How to Reopen a Partially Closed Ear Piercing: A Comprehensive Guide
Losing a beloved ear piercing can be a frustrating experience. Whether it’s due to neglect, a sudden reaction, or simply forgetting to wear earrings for an extended period, piercing holes can shrink or even close up entirely. While a fully closed piercing requires a re-piercing, a partially closed one can often be reopened with patience, care, and the right techniques. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to safely and effectively reopen a partially closed ear piercing, minimizing the risk of infection and maximizing your chances of success.
Understanding Why Piercings Close
Before diving into the reopening process, it’s helpful to understand why piercings close in the first place. Your body treats a piercing as a wound, and its natural healing process involves attempting to close the opening. When jewelry is consistently worn, it prevents the hole from shrinking. However, when jewelry is removed, the skin cells begin to migrate and fill the gap, eventually leading to closure. Factors influencing the speed of closure include:
* **Age of the piercing:** Newer piercings are more prone to closing quickly than well-established, older piercings.
* **Location of the piercing:** Cartilage piercings generally take longer to close than lobe piercings due to the slower healing rate of cartilage.
* **Individual healing ability:** Some people heal faster than others, which can affect the closure rate.
* **Overall health:** A compromised immune system can impact healing and closure.
* **Jewelry material:** Certain materials can cause irritation and inflammation, potentially accelerating closure.
Assessing the Situation: Is Reopening Possible?
Not every partially closed piercing can be successfully reopened. Before attempting to reopen your piercing, carefully assess the situation:
* **How long has it been closed?** The longer the piercing has been closed, the more difficult it will be to reopen. Piercings closed for only a few days or weeks are generally easier to deal with than those closed for months or years.
* **Is there any visible hole remaining?** If you can still see a small dimple or a faint outline of the original piercing, it’s a good sign that reopening is possible. If the skin has completely grown over, reopening may be more challenging and might require a professional piercer.
* **Is there any pain or resistance?** Gently try to insert a clean earring post. If you encounter significant pain or resistance, stop immediately. Forcing the earring through can cause trauma, infection, and scarring.
* **Is there any sign of infection?** Look for redness, swelling, pus, or excessive tenderness. If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor before attempting to reopen the piercing.
If you’re unsure whether reopening is possible or safe, consult a professional piercer. They can assess the situation and provide personalized advice.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies. Having everything on hand will streamline the process and reduce the risk of contamination:
* **Hypoallergenic earrings:** Choose earrings made from hypoallergenic materials like surgical stainless steel, titanium, or 14k gold. Avoid nickel, as it’s a common allergen.
* **Lubricant:** Use a water-based lubricant like KY Jelly or a specialized piercing aftercare lubricant. Avoid petroleum-based products like Vaseline, as they can trap bacteria and impede healing.
* **Antiseptic solution:** Opt for a saline solution specifically designed for piercing aftercare. Avoid harsh chemicals like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can damage the skin cells and delay healing.
* **Cotton swabs or balls:** For cleaning the piercing and applying antiseptic solution.
* **Clean towel:** To dry your hands and the piercing area.
* **Mirror:** To provide a clear view of the piercing.
* **Optional: Numbing cream:** If you are particularly sensitive to pain, you can use a topical numbing cream containing lidocaine. Apply it according to the product instructions.
* **Optional: Piercing taper:** These are usually made of surgical steel and come in varying sizes. They are useful for gently stretching the piercing open and can be purchased from piercing supply stores or online.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reopening a Partially Closed Ear Piercing
Follow these steps carefully to safely and effectively reopen your partially closed ear piercing:
**1. Preparation and Hygiene:**
* **Wash your hands thoroughly:** Before touching your ear or any of the supplies, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry them with a clean towel.
* **Clean the piercing area:** Gently clean the front and back of your earlobe with a saline solution and a cotton swab or ball. Remove any crust or debris.
* **Sterilize your earrings:** Soak your hypoallergenic earrings in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes to sterilize them. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a clean towel.
**2. Lubrication:**
* **Apply lubricant:** Apply a generous amount of lubricant to the earring post or piercing taper and around the piercing area on both sides of your earlobe. This will help the earring or taper slide through more easily and reduce friction.
**3. Gentle Insertion:**
* **Locate the piercing:** Using a mirror, carefully locate the opening of the piercing. It may appear as a small dimple or a slightly discolored area.
* **Insert the earring or taper:** Gently insert the tip of the earring post or taper into the opening. Apply slow, steady pressure. Do not force it. If you encounter resistance, stop and try again at a slightly different angle.
* **If using a taper:** If you are using a taper, slowly push it through the piercing until the larger end of the taper is visible on the other side. Then, carefully insert the earring into the larger end of the taper and push it through the piercing, replacing the taper with the earring.
