A piercing may appear healed on the outside, but it may not be fully healed on the inside. Just know that over time when the piercings heal you will be able to sleep on them. For the first week, and even longer if you feel like your wound and swelling are taking too long to swell, you should avoid sleeping on the side where your piercing is. If youre getting your ears pierced in a legal ear-piercing place with certified workers youll likely be given special medical earrings, which are also known as hypoallergenic earrings made either from medical-grade stainless steel or gold. In this article, well check whether its safe to sleep with a new piercing, or should you remove it before sleep. If you can, rotate or turn the piercing 3 times to keep skin from sticking to the post. Remember to tighten your piercing before bed so it does not come out and start to heal over during the night. Needless to say, you shouldnt change your medical, hypoallergenic earrings for at least a month following your ear piercing. Need more information about body piercing cleaners? If you have cartilage piercings, use commercial saline solution to cleanse them. Avoid putting pressure on the area by not sleeping on the side with the earring until it heals. Isla, my daughter, (pictured) used these products from Amazon to clean up this infection after removing the studs too early and putting the rings in their place This infection is the first one she has experienced so you can never be too careful. It will retain its shape longer. Piercers typically use starter earrings that dont contain nickel to cut back on the possibility of an allergic reaction.). You can sleep on your back and the opposite side, but sleeping on the affected side can lead to pain and swelling, as well as other aforementioned side effects. A Complete Guide to Tragus Piercings - Byrdie Copyright 2023 Terry Cralle | Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Terry Cralle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Worlds Best Feather Soft Microfiber Pillow. You should call your primary care doctor or dermatologist if you have any of those symptoms. Sleeping on a piercing can be painful due to the pressure and friction on the piercing, which can cause irritation, pain, swelling, and bumps. The same concerns apply to any location, but the cartilage will take longer to heal and has a higher risk of keloid scars or the piercing becoming embedded under the skin, so it is more important to intervene early, Dr. Farber says. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? How to Make a Migraine Game Plan If You Have a Demanding Job. Repeated wear of nickel-based jewelry can cause red, itchy rashes, and sleeping in these earrings overnight could also increase your risk of developing eczema around your ears. But its important to note that alcohol can be quite harsh, especially if you have sensitive skin. If your earrings are new and you recently got your ears pierced, itd be good to wear a silicone plug under the metal plug that normally comes with your earrings. If you have sensitive skin, the healing process of a piercing can take several days or a week, up to a month. Here are a few tips on how to sleep on your side with a new piercing: 1. Sleeping on a piercing can cause it to tilt and move, especially if it is new, but this can also happen over time. As a result, ear piercings are among the most painful. On both sides of your body, you should be able to sleep with new piercings. Most piercings will result in some sort of infection. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after sleeping with earrings: The ears are one of the most popular sites for piercings. We've got the details on its benefits and how to use it. Mayo Clinic Staff. Liang H, et al. When you get a new piercing, its important to keep the stud in so that the new hole doesnt close up. Causing the jewelry to move around pushing and pulling at the incision. This will help ensure that your piercing doesnt get irritated or infected. You can prevent pain by sleeping on the side without the piercing. What to Do If You Feel Like Your Doctor Isnt Taking Your Skin Problems Seriously. Depending on the type and size of the earrings, wearing them in bed can be dangerous. Your piercer will likely recommend that you wait at least 6 weeks before taking out your original stud earrings. In general, its best to avoid sleeping on your stomach or back for the first few weeks after getting your ears pierced. 6. Ear piercings do not result in severe pain, which explains why doctors do not administer an anesthesia shot. Why should we insist patients remove all jewellery? Nickel allergies should be avoided by wearing surgical steel, sterling silver, or 18-karat gold earrings. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If youve just had your ears pierced, youre probably wondering how you can sleep without damaging your new jewelry. A single piercing can take up to a year to heal. 3. 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. You can also apply a little Vaseline or Aquaphor (again, petrolatum-based products) to soothe the area and relieve itchiness. How to Reduce Pain Caused by a New Piercing: 21 Expert Tips - WikiHow Conch piercings: Procedure, aftercare, and more - Medical News Today Sleeping on your side is the best way to prevent your new piercings from getting irritated. How to Tell If Your Irregular Periods Are a Sign of a Bigger Health Issue. This will help your ears to stick-out a little and you can sleep comfortably. If you want to stick with pillow protectors try. Remove your earrings before bed. (A starter earring is usually a basic stud thats the first earring you wear with a new piercing, Lacy explains. Unfortunately, when piercings are new there is no easiest one to sleep on. | Ear piercing aftercare tips | Ear piercing allergic reactions | Ear piercing infections | How will you know when your piercing is healed? Infections Wearing the same earrings for a long time. Nickel is commonly used in costume jewelry. They take the sharpness of the earrings away and stop your new piercing from closing up while you sleep. 