing. Clean hands reduce the risk of introducing harmful bacteria.
• Saline Soaks: Use a sterile saline solution to rinse out your ear. You can either spray the solution onto your ear or soak a cotton ball in it and apply it gently.
• Mild Soap: If you prefer using soap, choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid antibacterial products such as rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they can irritate the healing tissue.
• Dry Gently: After cleaning, pat your ear dry with a sterile gauze pad rather than a towel which might harbor bacteria or snag the jewelry.
• Frequency: Clean your piercing two to three times a day during the healing process. Even after it appears healed, regular cleaning can help minimize the build-up of oils and bacteria.

Moisturizing and Supporting Healing

• Ointments: Apply a thin layer of a non-antibiotic ointment like Aquaphor around the piercing to keep the area moist. This can help prevent scabbing and allow for a smoother healing process.
• Avoid Heavy Products: Refrain from using heavy creams, makeup, or lotions near the piercing that aren’t formulated for sensitive or healing skin.
• Keep Jewelry In: Even if your piercing is well healed visually, removing the jewelry can cause the tunnel to shrink or close. If you need to remove your earrings for any reason, try re-inserting them periodically so the passage remains maintained.

General Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Follow any aftercare instructions provided by your piercer.
• Keep your sleeping environment clean by using fresh pillowcases regularly.
• Clean any objects that come in contact with your ears, such as headphones or eyeglasses.
• Monitor your piercing regularly for any signs of infection.

Don't:

• Avoid twisting or turning your jewelry frequently. This can irritate the healing tissue and increase the risk of complications.
• Do not submerge your piercing in pools, hot tubs, or unclean water.
• Do not use harsh products like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can damage the delicate healing tissue.
• Do not attempt to force jewelry into a closed or partially closed piercing if done without proper care.

Re-Piercing: When and How to Do It Safely

If your old piercing is completely closed or if home methods have failed to re-open it, professional re-piercing is usually the safest route. Re-piercing involves inserting a new needle into the scar tissue. The procedure is similar to the initial piercing, but there are a few extra considerations:

Evaluating Your Ear

Before re-piercing, a professional will examine your ear to determine:

• If the old piercing has fully closed
• The extent of scar tissue present
• Whether the same spot can be safely re-pierced or if a new location is recommended

Some individuals might find that re-piercing the same area is not advisable because of a history of allergies or multiple infections. In those cases, your piercer may suggest trying a different location. It’s best not to self-diagnose; letting a professional assess your ear is key.

The Procedure

Professional re-piercing will typically involve the following steps:

1. Preparation: Your piercer will first clean and disinfect your ear thoroughly. They will then mark the appropriate spot, ensuring symmetry and proper placement.
2. Piercing: Using a new, sterilized needle, the piercer will quickly create a small opening through the skin. Because scar tissue can be denser than regular tissue, a gentle yet confident technique is required.
3. Insertion: A sterile piercing taper or the appropriate jewelry is then inserted into the new opening. The choice of jewelry should take into account the thickness of the scar tissue.
4. Aftercare: You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to clean and care for your new piercing. This will be similar to initial aftercare—cleaning with saline or mild soap and water, keeping the area dry, and avoiding excessive movement or pressure.

It is crucial to have your piercing re-done by a reputable professional to minimize risks such as infection, bleeding, or further trauma to the tissue.

Professional Care vs. DIY: Making the Right Choice

While there are many at-home treatments available for minor piercing issues, the risks associated with self-treatment should not be underestimated. In cases where your old piercing has fully closed, or if you experience significant pain, swelling, or discharge, seeking professional care should be your top priority. Here’s what to consider:

• Safety and Sterility: Professional piercers have access to sterilized equipment ensuring that the procedure avoids cross-contamination. At home, even the best-sterilized tools may not reach the level of professional standards.
• Experience: A trained professional can quickly assess whether re-piercing is possible or if alternative approaches are needed. They can also provide personalized advice based on the condition of your ear and medical history.
• Comfort: Although a new piercing may cause brief discomfort, professional methods are typically swift and designed to minimize pain. On the contrary, forcing jewelry into a stubborn, partially closed piercing at home can lead to further injury.
• Risk of Scarring: Incorrect at-home techniques can lead to more aggressive scar tissue formation or even keloids. Professionals use techniques that encourage smoother, less pronounced healing.

Ultimately, if you feel uncertain or notice severe symptoms such as significant redness, swelling, or pus buildup, it’s best to consult a professional rather than risking further complications through DIY methods.

Expert Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, body piercing experts have compiled a list of tips that can help anyone caring for an old or healing ear piercing. Here are some frequently asked questions and expert insights:

Should I Re-Open My Old Piercing at Home?

If your piercing is only partially closed and you feel confident that you can gently re-open it using warm water and lubrication, you might try a cautious approach. However, avoid using any instruments like needles to force it open. If your jewelry refuses to slide in or if you experience pain, schedule an appointment with a professional body piercer.

What If I Suspect an Infection?

An ear piercing infection can manifest as persistent redness, swelling, pain, or a discharge that is yellow, green, or white. In these cases, over-the-counter treatments such as warm saline soaks may help, but if symptoms persist for more than a few days, consult your healthcare provider. A doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics depending on the severity of the infection.

How Can I Prevent My Piercing from Closing?

The best way to ensure that your piercing remains open is to wear jewelry consistently. Even if you prefer not to show your earrings all the time, consider using a clear glass retainer or a piece that matches your skin tone. If you must remove your jewelry for an extended period, it is wise to reinsert it periodically to keep the tunnel open.

How Long Does It Take for an Old Piercing to Heal?

While a new ear lobe piercing may take around six to eight weeks to heal, cartilage piercings can take four months to a year due to the difference in blood supply. An old piercing that’s been closed or partially closed may require additional care to fully re-open and heal, and the healing time may be longer. It is essential to follow aftercare instructions diligently even after the initial healing phase.

Final Takeaways for Healthy Ears

Old ear piercings require a little extra love and care if you plan on re-wearing jewelry in them. Whether you are trying to gently reopen a partially closed piercing at home or have decided to seek professional help for a completely closed piercing, following proper cleaning, maintenance, and aftercare is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing.

Remember these core principles:

• Keep the area clean by washing your hands and using a saline solution.
• Use gentle lubrication to help ease jewelry back into place.
• Pay close attention to signs of infection or excessive healing complications, and do not hesitate to call a professional.
• Consistent aftercare, even for old piercings, is the secret to maintaining an open, healthy ear.

Your ears deserve the same care and attention as any other part of your body. If you’re struggling with an old piercing or are simply curious about re-opening a closed one, consider consulting a professional body piercer who can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. With the right care, your old ear piercing can once again serve as a beautiful canvas for your personal style.

Conclusion

Healing an old ear piercing or re-opening one that has gradually closed over time is a process that requires patience, proper hygiene, and sometimes professional intervention. The key is to listen to your body, maintain a consistent cleaning routine, and never hesitate to seek expert advice when needed. Whether you’re planning to re-pierce your ear or gently coax open a partially closed hole, a combination of at-home care and professional guidance can help ensure a healthy, aesthetically pleasing result.

If you’re ready to take action or have more questions about your ear piercing, now is the perfect time to reach out to a trusted expert. Your journey to a confident, stylish earscape is just a step away. Enjoy your self-expression, and take the time to care for your body the right way.