Only remove your earrings after the amount of time recommended by your piercer, usually at least six weeks. If you take the earrings out too early, the holes could close or become infected. [3] X Research source If you have long hair, tie it back so you can easily get to your ears.
You can also use a cotton swab if you’re worried that a cotton ball might snag on your earring. You should clean your ear like this every day until you’re ready to take the earrings out.
Keep a firm grip on the earring so that it doesn’t fall when you remove the earring back and pull it out. Be especially careful if you’re standing over a sink.
Avoid spinning your earrings when initially wearing them or removing them. Spinning or twisting can rebruise the healed part of your ear. Constantly touching and spinning the earrings can also cause infection. [9] X Research source
Never push the post through your ear to pull it out of the back, even if the jewelry or stud is small.
If you’d rather let your holes close up, keep the earrings in for the recommended 6 weeks so that the ears heal. Then, remove the earrings and wash the ears every day until the holes close up.
If the bleeding continues after 10 minutes, call a doctor.
Make sure you keep your earrings in and clean your ears with an antiseptic solution. If you remove the earrings, the infection could spread. [13] X Research source
A buildup of skin cells, oil, and bacteria can make your ears and earrings smell bad.
If you continue to feel pain after changing earrings and cleaning your ears, contact your doctor.
The person who pierced your ears should have a tool that can remove your earrings.