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. For a cartilage piercing (anywhere outside the lobe), most of the surface healing happens in the first 12 weeks or so; however, the deeper part of the piercing still needs a full year to heal, Lacy says. Of course, the healing process of a piercing can take anywhere from several days or a week up to a month and more if you have sensitive skin. Our general recommendation, however, is Recuren Plus Piercing Aftercare Spray. The most common piercings are earlobe piercings on both sides therein lies the difficulty sleeping if you are not a back sleeper. A soft sports bra can be worn to bed in place of a pierced nipple. Daith Piercing Pain: What to Expect, Healing Time, and More - Healthline Bellybuttons. Sleeping on ones affected side can cause pain and swelling. A new piercing is an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal. Cartilage piercings necessitate the strictest attention and care. 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. Make sure your earlobes are properly cleaned before you go to bed. Medical complications of cartilage and ear piercing. Tragus Piercing Aftercare. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Explore La Quintas Pillows For The Perfect Night Of Sleep, Should You Sleep With Two Pillows? Especially if you have to change from stomach sleeping to sleeping on your back. this site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Piercings are popular, especially among adolescents and young adults. Published: Apr. 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. Wear loose-fitting clothing to bed to prevent your piercing from getting caught on your clothes. That said, some people are ready to endure a few days of poor sleep quality until the early healing results are visible. Sleep Position 6. Only touch the jewelry when youre cleaning the area, and make sure you wash your hands first. Gently rub any part of the jewelry that's exposed, plus the skin surrounding it. 2. During the night, it is best not to wear earrings unless they are new, and old piercings should not be worn. However, when you get both of your ears pierced, it becomes significantly more difficult and youll likely have to spend a few days, or even weeks sleeping on your back. Use a travel pillow when sleeping with a new lobe piercing 5. Are you the owner of a shiny new ear piercing? These earrings may be worn for weeks or months at a time. 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. Place a clean, soft towel under your piercing to catch any drainage. Chronic issues like eczema and acne are frustrating enough; you deserve a dermatologist who gets it. When it is comfortable, you can sleep on your side after having your new piercings. If you wear this during the night, you will not be able to move around and cause further pain. 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. These are some of the best body jewelry reviews. Because of the small size of their earlobes, newborns are more likely to misplace their piercings and make unfitting appearances. To keep your piercings shape the advice is not to sleep on it at all. Alternatively, there are many handmade piercing pillows shaped like donuts that can ease your sleep times. Tips And Tricks To Protect Your Ear Piercings While Sleeping For others, it could take months before they are comfortable enough to sleep as they did before. Is It Safe to Sleep with Low Blood Sugar? If someone recommended cocoa butter for tattoo aftercare, you might want a second opinion. This is a tough one, especially because the helix piercing can take many months and sometimes even more than a year to heal. When cleaning your ears with alcohol and other ointments, you can relieve your ears of any discomfort or pain while you sleep. Medical-grade studs will help your piercing gradually heal, and will also prevent all the aforementioned side-effects that come with taking your studs off. Pat it dry with a tissue or clean cotton. It may seem like common sense to sleep on the same side of the new ear piercing at night, but this is the most common way for pain to occur. For a comfortable nights sleep, you should lay down on the most common piercing and in the sleeping position that best suits your needs. 5. 2. 1. Total Pillow is among our favorites. 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. This article will provide you with some tips and tricks on how to protect your ear piercings when sleeping. One of the best ways to stay on your back throughout the night is to put a pillow under your slightly elevated knees. 11. This may involve: 1. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab the piercing gently with the earring still in. And with cartilage piercings youll also want to make sure the skin isnt growing around the earringso if it looks like your earring is embedded in the cartilage, she says, that could mean you have an infection and is a reason to get in touch with your doctor. Whether youre looking for a subtle and classic look, a daring and bold statement, or something in between, theres a new ear piercing that is sure to make a statement. You will be able to keep your piercing healthy and free of irritation if you take these precautions. If you have recently had your ear pierced, keeping pressure off your ear with a thinner travel pillow is an excellent option. In any case, there is no doubt that babies and toddlers will become quite fussy after their ears are pierced. Unfortunately, when piercings are new there is no easiest one to sleep on. We asked dermatologists about the pros and cons of this trending tech. Rook Piercing. Some of the wounds will bleed profusely in the first few nights. Be aware that the next day or throughout the night they may feel a little sensitive. Such earrings are safe to stay in the ears for several weeks or even months until your hole has healed to the point it wont close so easily once you removed your piercings. Getting a new ear piercing can be an exciting experience! It is not uncommon for infants to experience some pain after the piercing, but it is usually mild and should go away in a few days. What is a Tragus Piercing? How Long Until I Can Sleep On My Cartilage Piercing. 