- Infant Ear Canal Insights from a Medical Expert
"Kiddos Wanting Earrings: A Warning Signal"
"Daddy, can I have earrings like my friends too?" - a common request from numerous kids after seeing their peers at preschool or school adorned with sparkling studs. But is granting this wish appropriate for tiny tots? Ear piercing for tots and even babies is not advised by Jakob Maske, a pediatrician from Berlin and spokesperson for the German Association of Pediatricians and Youth Physicians. Yet, he frequently encounters infants under a year having their ears pierced in his practice.
"Ear piercing infringes upon a child's physical autonomy. Thus, it's only suggested for children who can make that decision for themselves," says Maske. It's crucial that children are old enough to grasp that the procedure can be painful and evaluate the consequences. "This is not the case with a 4-year-old, but perhaps around 14 or 15, when children can make mature decisions for themselves."
Piercing studios also take the age of children into account: "Many studios set a minimum age of 14 and require the consent of both parents," the German Society for Piercing (DGP) informed stern. The welfare of the child and the preservation of their integrity are primary considerations.
Beneath the seemingly innocent prick in the earlobe lies certain hazards. Children may show an allergy to nickel in earrings. In the EU, regulations governing the use of nickel are established by the Chemicals Act. There are also maximum nickel levels in initial earrings for piercings. However, studies, such as those conducted by the Federal Office for Consumer Protection, have demonstrated that these limits are frequently surpassed. And nickel allergy is a contact allergy, which means the body responds negatively to contact with the material. It can cause itching, swelling, redness, pain, blisters, or papules around the contact site.
Ear Piercing Unsuitable for Toddlers
However, this is not the only risk. Pierced ear holes serve as tiny wounds, permitting pathogens entry. "Infections can spread, and the earlobes are situated close to the brain region, so parents should ensure there are no serious infections," cautions Maske. Another risk is that small children may pull out their earrings or get them snagged during play, injuring their earlobe. "These accidents often result in earrings lodged in the earlobe, requiring surgical removal,” reported the pediatrician.
To lessen the risk of infections, parents must ensure that the procedure is hygienic. This means sterilizing the necessary tools, wearing gloves, disinfecting the area, and cleaning the skin. "Recommending a location for ear piercing is challenging because it's not a medical field. Whether it's a jeweler or a piercing studio, the hygienic conditions must be right," says Maske. It's also important to use health studs as the initial earring. They facilitate the healing process in the puncture channel, says Maske. Proper aftercare guidelines should also be provided.
According to DGP, a reputable piercing studio can generally be identified by the following characteristics:
Hygiene: It should utilize sterile disposable materials and instruments.
Jewelry:
Jewelry should be packaged sterilely and crafted from suitable materials, such as titanium.
Consultation:
Those seeking an ear piercing should be notified about the risks and aftercare procedures.
Qualification:
The piercers should be thoroughly trained and experienced.
References:
The reviews of other customers can provide insights.
Good aftercare is essential
Ear piercings can be performed using an ear piercing gun or a needle. The DGP advocates against getting ear piercings done with an ear piercing gun. "A needle can deliver a more delicate and precise piercing compared to a rapid shot via the gun without a needle tip. The skin suffers less irritation and trauma as a result."
Newly pierced ears require around 6 to 12 weeks to heal. As a result, they should only be touched with thoroughly washed hands to minimize the risk of germs and dirt entering the piercing channel. Regularly cleaning the jewelry both front and back with an appropriate disinfectant and maintaining the piercing canal as dry as possible to hinder germ growth in fresh wounds is also crucial. During hair washing, ensure no shampoo or other care products come into contact with the piercings.
"During the healing phase, strong mechanical stimuli such as wearing headgear, headphones, or sleeping on the recently pierced ear should be avoided," suggests DGP. Minimizing stimuli to the recently pierced area aids in its healing. The new earrings should not be moved or twisted in any manner. "It has been proposed that doing so will cause them to grow together with the ear, but this is a myth," says DGP.
It's also important to monitor the ear piercings during the healing phase to detect any signs of infection early on. "Parents should watch for redness around the piercing, swelling, and warmth. These are the typical indicators of an infection," says pediatrician Jakob Maske. If pus emerges from the wound, a medical professional should be consulted immediately. It's best to seek medical help even at the initial signs of redness, says pediatrician Jakob Maske.
"Considering the risks involved, it might be appropriate for a children's physician, like Jakob Maske, to advise against ear piercing for children under a certain age due to the potential for allergies, infections, and accidents."
"Parents should ensure that if their older child decides to get their ears pierced, they visit a reputable piercing studio that adheres to high hygiene standards, uses suitable materials such as titanium, and provides comprehensive information about the piercing process and aftercare."
