Ear piercing has been a popular practice for thousands of years in many cultures and has become a common fashion statement today.

While piercing the earlobe is the most common form of ear piercing, there are also many other areas of the ear that can be pierced. One of these areas is the top of the ear, known as the cartilage. While an ear piercing may seem like a simple procedure, there are several dangers associated with getting a jab in the top of the ear.

1. Infection

The biggest danger of getting a jab in the top of the ear is the risk of infection.

Unlike piercing the earlobe, which is mostly made of fatty tissue, piercing the cartilage involves piercing through thick tissue that takes longer to heal and is more prone to infection. The cartilage is also less vascular compared to other areas of the ear and, therefore, has less blood flow and fewer immune cells to ward off infections.

If the piercing is not done under sterile conditions or if the piercing equipment is not properly sterilized, bacteria can easily enter the wound and cause an infection.

Symptoms of an infected piercing can include redness, tenderness, swelling, and discharge. In severe cases, an infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause permanent damage.

2. Keloids

Another potential danger of getting a jab in the top of the ear is the formation of keloids. Keloids are raised, thickened areas of scar tissue that form at the site of injury.

They can be itchy, painful, and unsightly and are more common in people who have a history of keloids or other types of scarring.

The risk of developing keloids is higher with cartilage piercings because the body’s natural response to injury in this area is to produce excess collagen.

This excess collagen can cause the scar tissue to grow beyond the boundaries of the initial wound, leading to the formation of a keloid.

3. Nerve Damage

The top of the ear is home to several important nerves that can be damaged during the piercing process.

If the piercing needle goes too deep or is not inserted at the correct angle, it can damage these nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or even permanent loss of sensation in the ear. Nerve damage can also cause muscle weakness or twitching in the face or neck.

4. Allergic Reactions

Some people may develop an allergic reaction to the metal used in the piercing, especially if they have a sensitivity to nickel, which is commonly found in many types of jewelry.

Allergic reactions can cause redness, itching, swelling, and a rash at the site of the piercing.

5. Bleeding

Piercing the top of the ear can also cause significant bleeding, especially if the piercing needle hits a blood vessel.

While some bleeding is normal during the piercing process, excessive bleeding can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a blood clotting disorder, and should be addressed immediately.

6. Risk of jewelry getting stuck

Piercing on the top of the ear has a higher risk of the jewelry getting stuck in hair. This is particularly true if the earrings are small or complicated to use. It will have the potential to cause harm to the piercing site.

Children or individuals with long hair are more susceptible to experience such a dilemma; it can lead to additional risks of infections or even scarring.

7. Pain and Swelling

The procedure of piercing can be painful and may cause swelling. In some cases, it could lead to severe swelling that would be noticeable for a few days or up to a week.

Swelling may occur around the pierced area, which can cause discomfort, difficulties, and poor mobility in the nearby area.

8. Delayed Healing Process

The cartilage is slower to heal than other areas of the ear, and the piercing process can cause more trauma to the tissue. Healing time will take longer with a cartilage piercing than a regular ear piercing.

On average, it takes up to 8-12 months for a cartilage piercing to heal fully. In addition, the fear of knocking or snagging the jewelry can cause further stress to the wound.

9. Exacerbation of medical conditions

If an individual has a medical condition or autoimmune disorder, it can potentially cause complications with the piercing. It may affect the immune system and the healing process and may cause a decline in the piercing outcome.

Some medical conditions that may cause complications include diabetes, lupus, or any immune system issues.

10. Care and maintenance

Cartilage piercings can be challenging to clean, and if the infected area is neglected, it can cause further complications. It may be difficult to attend to the pierced area, especially since it is in close contact with the head and hair.

Besides infection, the piercing may cause keloids, granulomas, crust formation, lump formations, and further scarring.

Summary

Getting a jab in the top of the ear is not a decision to take lightly. As you’ve seen, there are several dangers associated with cartilage piercings that should be taken into consideration before undergoing the process.

Nevertheless, if you do choose to get a cartilage piercing, ensure it is done by a reputable piercer who uses sterile piercing equipment and educates you on aftercare practices to keep you safe.