The Types Of Ear Piercings And Their Risks

A piercing is a hole made with a needle in the body to insert jewelry. The body parts that people pierce most often include the ears, nostrils, tongue, navel, cheeks, and lips. In this article we focus specifically on the types of ear piercings and the risks.

10 types of ear piercings

The dichotomy in the ear piercing universe lies in a fundamental difference: thin ones, ranging between 0.6 and 0.8 millimeters, and thicker ones between 1 and 1.3 millimeters. It should be noted that both types can be used for all types. Below is an explanation of the different types of ear piercings.

1. Daith Ear Piercing

For this type of piercing, piercings from the solid assortment of shripati or haardra are used. Aftan or venkat types are recommended within the thin spectrum. This piercing is located in an area that is practically in the middle of the ear, in the inner fold of the cartilage.

2. Smoke piercing

The piercing styles we recommend for this type of piercing include alak, dristi and shyama. The reason experts recommend thin earrings for this type of ear piercing has to do with their location. A thick piercing can be annoying.

3. Tragus

Now adag, dharma and vasantha are the most beautiful earrings to wear in this part of the ear. Thin piercings with simple shapes are therefore ideal for this type of piercing.

4. Anti Tragus

As their name suggests, anti-tragus piercings are made on the upper part of the earlobe, on the cartilage opposite the tragus. For this reason, Sandip and yadu style piercings are the best options.

5. Earlobe Piercings

The earlobe is the most common area for ear piercings. These are also the typical holes that are often made even in babies and small children. For this reason, we know this type of piercing as a ‘starter earring’.

6. Top of auricle

By going up along the auricle, above the so-called starting hole, it is possible to make between 3 and 5 different piercings. Very small earrings or earrings with a rhinestone are recommended for this area, such as kanira, chad and Kishori.

7. Conch

Omana and Pratima are the best types of earrings for this type of ear piercing. They are earrings that hug the ear. In other words, they are circular piercings that go around the lower cartilage of the ear above the antitragus.

8. Flat

So, for those who want to be trendy and show off a unique and elegant style at the same time, this is the best piercing. Flat piercings are piercings that go into the top crease of the ear.

9. Helix

When it comes to the helix of the ear, you can have as many piercings as you want. However, we recommend between 1 and 3. The most suitable earrings for this type of piercing are usually the Jayaram, rati and Jayashree types. These types of piercings go through the outer cartilage at the top of the ear.

10. Counter Helix

Those looking for the ultimate avant-garde choose the alternative in the counter-helix. In this case, you can choose both robust and narrow earrings. These piercings go through the cartilage closest to the face, on the side of the ear opposite the helix. The best jewelry to decorate these piercings include the haardra, Jatin and Shakuntala styles.

The risks of ear piercings

Ear piercings are very beautiful. However, piercing the ear with these foreign objects carries some risks. We’ll tell you about the potential risks of ear piercings below.

Keloids

First of all, some people experience excessive scarring, which can then lead to what we know as keloid scars. Piercings are therefore not a good idea for people with this skin type.

However, if people have this condition and notice that these scars are forming after getting piercings, they should remove the piercings immediately. They should then visit a dermatologist for advice.

Nickel Sensitivity, Allergies and Ear Piercings

In addition, allergic reactions can also occur. These are caused by the material piercings are made of or the tools used to place them. This is an absolute contraindication to having this jewelry set, as there is no way to reduce the impact on the immune system.

Skin inflammations, infections and the transmission of acute diseases

Finally, we cannot exclude the transmission of infectious diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis B. This happens due to a lack of hygiene of the elements at the time of piercing, as well as a lack of adequate aftercare.

Tips for caring for ear piercings

It is common for the ear to become irritated after a piercing is done. In order to control this situation and prevent infections, the following care must be taken, among others:

• Moisten any scabs as they appear, then carefully remove them.
• Wash the area with water and neutral soap.
• Spread some physiological solution on the area and make sure it gets into the gap.
• Finally, if you suspect a possible infection, use an appropriate disinfectant product. Hydrogen peroxide and ethyl alcohol are not recommended.

Ear piercings come with some risks

Wearing earrings can be very eye-catching and fashionable, but getting piercings is not something to be taken lightly. It is therefore important to be aware of all risks before making any decisions.

In addition to the ears, the oral cavity is one of the most popular areas for piercings. However, piercings in the mouth carry risks that can be more serious (Spanish link).

According to an article in the journal Advances in Odontostomatology (Spanish link), chewing, swallowing and overall dental health can be altered, along with bacterial plaque build-up.

Therefore, before you decide to get a piercing, consider all this information and think carefully about the professional who will do it. Whoever does the piercing must be a professional and also observe the hygiene rules to reduce the risks.