**4. Dealing with Resistance:**
* **Take a break:** If you encounter resistance or pain, stop and take a break. Do not force the earring or taper through, as this can cause damage to the tissue.
* **Warm compress:** Apply a warm compress to the area for a few minutes to soften the tissue and increase blood flow. This can help make the piercing more pliable.
* **Reapply lubricant:** Reapply lubricant to the earring or taper and the piercing area.
* **Try a different angle:** Sometimes, the piercing hole may be slightly angled. Try inserting the earring or taper at a different angle.
* **Smaller gauge:** If you are using an earring, try using one with a slightly smaller gauge post.
**5. Post-Insertion Care:**
* **Clean the piercing:** Clean the front and back of the piercing with saline solution twice a day. Use a clean cotton swab or ball to gently remove any crust or debris.
* **Rotate the earring:** Gently rotate the earring a few times a day to prevent it from sticking to the skin. Ensure your hands are clean before touching the earring.
* **Avoid touching the piercing:** Avoid touching the piercing unnecessarily to minimize the risk of infection.
* **Keep the area dry:** After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
* **Monitor for signs of infection:** Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, pain, or fever. If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor immediately.
**6. Continued Maintenance:**
* **Wear earrings consistently:** To prevent the piercing from closing again, wear earrings consistently, even while you sleep. If you need to remove them for a short period, replace them as soon as possible.
* **Clean your earrings regularly:** Clean your earrings regularly with soap and water to remove any dirt or bacteria.
* **Maintain good hygiene:** Continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching the piercing unnecessarily.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation and execution, you may encounter some challenges during the reopening process. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
* **Bleeding:** Minor bleeding is normal, especially if the piercing has been closed for a while. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cotton ball until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding is excessive or doesn’t stop after a few minutes, consult a doctor.
* **Swelling:** Some swelling is also normal, especially in the first few days. Apply a cold compress to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
* **Pain:** Some pain is to be expected, but it should be manageable. If the pain is severe or persistent, consult a doctor.
* **Infection:** If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor immediately. Do not try to treat the infection yourself, as this can worsen the situation. Signs of infection include:
* Redness
* Swelling
* Pus
* Pain
* Fever
* **Earring won’t go through:** If you are unable to insert the earring after several attempts, consult a professional piercer. They may be able to reopen the piercing with specialized tools and techniques.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many partially closed piercings can be reopened at home, there are certain situations where it’s best to seek professional help:
* **If you are unsure whether reopening is possible or safe.**
* **If you encounter significant pain or resistance.**
* **If you suspect an infection.**
* **If the piercing has been closed for a long time.**
* **If you have tried reopening the piercing yourself without success.**
* **If you have a history of keloid scarring.**
A professional piercer can assess the situation, provide personalized advice, and reopen the piercing safely and effectively. They can also provide guidance on aftercare to prevent further complications.
Preventing Piercing Closure in the Future
The best way to avoid the hassle of reopening a partially closed piercing is to prevent it from closing in the first place. Here are some tips:
* **Wear earrings consistently:** Wear earrings regularly, even while you sleep. This is the most effective way to keep the piercing open.
* **Choose hypoallergenic earrings:** Choose earrings made from hypoallergenic materials to minimize the risk of irritation and inflammation.
* **Clean your earrings regularly:** Clean your earrings regularly with soap and water to remove any dirt or bacteria.
* **Maintain good hygiene:** Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching the piercing unnecessarily.
* **If you need to remove your earrings, replace them as soon as possible.**
* **Consider using retainers:** If you need to remove your earrings for extended periods, consider using clear retainers made of biocompatible materials. These retainers will keep the piercing open without being visible.
Choosing the Right Jewelry
The type of jewelry you wear can significantly impact the health and longevity of your piercing. Here are some factors to consider when choosing jewelry:
* **Material:** As mentioned earlier, choose hypoallergenic materials like surgical stainless steel, titanium, or 14k gold. Avoid nickel, as it’s a common allergen.
* **Gauge:** The gauge refers to the thickness of the earring post. Make sure the gauge is appropriate for your piercing. Using a post that is too thick can cause pain and irritation, while a post that is too thin may not be secure.
* **Style:** Choose a style that is comfortable and doesn’t irritate your skin. Avoid earrings with sharp edges or rough surfaces.
* **Weight:** Avoid wearing heavy earrings, as they can stretch the piercing and increase the risk of tearing.
Conclusion
Reopening a partially closed ear piercing can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to reclaim a cherished accessory. By following these steps carefully and practicing good hygiene, you can safely and effectively reopen your piercing and enjoy wearing your favorite earrings again. Remember to be patient, gentle, and persistent, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. With the right care and attention, you can keep your piercings healthy and beautiful for years to come.