I eventually managed to drift off, but I woke up to find that I had been sleeping on my new ear piercing. Particularly, a lot of people get their helix pierced and are concerned about whether they can sleep with it or not. earlobes should heal for 6-8 weeks, whereas cartilage piercings can take anywhere from 4 months to a year. 5. If the piercing becomes irritated or sore, the numbing agent Neosporin will aid in its healing. In severe cases, you may have to let the piercing close up and redo at a later date. A tragus piercing sits on the small area of cartilage that partially covers your ear canal. That makes sleeping as your ears heal significantly easier and more comfortable. After washing, pat the area dry with a clean tissue or paper towel. (2011). There are plenty of ways to make sleeping more comfortable as the healing months are passing. You will learn how to sleep with a cartilage today. {See DIY Piercing Pillow Video below!}. Pros And Cons And Tips For Neck Protection, Responsibly Disposing Of Old Bed Pillows Options For Donation Recycling And Upcycling, Exploring The Benefits Of Putting Rose Quartz Under Your Pillow, DIY Microwavable Eye Pillow: A Stress-Relieving Craft Guide, Finding The Right Bed Pillow For You: A Comprehensive Guide To A Good Nights Sleep, Finding The Perfect Foam Pillow For A Good Nights Sleep. While the wound is still fresh, applying pressure by sleeping on the piercing can change the angle of your piercing which can be potentially harmful and result in scarring. These earrings are hypoallergenic in terms of hypoallergenicness, whether they are made of stainless steel or gold. Examine your piercing to see if there are any instances when it has become interferes with. 11. In addition to waiting until the right time to take out your earrings, you should also follow your piercers aftercare instructions. These earrings may be worn for weeks or months at a time. It is critical to get it checked out by a medical professional if it has been more than six months since the infection was discovered. The healing period depends on the area of the piercing. amazon and the amazon logo are trademarks of amazon.com, inc. or its affiliates." When it comes to new piercings, you can't do better than titanium jewelry. When wearing older piercings, it is best not to sleep in your earrings. The problem with the silicon plugs is that you need to disrupt your piercing and the immediate area around the piercing at least four times a day. 132K views 5 years ago In this video I share a few tips for sleeping with new ear piercings and how to avoid catching and irritating them on your sleep. Remember to tighten your piercing before bed so it does not come out and start to heal over during the night. Try sleeping without earrings to see if your headaches improve. You will be able to avoid infection and speed up the healing process by doing so. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Some of the wounds will bleed profusely in the first few nights. Healing time: A rook piercing typically heals within six to 12 months, according to piercer Rhianna Jones. This might mean avoiding body piercings, tattoos, and elective or cosmetic surgeries. Thats why experts generally recommend keeping the starter earring in a cartilage piercing for at least 12 weeks before switching it out for another (again, ideally nickel-free) earring. But if your piercings are older, avoid wearing earrings made with nickel overnight, as well as large hoops and dangle or drop-style earrings. Here you can find the answers to the most commonly asked questions. You may also want to sleep with a headband or scarf to keep your hair from accidentally brushing against your new piercings. Alcohol, although great at temporarily killing surface-level germs, is very drying to the skin when used repeatedly, which can cause irritation and delay healing, says Lacy, who gives the same warning about hydrogen peroxide. Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. When you wake up, make sure to thoroughly clean your ears with a saline solution. The piercing of a babys ear is a personal preference or, in some cultures, a family or cultural custom. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If youre prone to tossing and turning at night, it might be a good idea to sleep with a thin cotton scarf wrapped around your head. Ear Piercing Hurts After Sleeping On It Image Source: https://lightskincure.org Sleeping on your side is the best way to prevent your new piercings from getting irritated. This will help your ears to stick-out a little and you can sleep comfortably. The short answer on how to sleep with a new piercing comfortably and painlessly is to avoid sleeping on the piercing. If the piercing does become irritated or sore a numbing agent like Neosporin will give you relief in the area of the piercing. A conch piercing may be painful for some people, both . How to Tell If Your Irregular Periods Are a Sign of a Bigger Health Issue. When it comes to earrings, it is critical to exercise caution while selecting one type. It is best not to touch the post of your cartilage piercing jewelry for the first few weeks. Additionally, you can try sleeping with a blanket made out of cotton without peeking threads and other materials that can attach to the earring and pull it off your ear. Most people prefer sleeping on their back, according to various statistics, but being limited to sleeping on their back is often uncomfortable for many sleepers. Following piercings, it is critical to maintain a regular aftercare schedule in order to heal. Please read our fulldisclosure pageto learn more about it. A single piercing can take up to a year to heal. Saline wash: Prepare a saline solution with 1/2 teaspoon of salt to one cup of water. Its important to take care of your piercings both new and old. Is the Internet Killing the Music Industry? If you want to keep your piercing, dont sleep on it. