Health Tip: Piercing Your Child's Ears

(HealthDay News) -- Ear piercing usually is a safe procedure, assuming some basic rules are followed. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions for preventing infections and other complications:

• Make sure you take your child to a reputable technician, doctor or nurse for the procedure.
• The ear should be properly disinfected with rubbing alcohol or similar solution.
• Simple round gold post earrings should be used at first to reduce chances of an allergic reaction.
• After the ears are pierced, they should be cleaned twice daily with rubbing alcohol, then coated in an antibiotic ointment.
• Do not remove the earring(s) for between four and six weeks.
• If any significant redness, swelling or soreness develops, see your doctor.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Aug. 21, 2006