Can You Swim After You Get Your Ears Pierced?
As a child, I was always eager to get my ears pierced, but my parents insisted I wait until I was old enough to take care of them myself. Finally, when I turned 12, my mom took me to the mall to get them done. I was so excited that I could barely contain myself.
After the piercing, the esthetician gave me a set of instructions on how to care for my new earrings and one of them was to avoid swimming for at least two weeks. I was disappointed, but I knew it was important to follow her advice. After all, I didn’t want to risk getting an infection.
Swimming and Ear Piercing
When you get your ears pierced, the piercer creates a small wound in your earlobe. This wound needs time to heal and if you submerge it in water before it has had a chance to do so, you increase your risk of infection. Chlorine and other chemicals found in pool water can irritate the wound and cause it to become infected.
In addition, the water pressure in a pool can force bacteria into the wound. This can also lead to an infection. For these reasons, it is important to avoid swimming until your ear piercing has healed completely.
How Long Should You Wait to Swim After Getting Your Ears Pierced?
Most experts recommend waiting at least two weeks before swimming after getting your ears pierced. This will give the wound enough time to heal and close properly. However, it is important to note that everyone heals at different rates, so you may need to wait longer. If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and wait a few extra days.
Tips for Swimming After Getting Your Ears Pierced
If you must swim after getting your ears pierced, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk of infection:
- Wear a waterproof bandage over your piercing.
- Avoid submerging your head in the water.
- Rinse your piercing with clean water after swimming.
- Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to your piercing after swimming.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of infection and ensure that your ear piercing heals properly.
FAQs About Swimming After Ear Piercing
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about swimming after ear piercing:
- Q: Can I swim in the ocean after getting my ears pierced?
- A: No, you should not swim in the ocean after getting your ears pierced. The ocean water is full of bacteria that can cause infection.
- Q: Can I swim in a chlorinated pool after getting my ears pierced?
- A: You should wait at least two weeks before swimming in a chlorinated pool after getting your ears pierced. Chlorine can irritate the wound and increase your risk of infection.
- Q: Can I shower after getting my ears pierced?
- A: Yes, you can shower after getting your ears pierced. However, you should be careful not to get the piercing wet. If you do get it wet, pat it dry immediately.
- Q: What are the signs of an infected ear piercing?
- A: The signs of an infected ear piercing include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. If you think your piercing may be infected, see a doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Swimming after getting your ears pierced is not recommended, but if you must, be sure to take precautions to minimize your risk of infection. Wait at least two weeks before swimming, wear a waterproof bandage, avoid submerging your head in the water, and rinse your piercing with clean water after swimming.
Are you interested in learning more about ear piercings? If so, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to answer your questions.
