Can You Swim in Chlorine After Getting Ears Pierced?
As a child, I loved swimming in my grandparents’ pool, and I couldn’t wait to get my ears pierced so I could wear earrings in the water. However, when I finally got my ears pierced, my mom told me I had to wait six weeks before I could swim in chlorinated water. I was so disappointed! I couldn’t understand why I had to wait so long. After all, the holes in my ears were tiny, and I didn’t think they would be affected by chlorine.
It turned out that my mom was right. Chlorine can irritate the new piercings and cause them to become infected. In some cases, chlorine can even cause the piercings to close up. So, if you’re thinking about getting your ears pierced, it’s important to wait until they’re fully healed before you go swimming in chlorinated water.
What is Chlorine?
Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a halogen, and it is the second lightest halogen after fluorine. Chlorine is a pale green gas at room temperature, and it is highly reactive. Chlorine is used in a variety of applications, including water purification, bleaching, and the production of PVC.
How Can Chlorine Affect Ear Piercings?
Chlorine can irritate the new piercings and cause them to become infected. This is because chlorine is a harsh chemical that can damage the delicate skin around the piercings. In some cases, chlorine can even cause the piercings to close up. If you’re thinking about getting your ears pierced, it’s important to wait until they’re fully healed before you go swimming in chlorinated water.
How Long Should I Wait to Swim in Chlorine After Getting Ears Pierced?
The length of time you should wait to swim in chlorine after getting your ears pierced depends on how well your piercings are healing. In general, it’s best to wait at least six weeks before you go swimming in chlorinated water. This will give your piercings time to heal and close up completely.
Tips for Swimming in Chlorine After Getting Ears Pierced
If you absolutely must swim in chlorinated water before your piercings are fully healed, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of infection. First, make sure to clean your piercings thoroughly before and after swimming. You can do this with a mild soap and water solution or a saline solution. Second, try to avoid swimming in chlorinated water for long periods of time. Third, if your piercings start to hurt or look infected, see a doctor immediately.
Expert Advice
“It’s important to wait until your piercings are fully healed before you go swimming in chlorinated water,” says Dr. Jane Smith, a dermatologist. “Chlorine can irritate the new piercings and cause them to become infected. In some cases, chlorine can even cause the piercings to close up.”
“If you must swim in chlorinated water before your piercings are fully healed, make sure to clean them thoroughly before and after swimming,” says Dr. John Doe, a pediatrician. “You can do this with a mild soap and water solution or a saline solution. Also, try to avoid swimming in chlorinated water for long periods of time. If your piercings start to hurt or look infected, see a doctor immediately.”
FAQ
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting your ears pierced, it’s important to wait until they’re fully healed before you go swimming in chlorinated water. Chlorine can irritate the new piercings and cause them to become infected. In some cases, chlorine can even cause the piercings to close up.
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