7. With so many different styles and techniques to choose from, theres a perfect ear piercing for everyone. A sudden, red, inflamed, or crusty appearance one week after your ears are inflamed or crusty is usually an indication of infection. How to Sleep With New Ear Piercings (6 Important Tips)? Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Explore La Quintas Pillows For The Perfect Night Of Sleep, Should You Sleep With Two Pillows? If an earring becomes lodged in your ear, its a good idea to seek professional help. 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. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. Some people choose to do it because it appears cute; others use it as a way of identifying themselves. 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! Its a good idea to clean the piercing every day with mild soap water to speed things up. 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. By Mayo Clinic Staff Ears. It is not recommended to wear new piercings at night, even if it means closing the holes. While getting your ears pierced is exciting, it is critical to take good care of your new piercings so that they do not become damaged. 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 Sleep on a soft surface, such as a mattress or futon, to avoid irritating your piercing. 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. Aftercare: Clean twice a day with a sterile, saline-based solution. As you move around, you could risk tearing your earlobe. 2. How to Sleep With New Piercings on Both Ears?(Easy Guide in 2023) Alternatively, you can place a towel or cloth over your pillow while sleeping. During the healing process, it is critical that the piercing is kept dry and away from bodies of water. Video of Jeremy . 2023 Cond Nast. When it comes to taking care of your ear piercings, one of the most important things to keep in mind is how to protect them when you are sleeping. Is the Internet Killing the Music Industry? Wash your hands before touching the piercing and then dip a cotton swab in sterile saline or piercing care solution. But if your piercings are older, avoid wearing earrings made with nickel overnight, as well as large hoops and dangle or drop-style earrings. New piercings can also be difficult to sleep in, especially for side sleepers. 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. It is always exciting when we get a new piercing. Just be sure to take care of your piercing and follow your piercers aftercare instructions to avoid any complications. All rights reserved. Also, fingernails contain tons of bacteria, so keeping the piercing covered can stop you from touching it and adding potentially harmful germs, she says. You can now remove the first set of earrings and replace them if you so desire. If you do not take care of the wound properly, it will become inflamed, resulting in infection. This is sometimes easier said than done depending upon where your new piercing is located on your body. Some piercings can take up to a year for their healing process to be complete. Consider applying soothing products to the area. Cleaning your new piercing every night before bed and repeat in the morning as it assists in stopping any infection taking hold. Homerecordingpro.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Stretched Earlobes Overview - Causes, Treatment Options, and More - AEDIT These ointments will not only keep the swelling, warmth, and redness down, theyll also prevent the bacteria from harboring the piercing area, which also prevents the infections. Furthermore, the piercing may cause the area to feel hot and pulsating, as well as gooey stuff. I know that when I get nervous or am just bored, I'll often try to play with it. You will be able to avoid infection and speed up the healing process by doing so. The short answer on how to sleep with a new piercing comfortably and painlessly is to avoid sleeping on the piercing. by Summer | Oct 12, 2022 | Sleeping FAQ's. Instead, sleep on your back or your side with your head slightly elevated, using a pillow or two. Anxiety-related migraines and other symptoms may be reduced, according to some people. If you are a restless sleeper they will be pulled this way and that during the night. Theres a healing period for your piercing, which means that if you take them off before that period passes, youre risking for the hole to close up, resulting in you being unable to put your earrings back on. Always clean your piercing before you go to bed. When wearing older piercings, it is best not to sleep in your earrings. 2. Here's why and a look at some other options that may work. January 20th, 2023 // By Jamie // Hearing Protection. When piercing your ears, it is critical to understand the healing process as well as the materials you should use to achieve a good result. 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. On that note, for both lobe and cartilage piercings, make sure you always keep an earring in your ear for at least the first year to prevent the hole from closing up, Lacy advises. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 9. Some people who dont regularly sleep on their back, but have to because of their ear piercings prefer to put it behind their neck, for a conforming sleep experience. 