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. The protectors are made out of cool and hypoallergenic materials that will cool down the area around your piercing wound until it heals up. This will help keep your piercings clean and will also prevent you from accidentally scratching or bumping them during the night. During that time, any bacteria that enter . Moreover, removing the earrings can lead to unwanted infections. However, using silicone plugs will reduce that firm and hard feeling, allowing your skin to get some breathing. It is important to listen to your body and not put any unnecessary pressure on the piercing while it is healing. Signs of an infection include: Sleeping in certain earrings could also increase your risk of an allergic reaction to nickel. If you had a new piercing recently, or an ear piercing for the first time, continue reading this article and learn more. You may feel as if you are under a lot of pressure in some cases, particularly if you are lying on your back. The daith piercing, which is located in the innermost fold of your ear, is the most common. How to Sleep With New Piercings on Both Sides: This is what you should do if you have new piercings on both sides of your body. Basically, cartilage tissue has less blood circulation and therefore is slow to heal and regenerate itself. What to consider when sleeping with a new piercing on your lobe 1. Travel pillows with U shape allow your hair to fall neutrally on the pillow, while your ear will be exposed to the hole in the middle of the pillow. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. When your piercing does not cause you pain when you lay on it is a clear indicator that you can now sleep on it. Thats why its important to learn how to sleep comfortably after getting a new ear piercing. The Sleeper Earpiece is designed for people who have had their ears pierced for the first time. Preventing stretched earlobes can be a matter of practicing the following habits: Replace heavy earrings with lightweight ones Remove your earrings while sleeping to avoid injury Stay away from earrings that may get caught in other objects often, such as large hoops or ones comprised of wicker or "grabbing" materials It is your responsibility as a parent or a caring adult to clean your ears and apply antibiotic ointment or ear cleaning solution to them after the piercing. How to avoid sleeping on ear piercing? Furthermore, the affected skin is now swollen, soft, and prone to tearing, which means you can easily spread the piercing hole by applying pressure and moving your earring. How Long Until I Can Sleep On My Cartilage Piercing? Weve got answers to your questions about ear piercing, including where to get them done, how much it hurts, and what jewelry to choose. A new piercing is an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal. You can use a cotton swab dipped in a little rubbing alcohol to clean around the area, Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, tells SELF. Also, avoid using hair products, makeup, or lotions near the piercing. Heres what experts told us about how to treat the area right, what to expect during the healing process, and what to do if youre showing signs of an ear piercing infection. By Mayo Clinic Staff Ears. Types of Jewelry Pieces 7. Gently rub any part of the jewelry that's exposed, plus the skin surrounding it. This will help to keep your piercing from coming into contact with your pillow and getting irritated. TONITOWN, Ark. How to Sleep Comfortably with a New Piercing. Once your earlobe piercing mostly heals after those initial six weeks, youre free to swap it out with any earring, but, in general, Lacy recommends sticking with, yep, a nickel-free material in order to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. Sleep Position 6. If this happens, youll have to wait several more weeks for the skin to heal until you can get the area re-pierced. Only touch the jewelry when youre cleaning the area, and make sure you wash your hands first. Bedding FAQ You can prevent pain by sleeping on the side without the piercing. You will be able to keep your piercing healthy and free of irritation if you take these precautions. It is best to have a doctor perform the procedure or recommend that someone else do it in the most secure conditions. The wounds will bleed profusely for the first few nights. New research highlights the lack of oversight and regulation regarding the production of tattoo ink in the US and suggests some ingredients may carry, After getting a new tattoo, the outer layer of