Safeguarding Your Ear Piercings for Swimming

Even with newly pierced ears, swimming doesn’t have to be a missed delight. Let’s show you how to enjoy swimming without messing up your ear piercings.

Potential Challenges: Swimming with Ear Piercings

When a piercing is fresh, it’s essentially an open wound. It’s susceptible to infections, particularly from bacteria found in water bodies. Chlorinated pool water, salty sea water, or even seemingly clean lake water can harbor bacteria that could infect a new piercing.

Additionally, prolonged water exposure, irrespective of the piercing’s age, can lead to other problems such as jewelry tarnishing or irritating the piercing site.

Timing is Key

The best course of action is to wait until the piercing has fully healed before you go swimming. This period varies, with earlobes typically taking 6-8 weeks, while cartilage can take anywhere up to 12 weeks. However, if swimming is unavoidable, there are other measures you can take.

Protective Coverings

Consider investing in waterproof bandages that can cover your piercing. They provide a protective seal, barring water and bacteria from reaching the piercing site.

Alternatively, full ear covers like Ear Band-Its or Mack’s Ear Seals offer extensive protection, covering not just the piercing site but the whole ear.

5 Coverings with Pros and Cons

1. Waterproof Bandages for ear piercing

A waterproof bandage for ear piercing is a convenient and practical solution for keeping your ear piercing protected while showering, swimming, or engaging in other water-based activities. These bandages are designed to repel water and maintain the integrity of the piercing, reducing the risk of infections and ensuring a speedy and hassle-free healing process.

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Pros:

• Easy to apply and remove
• Widely available in pharmacies and online stores
• Quite affordable

Cons:

• Might not provide complete protection, especially during prolonged swimming
• May cause irritation if you’re allergic to the adhesive

2. Custom Ear Covers

These ones aren’t custom but are waterproof!

Pros:

• Provides a snug fit, which offers better protection
• Can be customized for any ear shape or size

Cons:

• More expensive due to the custom-fit nature
• Might take some time to make, hence not suitable for immediate use

3. Swimming Caps

Try these for some fun

Pros:

• Can cover the ears, providing protection for ear piercings.
• Also protects hair from chlorine or saltwater.

Cons:

• Might not provide a tight seal around the ears, hence some water may still enter.
• Not specifically designed for protecting piercings, so coverage may not be thorough.

4. Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly

This is the best you can get!

Pros:

• A thin layer can help to create a waterproof seal over the piercing.
• Widely available and low-cost solution.

Cons:

• Not a long-term solution, may need to reapply frequently.
• Could be messy to handle and might not suit everyone’s skin type.

5. Bandana

This one isn’t waterproof but will cover your ears

Understanding how to safely cover an ear piercing while swimming can significantly reduce the risk of infection and enhance the healing process. One practical method involves utilizing a bandana or another type of cloth to shield the piercing. These materials can serve as a protective layer, not only beneficial for swimming, but they also prove effective during other activities such as running or engaging in sports. However, it’s essential to ensure that the cloth is clean and dry before and after use to maintain optimal piercing hygiene. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of this method can vary based on individual situations and the type of activities involved.

Pros:

• Affordable and widely available.
• Can be stylish and complement your swimwear.

Cons:

• Not waterproof, so it won’t completely prevent water from reaching your piercing.
• Might become heavy and uncomfortable when wet.

Post-Swim Care

After swimming, it’s paramount to cleanse your piercing with a saline solution to remove any potential bacteria and then thoroughly dry the area.

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Selecting the Right Jewelry

High-quality metals such as titanium, surgical steel, or 14k gold are ideal for swimming as they resist water-induced corrosion and are less likely to cause irritation. Ensure the jewelry fits snugly to prevent losing it during your swim.

When to Seek Professional Advice

It’s essential to consult with a professional piercer if you’re unsure about anything related to swimming with your ear piercings. They can provide personalized advice based on your piercing type, location, age, and other health considerations.

Conclusion

From choosing the right jewelry to using protective coverings and adopting post-swim rituals, each step contributes to the safety and longevity of your piercing. So gear up, secure your piercings, and dive into the deep end without worry!

FAQs

Why is it important to cover ear piercings while swimming?

It’s vital to cover ear piercings when swimming, especially if they’re new. When an ear is pierced, the resulting wound is susceptible to infections from bacteria in water bodies, such as public pools, oceans, and even clean lakes. Covering a piercing helps safeguard against these potential infections and promotes healthy healing.

Can I go swimming immediately after getting an ear piercing?

Ideally, you should wait until your ear piercing has fully healed before swimming. This healing period can take 6-8 weeks for earlobes and up to 12 weeks for cartilage. However, if swimming is unavoidable, use protective coverings to minimize the risk of infection.

What are the best methods to cover an ear piercing while swimming?

There are several methods to protect your ear piercings while swimming. Waterproof bandages, silicone ear plugs, and full ear covers like Ear Band-Its or Mack’s Ear Seals are popular choices. Each of these options has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your needs and comfort.

How should I care for my ear piercing after swimming?

After swimming, it’s crucial to cleanse your piercing with a saline solution to remove any potential bacteria. Then, thoroughly dry the area. Keeping your piercing dry is key to preventing bacteria from growing, thus preventing infections.

Are certain types of jewelry better for swimming than others?

Yes, jewelry made from high-quality metals such as titanium, surgical steel, or 14k gold are more suitable for swimming. They resist water-induced corrosion and are less likely to cause irritation. Always ensure your jewelry fits snugly to prevent losing it during your swim. I have some information on Titanium flat back earrings, Gold flat back earrings and Diamond flat back earrings which might help.

Interesting Facts

Ear piercings can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to fully heal. During this time, they’re more prone to infections, making it essential to protect them while swimming.

Swimming can, in fact, help increase the blood flow around your body, including your ears, which aids in the healing process of piercings. However, the risk of exposing your new piercings to harmful bacteria in the water far outweighs this benefit, making it essential to properly cover your ear piercings while swimming.

Swimming pools, especially public ones, can contain millions of bacteria, making them potential hotspots for ear piercing infections. It’s crucial to take precautionary steps like covering the piercing and cleaning it post-swim to safeguard against infections.