For several reasons, an earring hole that starts to smell after healing is quite common in the piercing world. The most common cause of smelly earring holes is a buildup of dead cells, which can produce different odours for different people. Some may have a waxy scent, while others may have a distinct behind-the-ear smell. In some cases, the earring holes may emit a putrid smell.
When dead cells mix with sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands to waterproof the skin, it creates an unpleasant smell. Improper cleaning of the earring hole allows the sebum to mix with the dead cells from the pierced skin, resulting in a foul odour.
To prevent and treat smelly earring holes, it’s important to regularly clean your earring holes and jewellery to remove bacteria from the sebum and dead cells. You can wash your earrings and earring holes with warm water and soap. If the smell persists, you can use an antibacterial cleanser instead.
However, it’s important not to overclean your jewellery and earring holes. Sebum is beneficial for the skin, and the earring hole is essentially an open wound, so exposing it to harsh chemicals can cause irritation and potential infection. Additionally, remember to let your earring holes breathe by not wearing them all the time, especially when you sleep, as bacteria is more likely to build up when your ear is pressed against other parts of your skin and bedding.
What Causes Earring Holes to Smell?
- Accumulation of Substances
- Sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria can build up.
- Poorly cleaned ear holes may emit unpleasant odours.
- Bacterial Buildup
- Bacteria naturally exist on our skin and can accumulate.
- Lack of proper cleaning can lead to infections and bad smells.
- Ear Stretching Factors
- During healing, dead skin cells, blood, and bodily fluids can gather.
- Neglecting care can result in persistent odours from pierced ears.
- Material Considerations
- Wood or poorly sterilized jewellery can attract bacteria.
- Moisture-retaining products may create breeding grounds for bacteria.
- Cleaning Importance
- Regular cleaning is essential to keep bacteria at bay.
- Proper maintenance promotes healing and prevents unpleasant odours.
How to Reduce the Risk of Smelly Ear Holes?
It is important to properly care for your ear gauge holes to avoid unpleasant odours. To reduce the risk of this happening, here are some tips:
Clean Your Jewelry Regularly
It would help if you cleaned your jewellery regularly. This will help keep bacteria from building up on the surface around your earrings, plugs, and tunnels and from causing a foul smell. Make sure to rinse off any soap residue thoroughly before reinserting them into your ears.
Use an Antibacterial Soap or Cleanser
Using an antibacterial soap or cleanser when cleaning your plugs and jewellery will help kill any bacteria that may be present on the surface of the plugs and tunnels, which could cause a bad odour if left unchecked. Be sure to use only gentle soaps, as harsh chemicals are not recommended.
Go with Oils for Ear Stretching
Instead of opting for untested oils, choose an oil meant for stretching ears, like those found in the PlugYourHoles.com online store. Lotions should be avoided when caring for pierced ears because they tend to trap dirt particles, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth and potentially leading to stinky results.
R&R Time for Earlobes
Resting the earlobes and giving them a break from wearing jewellery can also help to reduce the smell. Rubbing and touching the gauges too much can introduce bacteria and dirt to the area, making it more likely to develop an infection. After washing, it’s important to moisturize the area to help the gauges heal and prevent any dryness or irritation. Proper care and hygiene can help avoid gauges emitting a stinky smell and keep them healthy and clean.
FAQ’s
How do I stop my earring holes from smelling?
To prevent your earring holes from smelling, clean them regularly with a saline solution or alcohol to remove bacteria and buildup. Also, avoid wearing earrings for extended periods and choose hypoallergenic materials to minimize irritation.
What is the gunk in my earring hole?
The gunk in your earring hole is usually a mix of dead skin cells, natural oils, and bacteria that accumulate over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this buildup and keep your piercings healthy.
Does the piercing smell ever go away?
Yes, the smell from a piercing can go away with proper cleaning and care. Regularly cleaning your earrings and the surrounding area helps eliminate bacteria and buildup, reducing unpleasant odours.