If you experience any prolonged pain, swelling, or signs of infection, do not hesitate to consult your piercer or a healthcare professional promptly.
What can go wrong with a tragus piercing?
While it’s not worth losing sleep over the risks if you’re dead-set on a tragus piercing (especially if you use a reputable piercer and following the aftercare guidelines), there are always possible risks to keep in mind. “Some people have a very small tragus, which makes it impossible to pierce,” says Hristova. “Be advised that a piercer has the right to decline your request and not pierce the tragus if they feel that it isn’t safe for you.” Other risks to be mindful of when having any piercing done include:
- Inflammation and infection: Good aftercare is key. Avoid using makeup in the area, touching with dirty hands, or wearing earphones that might irritate the piercing while it heals. If you have any concerns or suspect an infection, speak to your piercer or seek medical advice.
- Hypertrophic scarring: Fairly common in cartilage piercings due to excess collagen being produced at the site of the piercing, but should gradually improve.
- keloid scarring: An abnormal, raised scar that can spread beyond the original wound. Check for any keloid history in your family before getting a piercing as it’s thought to be genetic.
- Piercing rejection: Usually only an issue with surface piercings, where only the skin is pierced rather than the earring sitting right through the cartilage.
Can I wear Airpods with a tragus piercing?
During the healing process (which for a tragus can take between 6-12 months), Airpods should be avoided as they can irritate the piercing and lead to infection. “Tragus piercings may not be practical for people who use in-ear headsets or apparatus regularly for work,” adds Collins.
Can I sleep on a tragus piercing?
You will want to avoid sleeping on the tragus piercing for the first three to four months, while it heals. Side sleepers should consider getting a special pillow that has a cut-out section for your ear.
What materials are best for tragus piercings?
Below are the metals considered safe for piercing jewellery:
- Implant-grade titanium: strong and biocompatible, it doesn’t contain nickel, which some people can be sensitive to.
- Implant-grade stainless steel: Still considered a safe option, but is likely to contain some nickel, which can cause sensitivity in some people.
- Gold and platinum: Safe and hypoallergenic. Spend more on solid gold rather than gold plating if you can, which can flake off and cause infection.