Piercing at the ear cartilage

Piercings are widespread on the ear. The most frequent localizations are at the helix, that means at the outer edge of the ear. Also tragus piercings are frequently found.

However, the classical ear hole in the earlobe does not belong to the cartilage piercings, because there is no cartilage there. Piercings in the ear cartilage can lead to cartilage inflammation, as an entrance port for pathogens is created.After the stabbing a strong swelling is to be expected at first and many piercing studios recommend antibiotic ointments or tablets in the first days to weeks after the stabbing. The tragus is the cartilage part which is closest to the face.

It is a small cartilage protrusion coming from the face over the auditory canal and thus protects it. The risk of cartilage skin inflammation is higher with tragus piercing than with other localizations at the ear. Also the pain when piercing should be higher there.

With piercings in the ear cartilage there are more complications than with the classical earlobe piercing, because the cartilage skin is more sensitive than the soft tissue in the earlobe. The most common complication is inflammation. During piercing an open wound is pricked into the tissue and this is where pathogens can enter the wound.

This can happen already during piercing as well as afterwards. An inflammation of the cartilage should always be taken seriously, otherwise it can spread to the middle and inner ear and in the worst case even to the brain. If it spreads via the blood, it can also cause heart inflammation.

Piercing can also transmit other diseases. In extremely rare cases, non-sterile needles can transmit infectious agents such as the HI virus or hepatitis. Depending on the localization of the piercing also nerves can be injured and thus permanent sensory disturbances of the skin can occur.

When inserting the piercing it can also come to an allergic reaction. This happens mostly only when changing from the surgical piercing to costume jewelry. Also a scar formation with growths in the area of the puncture is possible.

With some persons the piercing must be removed because of the complications. After the healing after twelve weeks the risk of complications is much lower, but there is a permanent danger of getting stuck and tearing the piercing. This can lead to new inflammations and the same complications as at the beginning.