skin will typically appear healed within 2 to 3 weeks. Posted on Published: March 21, 2022- Last updated: January 9, 2023, Why Do I Sleep Better On The Couch? A soft sports bra can be worn to bed in place of a pierced nipple. | Ear piercing aftercare tips | Ear piercing allergic reactions | Ear piercing infections | How will you know when your piercing is healed? I recently got my ear pierced and was excited to show it off to my friends. Cartilage piercing has an inherent risk of infection because of the risk of open wounds. Or teach yourself to sleep in a new position for a week or so before the big day will ensure you have plenty of sleep while your new piercing heals. Don't you move around in your sleep without knowing? Lips. Are you the owner of a shiny new ear piercing? A quick test is to press your piercing quite firmly into your pillow and if it is not tender or does not hurt, I would sleep on it that night if you are ready. Since you must leave studs in if you have new ear piercings, you can try sleeping on your back instead to help ease your headaches. One of them is placing a pillow protector under your head or the pillow sham. Here are a few tips on how to sleep on your side with a new piercing: 1. Studs may not pose as much risk as other types of earrings, but its still possible that hair, clothing, and fabrics from your bedding could wrap around these earrings and cause issues. Why is sleeping on your piercing risky, however? This is why we put hundreds of hours in researching, studying, and finding the perfect sleep solution to sleep-related problems so that you can get the best nights sleep ever! However, for some other people, it can take up to a few weeks. [deleted] 6 yr. ago antihero790 6 yr. ago You must take extreme precautions when coming into contact with the area so that you do not become ill. 2. Why You Should Not Sleep on a New Piercing, Infection from Removing Piercing Too Early, How You Should Sleep with New Ear Piercings on Both Sides, Piercing Type and What Position You Should Sleep In. redness thats accompanied by a rash that doesnt improve, swelling that grows and continues to worsen, headaches or ear irritation that doesnt go away. Below is a list of the most common piercing and the position you should at night for a comfortable and pain-free nights sleep. You should not put your earrings on until your ears have healed completely. The healing problem can be a bit difficult, however, especially if you have difficulties sleeping with a new piercing. Wearing earrings while sleeping is a common practice. It is always exciting when we get a new piercing. New piercings can also be difficult to sleep in, especially for side sleepers. You might want to apply sunscreen before your next nail appointment. However, once youre comfortable with laying on that side, you can easily improve your sleep experience. Infections Wearing the same earrings for a long time. Blood or pus, as well as white, yellow, or greenish pus, can form as a result of a piercing. Want to wake up feeling refreshed and energized every morning? Large earrings, as well as styles with openings like hoops and dangles, can further increase this risk. It is also important to take note of when sleeping with your new ear piercings, as this is when you may accidentally knock them or snag, resulting in swelling. If you take it out any earlier than that, even for a couple of hours, you run the risk of the piercing beginning to close, according to Lacy. With the proper information, you can be sure that your ear piercings will heal properly and look their best. An Overview Of The Procedure, Introduction To Digital Audio Workstations In The EDM Community, Creating Accurate Affordable Hearing Tests With Arduino, The Anatomy And Function Of The Temporal Bone: Protecting The Middle And Inner Ear, How To Test A Dalmatians Hearing And Assess Potential Problems, Max Protection: The Highest Rating For Ear Plugs To Protect Your Hearing, Preparing For And Passing A Dot Hearing Test: A Comprehensive Guide, The Benefits Of Getting A Hearing Test: Who Can Provide One And How To Get One. It is not uncommon for piercings to tilt and move while sleeping, especially when new, but it is also common over time. There are no hard-and-fast rules for determining if a piercing has fully healed just by looking at it, according to Dr. Farber, but one hint is that any inflammation or sensitivity will diminish. The only time its safe to purposely sleep in your earrings is if youre wearing the studs from a new piercing. You are now used to your new sleeping position why not carry on sleeping in that way to keep your piercings in tack and looking great. It was a bit painful and I was a bit worried that I had done some damage. If you follow the aftercare procedures, your baby will be able to wear their new earrings within a few days. You do not want to sleep on the new piercing before it is completely healed; therefore, the piercing must be thoroughly cleaned and infection-free before it can be completely healed. Hi, my names Jamie. Laser Tattoo Removal Can Cause Blisters Here's Why and How to Treat Them. Avoid putting pressure on the area by not sleeping on the side with the earring until it heals. Placement: The upper part of the ear on the ridge between the outer and inner sections of the ear. