How to Clean Your Ears and Piercings Like a Pro!

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How to Clean Your Outer Ears

1. Wash Your Hands First

 Before you touch your ears, make sure to wash your hands to avoid transferring dirt and bacteria.

2. Clean the Outer Ear

 - Use a soft cloth or cotton pad with warm water (not too hot) to gently wipe the outer part of your ear, including the ear lobe and around the ear.

- Avoid using cotton swabs (Q-tips) in your ear canal as they can push wax deeper inside and may cause damage.

3. Earwax Removal (If Needed)

- Your ears naturally produce earwax to protect them. Usually, it clears on its own, but sometimes it can build up.

- If you need to remove it, you can use an over-the-counter earwax softener like carbamide peroxide drops. Follow the directions carefully and never force anything into your ear.

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4. Safe Methods for Removing Earwax

To make a simple salt water solution, mix one teaspoon of salt with half a cup of warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves completely. Then, tilt your head to one side and use a cotton swab to gently rub the solution around the outer part of your ear, letting the water drip into your ear canal. After about a minute, tilt your head the other way to let the solution drain out.

Note: After cleaning, gently pat your ears dry with a clean towel to prevent moisture from building up, which can lead to infections.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Your Ears

- No Cotton Swabs in the Ear Canal: Cotton swabs might seem like a good idea, but they can push wax deeper into the ear and cause harm.

- No Sharp Objects: Never use sharp objects like hairpins or paper clips to clean your ears. These can damage the ear canal and lead to infections.

- Don’t Over-Clean: Over-cleaning can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Stick to a gentle routine.

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How to Clean Your Pierced Ears

1. Clean the Piercing 

Use a saline solution to clean your piercing. You can buy saline solution or make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.

Use a cotton ball or cotton pad to gently clean the area around the piercing. Be sure to remove any crust or buildup.

2. Avoid Harsh Products

Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments with heavy oils or perfumes on your piercing. These can irritate the skin or slow down the healing. Stick to saline solution or a mild, fragrance-free antiseptic if needed.

3. Gently Rotate the Jewelry

If your piercing is fully healed, gently rotate the jewelry to make sure the solution reaches all areas. Don’t twist too hard as it can cause irritation. For new piercings, avoid rotating the jewelry to keep bacteria out.

4. Dry and Moisturize

After cleaning, gently pat the piercing dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub it. You can apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or healing balm if the skin around the piercing feels dry.

5. Be Careful When Sleeping

Try not to sleep directly on your piercing, especially during the healing period, as it can cause pressure or irritation. Using a travel pillow or a soft pillowcase can help protect it.

Other Piercing Care Tips:

- Healing Time: Piercings take time to heal, and cartilage piercings usually take longer than lobe piercings. It could take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months, so be patient and avoid changing the jewelry too early.

- Watch for Infection: If your piercing becomes red, swollen, painful, or starts draining pus, it might be infected. Clean it more often and see a doctor if it doesn’t improve.

- Avoid Swimming in Pools: Until your piercing is fully healed, avoid swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs, as they can introduce bacteria.