Solving Issues with Industrial Ear Piercings

Infection

This is the one that makes most people nervous, and for good reason. Infections can get serious if left alone. If you notice thick discharge coming from the piercing, feel sharp pain, or see a deep red color around the site, it’s time to take a step back.

Even clean piercings can get infected when touched too much with dirty hands, exposed to sweat for long periods, or disturbed while they’re trying to heal. Shower steam, crowded gyms, and even skipping cleaning sessions can make things worse. The key is catching the signs early so you can take action.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Ongoing redness that doesn’t ease up after several days
• Discharge that looks yellow, green, or thick
• A throbbing pain in the area
• Skin that feels hot when touched

If you see these signs, don’t try to fix it alone. Keep cleaning with a saline solution and reach out to a trusted piercer or medical provider. Industrial piercings go through the cartilage, which doesn't heal like softer areas, so infections need fast attention.

Migration and Rejection

Sometimes, your piercing may start to shift or even work its way out, which is known as migration or rejection. This tends to happen when the body treats the jewelry like something it needs to get rid of. This reaction is often caused by poor placement or pressure on the area.

The placement of your industrial piercing is really important. It should go through the thickest part of your cartilage. When it's placed too shallow, the body might push the jewelry out over time. After you get pierced, anything that puts direct pressure on the area can also be a trigger, such as hats, helmets, and certain headphones.

To deal with migration or rejection:

• Watch your piercing for signs it’s moving, and visit your piercer right away if it isn’t sitting the way it used to
• Choose jewelry made for industrial piercings, usually a longer bar, and stick with high-quality metal like titanium
• Try not to sleep on the piercing or wear anything that presses against your ear

Catching migration early is your best chance of saving the piercing. Letting it go too far might mean having to take the jewelry out and starting the healing process from scratch.

Keloid Formation

Keloids are thick, raised scars that may form around the site of an industrial piercing. They’re not super common, but they’re more likely to happen if you’re genetically prone to them. These scars can be itchy or uncomfortable and may stick around long after the piercing has healed.

If you’ve had keloids before, talk to a professional before getting an industrial piercing. Managing or avoiding keloids takes a bit of extra care.

Here are some tips:

• After the initial healing, silicone gel sheets or pads may help reduce scar tissue
• Avoid scratching or rubbing the area, which can make keloid formation more likely
• For larger keloids, you may need to see a dermatologist, who can suggest treatments like cortisone shots or other procedures

Knowing your family’s skin history and checking with a piercer or skin doctor can help you decide whether this type of ear piercing is right for you.

Difficult Healing Process

Because industrial piercings use two holes connected by a bar, the healing process takes longer than a single piercing. It’s not unusual for healing to take six months to a year. That means you’ll need a lot of patience and solid aftercare.

Healing problems show up when the piercing keeps getting moved or bumped, or when you skip cleaning. Sudden pressure or even sleeping wrong can slow down recovery.

Here’s how to make healing smoother:

• Don’t sleep on the side with the piercing. A travel pillow can help protect the area while you rest
• Give it time. Full healing takes months, so don’t rush to change the jewelry too soon
• Clean it every day with a saline solution and follow the aftercare your piercer recommends

Keep Your Piercing Healthy and Looking Great

Taking good care of your industrial ear piercing can make a huge difference in how it looks, feels, and heals. These piercings are eye-catching and stylish, but they do come with a few challenges. The good news is that most of the problems are completely avoidable with the right approach.

Choose high-quality jewelry from the start, find a professional piercer you trust, and don’t rush the healing. Check your ear regularly for any changes and don’t ignore warning signs. You want to enjoy your piercing, not constantly worry about it. When in doubt, always get advice from a trained pro who can guide you through.

Every piercing journey is different, and that’s especially true when it comes to healing and styling industrial ear piercings. To find jewelry that fits just right and supports a smooth recovery, explore the collection of industrial ear piercings available at BodyJewelry.com. We offer a wide range of high-quality pieces designed for comfort and long-term wear.