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Explore La Quintas Pillows For The Perfect Night Of Sleep, Should You Sleep With Two Pillows? Editors notes: Its not always a good idea to sleep with silicon plugs as soon as you get your ears pierced. You will find one here to suit you. We mentioned it earlier, but its of utmost importance to highlight once again that sleeping on the affected side is not only uncomfortable and painful, it can completely ruin the healing process of your new piercing. How to Make a Migraine Game Plan If You Have a Demanding Job. Healing times for piercings are outlined in the table above. Also if they poke out too far they will press into your skin and cause irritation. But dont worry, with a little bit of adjusting, you can find a comfortable position to sleep in without damaging your new piercing. Right after your ear piercing, its common for the area to be a bit swollen and sore, but this typically goes away after a few days, Dr. Farber says. 3. The first few nights there will be some oozing from the wounds. Ear piercings can cause contact dermatitis in the area as well as sensitized body parts. The most important thing to remember is to not touch your newly pierced ears with your hands. Its also a common allergy: Nearly 30 percent of people who wear earrings have this sensitivity. Certain factorslike genetics and substance useaffect your risk, no matter your age. If you have cartilage piercings, use commercial saline solution to cleanse them. Last medically reviewed on April 16, 2020, If you haven't worn earrings in a while, you might be wondering if you need to re-pierce your ears. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab the piercing gently with the earring still in. One of the other main benefits of cleaning your piercing regularly is the lubrication it provides. Already aware youre allergic to nickel or another type of metal? Your ear has layers of skin, and then under that in the earlobes theres just fat, and in the upper ear theres just cartilage, so youre piercing through that tissue, Michele Farber, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia and clinical assistant in the dermatology department at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, tells SELF. With the right tips and tricks, you can protect your ear piercings while you sleep and ensure that they stay healthy and safe. Video of Jeremy . If you have particularly dry and/or sensitive skin that feels irritated, consider talking to your primary care doctor or dermatologist about a prescription-strength topical antibiotic, which can help calm things down and prevent infection. Piercings: How to prevent complications Piercings might be more common than ever, but don't take piercing lightly. Once your doctor sees you, they may take a culture (a test to detect infection-causing bacteria), and they could possibly give you a prescription for a topical or oral antibiotic, depending on the severity of the infection, Dr. Gohara adds. The good news is that you can sleep on your side after ear piercing, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Remove your earrings before bed. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Try silicone plugs and put them over the earrings. Just know that over time when the piercings heal you will be able to sleep on them. Youll also want to avoid twisting and playing with the jewelry to reduce your risk of irritation and infection. A sudden, red, inflamed, or crusty appearance one week after your ears are inflamed or crusty is usually an indication of infection. This article will provide you with some tips and tricks on how to protect your ear piercings when sleeping. If youre going to have your piercing, its a good idea to sleep in a different position for a few days before the big day to ensure you have plenty of time to sleep. Total Pillow is among our favorites. There can also be some negative side effects if you wear earrings while sleeping: Skin can be torn It helps by allowing the jewelry to move freely in the incision or hole. See additional information. If you have sensitive skin, the healing process of a piercing can take several days or a week, up to a month. You might want to combat bad breath right awaybut tweaking your routine could be worth it. Your healing process is widely influenced by the aftercare routine you take after getting your piercing done. Nickel is commonly used in costume jewelry. This is located between the tragus and the lower part of the forward helix of your ear (a pressure point some claim can help with migraines), which keeps you sleep protected. Its always good to use several so that you can change them when its necessary, usually every few days. Bumps are, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. I have also included the average healing time for piercings remember this time will differ with different people. It can prevent the redness and swelling from going away as theyre constantly under the pressure. Still, not everyone can, which is why its important to follow strict rules when it comes to caring for your ear and sleeping with new piercings. Avoiding sleeping on the piercing if it flares up or causes problems on a regular basis should be your best bet. To avoid this kind of pain, its best to use a softer pillow and to sleep in a position that wont put too much pressure on the piercing. 