Will a bleeding ear piercing close up if I don't wear my earring?
May 24, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
In general, if an ear piercing bleeds and earrings are not worn for a prolonged period, the hole may close up. However, it might not close if earrings are only removed briefly. Additionally, if the piercing is bleeding, it should be disinfected with iodine to prevent infection. For the first ten days after getting an ear piercing, keep the wound and surrounding area dry and clean, avoiding contact with dirty water or contaminants. When sleeping, lie flat on your back to minimize pressure on the piercing site and avoid lying on your side.
Generally, if an ear piercing bleeds and earrings are not worn for a prolonged period, the piercing hole may close up. However, if earrings are only removed briefly, the hole might not close. Additionally, when an ear piercing bleeds, it should be disinfected with iodophor to prevent infection. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. The piercing may close
The closure of an ear piercing typically refers to the healing of the pierced hole. If the ear piercing bleeds and earrings are not worn for an extended time, the hole is likely to heal. Ear piercings are usually made at specific sites on the earlobe, creating a permanent opening that can cause local tissue damage. Since there are no major blood vessels in the earlobe, significant bleeding rarely occurs. If bleeding is not severe, it's important to continue wearing earrings during the initial healing phase; otherwise, tissue healing may cause the hole to close.
2. The piercing may not close
If the piercing is placed incorrectly, it may result in slightly more bleeding. Poor aftercare further increases the risk of infection, which could lead to increased bleeding. Therefore, proper wound disinfection and care are essential. Medical-grade iodophor or 75% alcohol can be used for disinfection. A medical suture thread can be temporarily threaded through the piercing to replace the earring, helping prevent worsening infection. Once the soft tissue inside the piercing has fully healed and there are no signs of infection, earrings can be reinserted. This method helps prevent the piercing from closing prematurely.
It is important to note that for the first ten days after getting an ear piercing, the wound and surrounding area should be kept dry and clean. Avoid contact with dirty water or contaminants. Get adequate rest and avoid staying up late or overexertion. When sleeping, maintain a supine (back-lying) position to reduce pressure on the piercing caused by side-sleeping. Maintain a light diet and avoid spicy, irritating foods such as raw garlic, ginger, Sichuan pepper, and chili peppers.
