Wash your hands before touching the piercing
Clean the area with sterile saline solution twice daily
Use a clean gauze or cotton pad to gently remove crusting
Apply a warm compress for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily
Leave the jewelry in place unless a doctor tells you to remove it
Avoid twisting, rotating, or repeatedly touching the jewelry
Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and harsh ointments
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and lakes until healed
Keep hair, makeup, and skincare products away from the area
Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed and if safe for you
See a healthcare professional if redness, swelling, or pain worsens
Seek medical care if there is pus, fever, spreading redness, or severe swelling
Get urgent care if the jewelry is embedded or the ear becomes deformed