4. But, all this will do is add trauma to the wound. What to Do If You Feel Like Your Doctor Isnt Taking Your Skin Problems Seriously. Youll also want to repeat the cleaning process listed above any time you swap out your studs after that initial 6- or 12-week healing period. If you are concerned, you can take some steps to help the piercing heal faster by keeping the area clean and dry, applying a cream to help reduce inflammation, and not wearing tight clothing or jewelry. Do not sleep on the piercing until it is completely healed, even if does not hurt. You can also apply a little Vaseline or Aquaphor (again, petrolatum-based products) to soothe the area and relieve itchiness. As a part of Amazon Affiliate for every qualifying purchase, we make some money. We know the feeling. Pricing: Between $30 and $80, though jewelry cost is not included. If you are having a new piercing, make sure it is clean and free of infection, clean your bed linens, and dont attempt to sleep on it until it has healed completely. 24, 2023 at 2:08 PM PDT. You may also have an ear infection, an allergy to metal, or the earring is too tight, causing ear bleeding and pain. Studs are typically less painful when laid on, making them an appealing choice for new piercings. Its important to be extremely careful with the type of earrings youll use. Im passionate about all things sound related, and I hope that comes across on the website. You can become irritated and infected if you are exposed to various outdoor environments. Ear lobes are generally considered to be less painful than snug and tragus piercings, whereas the latter is the most painful. Aside from your daily soap and water cleanse, youll also want to further clean the area 2 to 3 times daily for the first 6 or 12 weeks (again, depending on whether its an earlobe or cartilage piercing) using an antibacterial solution to reduce your chances of infection. 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When you pierce your ears with hypoallergenic materials in new piercing earrings, you will not experience an overnight nickel reaction. health.clevelandclinic.org/are-your-earrings-or-body-piercings-causing-a-nickel-allergy/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3520258/, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/piercings/art-20047317, childrensmd.org/browse-by-age-group/youre-piercing-medical-complications-cartilage-ear-piercing/, The Dos and Donts of Getting Your Ears Re-pierced, How to Repair and Prevent Earring Hole Tears and Stretching, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Planning to Get Pierced? However, we must emphasize avoiding taking hoops or any large earrings at the piercing shop where you do get your piercing done. If you had only one of your ears pierced, its not that bad. This may lead to an infection. Either by obtaining a pillow to assist in a pain-free nights sleep. Soak a cotton ball in the salt water and place it on the infected area. Pat it dry with a tissue or clean cotton. Use a pillow protector under your pillow sham and change your sham every couple of days. Healing time will differ for us all. Why Titanium Jewelry Is Usually The Way to Go, The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Ears Pierced at Any Age, How to Identify and Treat a Daith Piercing Infection, What's Really in Tattoo Ink? To treat an earlobe condition, you can contact your doctor and ask him or her to apply topical anesthesia cream. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Not being careful enough can inflame the wound leading to serious infections. It can be extremely painful for people with low pain tolerance. While the initial piercing may not be overly uncomfortable, the pressure of sleeping on the piercing can cause irritation and swelling. We break down what you can and can't do (safely), Unless youre intentionally stretching your earring holes with gauges, most people dont want stretched earlobes and nobody wants their earring. If you are new to piercings and have just gotten both of your ears pierced, you may be wondering how to sleep with them. New piercings are made with professional-grade materials that are hypoallergenic, so you can safely leave them in for several weeks as the piercing heals. These could increase your risk of painful side effects. Read on for in-depth easy to follow simple tips to help you get the most sleep you can without enduring pain from your new piercing or piercings. But take it from me you do not want your piercing to dry out or become infected that is painful. 7. January 20th, 2023 // By Jamie // Hearing Protection. Usually, its safe to sleep after 3 to 4 months. If you dont have a pillow protector, you can always place a soft piece of cloth made out of cotton, silk, sateen, or some other material. But avoid using over-the-counter topical antibiotics, such as those that contain bacitracin, in that area because they can cause further irritation or an allergic reaction, Dr. Gohara says. You should call your primary care doctor or dermatologist if you have any of those symptoms.