Why should I go to the doctor for ear piercing?
Pediatrician Dr. Flynn offers ear piercing to put both parents and children at ease. By providing a safe, comfortable, and sterile environment, the risk of infection is significantly reduced, and Dr. Flynn supervises the entire process. He takes the time to prep your child properly, which may include applying a topical numbing agent along with providing thorough aftercare instructions.
When it comes to needles, there are no better hands than a doctor’s to pierce your child’s ears, and you will feel comfortable knowing the process will be done as quickly and safely as possible.
When can I get my child’s ears pierced?
If you would like to pierce your child’s ears at a very early age, Dr. Flynn recommends that you wait until your child has had a tetanus shot first and can withstand the piercing, which is usually between two and six months. Piercing a child’s ears earlier than that puts your child at risk for infection.
Dr. Flynn is available to pierce your child’s ears at any stage during his or her young life, whether as a baby or a young teen.
How do I take care of the ears after piercing?
Once Dr. Flynn performs the ear piercing in his office, the biggest risk is possible infection afterward, which can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines:
- Cleanse the area thoroughly two or three times a day with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or a similar disinfectant
- Twist the earring several times a day
- Avoid repeated touching of the new piercings
Dr. Flynn will give you the full list of aftercare instructions to help your child’s body adjust to the new piercings and heal quickly.
What are the signs of infection?
The biggest risk in piercing ears is an infection or an allergic reaction, which are signaled by:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Itching
- Drainage
If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see Dr. Flynn.
