Important Information about Cartilage Piercings
Cartilage piercings are one of the most common types of body modification around today. Be it a tragus piercing, an industrial piercing, or a daith piercing, it seems there are myriad ways people are choosing to adorn themselves through the art of piercing. If you are considering getting your cartilage pierced, it is wise to read about the procedure as much as possible, since it is a long term process and requires much aftercare.
Types of Cartilage Piercings
One of the most popular types of cartilage piercing is the tragus and anti-tragus piercing. The tragus is the small nub-like protrusion of cartilage that faces rearwards above the lobe. The anti-tragus is the protrusion that is connected to the lobe and sits across from the tragus, pointing in the opposite direction.
Another popular type of cartilage piercing is the industrial piercing, which sits horizontally across the upper rim of ear cartilage and pierces through at two points. The jewelry worn for this piercing consists of an elongated barbell, generally with decorative beads at each pierced end. An alternative to this piercing is the vertical industrial variant.
The daith piercing is another piercing variety that is gaining popularity. This piercing goes through the horizontal ridge of ear cartilage that is centrally located in the external ear. The most common type of jewelry for this is a captive bead ring, CBR for short, which consists of a stainless steel ring with a bead in the center. This bead can be removed and replaced with a variety of different charms in varying shapes and colors.
Piercings Mistakenly Referred to as Cartilage Piercings
Septum piercings are commonly referred to as cartilage piercings, but this generally not the case. Although the nasal septum does have cartilage in it, the vast majority of septum piercings go through a small area of flesh in the septum, bypassing any and all cartilage.
Bridge piercings in between the eyes are also thought to be done through cartilage, but in fact the piercer pinches the skin forward and avoids going through any cartilage or bone.
Choosing the Right Piercing
Deciding on which piercing to get is a big decision for most people. Many people are afraid that certain areas will hurt more than others or be more susceptible to infection and rejection from the body
In any case, it is important to remember that cartilage piercings generally hurt a great deal regardless of location, and the healing process will be a long and tedious one. Your decision should be based on your personal preference, but it is wise to also consider a piercing that can be easily hid if your place of business has a problem with certain types of piercings.
Aftercare
Aftercare is incredibly important for all piercings, but especially for cartilage piercings, as the healing process can last anywhere from 9 – 12 months before it is fully healed. To ensure that you give your piercing the best chance possible for healing, be sure to follow a regimented aftercare process. The tips below will help you keep it clean and sanitized.
The first 3 days after your initial piercing are very important. Make sure you clean your piercing twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night. It is ok to wash it while in the shower, but make sure that it gets rinsed out with clean, fresh, and running water. Be careful not to get your normal shampoo or soap in the piercing area, as it may aggravate the healing process. Instead, use antibacterial soap and work it into a good lather. While sudsy, rotate the piercing and rinse it off thoroughly. Do not dry your piercing with a towel; opt instead for a clean tissue.
After your 3 day care program, reduce the amount of intensive washings to once a day for about a month.
After this period is over, you can begin washing the piercing site once every 2 – 3 days until it is fully healed. It is important to reduce the intensive washing because it strips away natural oils that your body produces, and can prevent healing and cause infections.
Be sure to speak to your piercer and find out any advice that he or she may have to offer you in regards to proper piercing aftercare as well.