Ear holes in small children: What experts advise you

“Papa, I also want earrings!” – So the wish of many children when you see your friend in kindergarten or school with the shiny plugs. But should the desire be fulfilled in young children? Jakob mask advises against getting your ear holes in small children or even infants. He is a pediatrician in Berlin and spokesman for the professional association of pediatricians. In practice, however, the pediatrician also sees infants under one year who already have ear holes.

“The stinging of ear holes intervenes in the physical integrity of the child. So ear holes are only recommended in children who can choose this themselves.” It is important that the children are so old that they can understand that the procedure itself can be painful and can estimate the consequences. “And that is not the case with a child of four years, but maybe at 14 or 15 years if children can make really legal decisions for themselves.”

Piercing studios also pay attention to the age of the children: “Many piercing studios set themselves a minimum age limit of 14 years and require the consent of both parents,” says the German Society for Piercing (DGP) at the request of the star with. The protection of the child and the protection of his integrity is the top priority here.

Because the supposedly small pik in the earlobe carries certain risks. Children can react allergic to nickel, for example. In the EU there are regulations for the use of nickel that are defined in the. Also for. However, investigations, such as the Federal Office for Consumer Protection, showed in the past that the limit values ​​are often exceeded. And the allergy to nickel is a contact allergy. This means that the body reacts in contact with the material. It can come to itching, swelling, redness, pain, bubbles or papules around the contact point.

And that’s not all. The engraved ear holes are small wounds through which pathogens can penetrate, and the wound can ignite. “Inflammation can always rise and the earlobes are very close to the brain region, so parents have to be careful here that there is not too much inflammation,” warns Jakob Mask in conversation with the star. Another risk of injury is that small children tear off their earrings or get stuck while playing and thus injure their earlobes. “We very often see that the earrings literally disappear in the earlobe. And then they have to be removed surgically,” reports the pediatrician.

In order to minimize the risk of inflammation, parents should make sure that it is hygienic when jumping. So the required tool is sterilized, the staff carries gloves, the area is disinfected and the skin area. “It is very difficult to pronounce a recommendation where you can best get your ear holes because it is not a medical field. Whether jeweler or piercing studio – the hygienic conditions must fit,” says Mask. It is also important that so -called health plugs are used as the first ear ring. You would ensure that healing runs in the stab channel, said Jakob Maske. It should also be informed about the right aftercare.

According to the DGP, you can Good piercing studio Recognize the following characteristics:

It should use sterile disposable materials and instruments.

The jewelry should be sterile and should be from suitable materials, like titanium.

If you want an ear hole, you should be informed about risks and aftercare.

The piercer should be well trained and have experience.

The reviews of other customers can provide information.

Ear holes can be stung with an ear hole pistol or a needle. The DGP advises against getting the ear holes stab with the ear hole gun. “Compared to a quick shot through the pistol without a needle tip, the ear hole can be stung much more soulful and precisely with a piercing needle. The skin has less irritation and less trauma afterwards due to the sharp needle.”

The freshly stung ear holes need about six to twelve weeks to heal. The ears should therefore only be touched with thoroughly washed hands to minimize the risk of germs and turns into the stab channel. It is also important to clean the plug regularly with a suitable disinfectant. It is important to ensure that the stab channel remains as dry as possible, since moisture favors the settlement of germs in fresh wounds. When washing hair, too, care should be taken to ensure that no shampoo or other care products come into contact with the ear holes.

“During the healing phase, strong mechanical stimuli, such as wearing headgear, headphones or sleeping on the freshly pierced ear, should be avoided,” advises the DGP. The less stimuli is exerted on the freshly pierced area, the better the ear hole could heal. The new ear plugs should not be turned or moved. “It is often said here that otherwise they would grow with the ear. But that’s a myth,” said the DGP.

It is also important that the ear holes are observed during the healing phase to notice signs of inflammation in good time. “Parents should pay attention to reddening around the ear hole, swelling and overheating. These are the classic signs of inflammation.” If pus comes out of the wound, a doctor must definitely be consulted. Better already with redness, says pediatrician Jakob Maske.