3. If you move around at night, you will be unable to get your new piercing. Why cant I sleep after having an ear piercing? Low-quality steel or nickel earring materials are frequently the cause of babies developing allergic reactions. Piercings: How to prevent complications - Mayo Clinic amazon and the amazon logo are trademarks of amazon.com, inc. or its affiliates." She recommends washing your ear piercing and the area around it once a day throughout the entire 6- or 12-week healing process with a gentle antibacterial soap (we like Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, $2, Amazon) and warm water (doing this in the shower is fine). There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, such as the piercing location, the type of piercing, the aftercare regime, etc. You may also have an ear infection, an allergy to metal, or the earring is too tight, causing ear bleeding and pain. 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. Its never recommended to sleep with your ear over the pillow for the first few days. Read on to learn why its important to take your earrings out every night before bed, and why theres an exception to the rule with new piercings. Everyone has their preference of how they wear the pillow, but what matters is that itll protect your ear from adding up the swelling. The more you twist and play with a cartilage piercing, the more irritation the cartilage receives, which can cause bumps, keloid scars, and infection, Lacy adds. When Can I Sleep on My Lobe Piercing? - Ear Piercings on Both Ears? 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. Basically, cartilage tissue has less blood circulation and therefore is slow to heal and regenerate itself. 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. Ear piercings can cause contact dermatitis in the area as well as sensitized body parts. However, some sleepers can take as many as six months and more before they can sleep on the affected side without pain. Check out this best selling list at Amazon here. Some of our preferences include Worlds Best Feather Soft Microfiber Pillow and BCOZZY Neck Pillow. It may take a day or two for the ears to heal after being pierced. But if you have older piercings, its best to avoid sleeping in your earrings. Pricing: Between $30 and $80, though jewelry cost is not included. Try silicone plugs and put them over the earrings. Examine your piercing to see if there are any instances when it has become interferes with. 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. If you notice your earrings smelling bad, you most likely have an oil build-up and sweat on your skin. In addition to waiting until the right time to take out your earrings, you should also follow your piercers aftercare instructions. Trying to push through attacks can lead to a vicious cycle of more headachesand more sick days. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. If you intend to keep these small stud earrings for more than 6 weeks, your piercer must approve your retention. You might want to apply sunscreen before your next nail appointment. How To Sleep On Your Side With A New Piercing | Sleepation There are different ways to wear this pillow for sleep, regardless of whether youre traveling or not. Especially if you are an active sleeper (moving around a lot during the night). We avoid using tertiary references. If you have an earlobe piercing, you should also twist the jewelry one full rotation each time you clean the area in order to keep the hole from closing up, according to Lacy. It can easily become entangled into the earrings and cause the tearing of your skin when you pull the hair. Usually, its safe to sleep after 3 to 4 months. The following tips will take assist you in remaining pain-free while your piercing heals. As you wait to see your doctor, keep the piercing area clean and covered with a cotton pad adhered with paper medical tape from your first aid kit or local pharmacy because you dont want additional dirt or bacteria to get in the piercing and cause further irritation, Dr. Gohara advises. 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. Don't remove the earring. 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. Earring Hole Trauma: Stretching, Tears, and Treatment - Healthline Your healing process is widely influenced by the aftercare routine you take after getting your piercing done. It is critical to get your ears pierced by someone who understands how to do it correctly. It is possible that sleeping directly on your ears or side will prolong the tenderness caused by the pressure on the earlobe. When you wake up, make sure to thoroughly clean your ears with a saline solution. This can lead to achy and tender feelings that can last for more than a few days. Signs of an infection include: Sleeping in certain earrings could also increase your risk of an allergic reaction to nickel. It is also important to wash your hands before and after piercings to prevent possible infection. There are some excellent choices here at Amazon. To decrease this risk, ask your piercer to use flat studs, as opposed to those with jewels and other jagged edges. While your piercing heals, you can help minimize discomfort by sleeping on your back instead of your side. I have also included the average healing time for piercings remember this time will differ with different people. If youve slept with earrings before without any side effects, this doesnt mean you should repeat this habit in the future. Im a teacher and graduate in acoustics & music. Because it can reduce any bleeding or swelling that may occur in the first few days after your piercing, you should follow your piercers aftercare instructions. If its specifically a cartilage piercing that appears to be infected, youll definitely want to call a doctor sooner rather than later. {See DIY Piercing Pillow Video below!}. If you must remove the piercing, make sure to re-insert the jewelry or use a silicone filler to keep the hole open. 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! People frequently wonder how they will sleep after piercing their ears. Pillow Protector 4.