Ear piercing guns?

mum · Joined: 16 Jan 2006 Posts: 273

My daughter wants to get ears pierced in the mall. They have ear piercing guns- is that safe? I read they cannot be sterilized ‘enough’, and that it is easier to get an infection. I never had my ears pierced – are ear piercing guns good option or what other option is available for ear piercing?

tally · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 179

Ear piercing guns are most widely spread – the main reason is they are easy to use and no special training is needed: piercing ears with ear piercing gun is about as complicated as stapling a few sheets of paper together.
It is true- all you’ve heard- infection or at least swelling is almost guarantee with ear piercing gun- also the procedure is unsanitary and too risky. Because of the plastic components, piercing guns cannot be properly sterilized- in malls they use antiseptic wipes and they cannot kill blood borne pathogens like HIV or Hepatitis.
Ear piercing guns are also more painful, because the gun uses the blunt to force through the lobe. The procedure is traumatic to skin tissues. Next problem are studs, which fasten, but are also too close to the ear and don’t allow fresh wound to heal.
Best alternative is professional body piercing- many tattoo shops and piercing studios offer it. Anyway, make sure they are highly skilled and know what they’re doing- recommendation is best selection. Piercing is done with sterile long and hollow needle with razor sharp tip, which minimizes damage to tissues so there is less chance of getting infection.

polona · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 88

i got three holes in every ear.... from teenage times. all are closed now, but the first ones, which is ok, since i use them anyway Laughing

anyway, every time i got my ears pierced (and every time was with piercing gun), i had some problems with infection. for that reason, i don't recommend, so try some other option, if possible.