Do you have to clean your ears after stretching them they are healed if so how often and with what?
Once your stretched ears have fully healed, cleaning them regularly is important to prevent infections and maintain good hygiene. Here's how you can clean your stretched ears:
1. Frequency: Clean your stretched ears at least once a week, or more frequently if you engage in activities that increase the risk of dirt or bacteria entering your ears (e.g., swimming, playing sports, etc.).
2. Materials Needed:
- Mild, unscented antibacterial soap
- Warm water
- Cotton swabs
- Saline solution (optional)
3. Cleaning Process:
a. Wash your hands: Before starting the cleaning process, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing bacteria into your stretched ears.
b. Prepare the saline solution (optional): If you prefer to use a saline solution instead of just water, mix a teaspoon of non-iodized salt into a cup of warm water.
c. Clean the outer ear: Gently wipe the outside of your stretched ears with a cotton swab dampened with warm water or saline solution.
d. Clean the inside of your ears: Insert a cotton swab dampened with warm water or saline solution into your stretched ear. Be gentle, and do not insert the cotton swab too deeply into your ear canal. Rotate the cotton swab gently to clean the inside of your ear.
e. Rinse: Rinse your ear with warm water or saline solution to remove any remaining soap or cleaning solution.
f. Pat dry: Use a clean towel or paper towel to gently pat your stretched ears dry.
4. Additional Tips:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide to clean your stretched ears, as these can cause irritation or damage to your skin.
- If you experience any pain, discomfort, swelling, or discharge from your stretched ears, discontinue cleaning them and consult a healthcare professional.
Remember that proper ear care and hygiene are essential to prevent infections and promote healthy stretched ears. If you have any concerns or questions about cleaning your stretched ears, consult a healthcare professional or a piercer with experience in stretched ears.