Ear piercing is a popular trend among Gen Z, but what should we avoid eating and how long does it take for the wound to heal? Let’s find out the answers in the article below!
1. What should I avoid eating after ear piercing?
Sticky rice
Avoid eating sticky rice after ear piercing
While waiting for the wound to heal, you should avoid all dishes made from sticky rice, such as rice cakes, rice dumplings, and rice flour-based desserts. According to Eastern medicine, the warming property of sticky rice can increase body temperature, and the piercing wound, being cold in nature, will accumulate toxins, swell, and develop pus, leading to infection and prolonging the healing process.
Seafood
Avoid eating seafood after ear piercing
Although seafood is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients may not be well-tolerated by some individuals. Consumption of seafood can cause allergic reactions, itching, and inflammation of the wound, resulting in redness and pain around the piercing site.
Water spinach
Avoid eating water spinach after ear piercing
One of the main components of water spinach is madecassol, which can stimulate the growth of epithelial cells and skin at the wound site after piercing. To prevent raised scars, it is best to avoid all dishes made with this vegetable.
Beef
Avoid eating beef after ear piercing
Although beef is nutritious, it is best to avoid consuming it after ear piercing as the protein in beef can promote cell growth in the skin and mucous membranes, causing the wound to darken and affecting the aesthetics of the skin, possibly leading to keloids.
Chicken
Avoid eating chicken after ear piercing
Similar to the above-mentioned foods, while chicken protein is beneficial to health, it can also cause irritation to the healing wound, leading to itching, infection, and even scarring.
Egg whites
Avoid eating egg whites after ear piercing
Egg whites have a much higher protein content than yolks, and they possess a strong ability to regenerate cells and pigments, which can result in raised scars and discolored skin around the piercing site, affecting its aesthetics.
Foods high in sugar
Avoid eating sugary foods after ear piercing
Collagen and elastin are essential for skin structure and elasticity. However, foods high in refined sugar or artificial sweeteners can break down these structures, prolonging wound healing and potentially causing inflammation and scar tissue.
Foods containing nitrates
Avoid eating foods containing nitrates after ear piercing
Processed foods such as bacon, hot dogs, and cured meats often contain high levels of nitrates, which can damage blood vessels and delay wound healing. However, you can obtain nitrates from healthy sources like spinach, beets, celery, and arugula.
Stimulant-rich foods
Avoid eating stimulant-rich foods after ear piercing
Foods rich in stimulants like coffee, tea, alcohol, and chocolate can dehydrate the body, making the skin more sensitive and vulnerable. Stimulants can also adversely affect the gut and stomach, leading to inadequate nutrient absorption, which can worsen the wound.
2. What should I eat to promote healing after ear piercing?
Fruits rich in vitamin C
Eat fruits rich in vitamin C to promote healing after ear piercing
It is recommended to consume a variety of fruits daily to obtain essential minerals. Especially, fruits rich in vitamin C such as oranges, lemons, and kiwis can boost immunity, stimulate metabolism, and accelerate wound healing.
Vegetables
Eat vegetables to promote healing after ear piercing
Similar to fruits, most vegetables should be included in daily meals, especially after ear piercing. Consuming fiber-rich vegetables can enhance digestion and metabolism, thereby reducing the healing time of the piercing wound.
Fish with healthy protein
Eat fish with healthy protein to promote healing after ear piercing
Instead of the meats mentioned above, opt for protein-rich foods like tofu, small whole fish, and especially salmon, to help regulate the production of new epithelial cells and promote wound healing without causing itching, discomfort, or swelling.
Pork
Eat pork to promote healing after ear piercing
is one of the mildest types of meat that can be consumed after ear piercing to increase protein intake. However, since pork tends to have a higher fat content than other meats, it is advisable to choose leaner cuts of pork to maintain a healthy diet.
3. What should I refrain from doing after ear piercing?
Avoid touching the piercing site with your hands, chemicals, or hair after ear piercing
In addition to the dietary restrictions mentioned above, there are several things to avoid when you have a new ear piercing:
-
Avoid letting your hair hang loose and cover your ears, as this can cause infection and irritation to the piercing wound due to excessive contact.
-
Avoid putting pressure on the pierced area (such as bumping, lying on the pierced ear), as this can cause further damage and worsen the wound.
-
Avoid swimming and exposing the wound to chemicals (such as pool chlorine, essential oils, ointments, etc.) to prevent severe infection.
-
Do not touch the piercing site or change the earrings without proper sterilization, as this can introduce bacteria and prolong the healing process.
4. Frequently Asked Questions about Ear Piercing
How long does it take for an ear piercing to heal?
Healing time depends on the piercing location and individual factors
The healing time can vary depending on the piercing location on the ear and individual factors, but it typically takes about 6-8 weeks or even 3-9 months for piercings in the thicker cartilage area of the ear to fully heal.
What should I do if my piercing starts to discharge pus?
Clean the piercing site with cotton swabs if there is pus discharge
If your piercing is discharging pus and causing discomfort and pain, remove the earring immediately and clean the front and back of the piercing site with cotton swabs, diluted saline solution, or antibacterial soap.
During the healing process, avoid activities that may put pressure on the wound, such as touching it with your hands, wearing headphones or holding the phone against your ear, lying on your ear, or letting your hair hang loose and brush against the wound.
Can I use a toothpick instead of an earring in the piercing hole?
Do not use a toothpick in place of an earring
are designed specifically for oral hygiene and should not be used in place of earrings. The manufacturing and sterilization processes for toothpicks are different from those for jewelry.
Additionally, toothpicks may contain chemical preservatives to prevent mold and prolong their shelf life, which can cause severe infections and discomfort around the piercing site.
The information provided above covers the foods to avoid and the healing time after ear piercing. We hope that this article has equipped you with valuable knowledge for your daily life!
Home Remedies for Treating Burns using Kitchen Ingredients
There are simple ways to ease the burning pain and blistering associated with burns, all using ingredients you already have in your kitchen pantry. Learn how to make the most of these natural remedies.
5 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Taking Your Laundry to a Laundromat
As laundry services become more popular, concerns over the potential risks posed to yourself and your family emerge. To gain more insight, let’s check out what Dien May XANH has to say about these risks!
Discovering Advantages of Pre-Wash Laundry
We all love donning our new clothes, but it can be a wise decision to give them a proper wash prior to wearing. Learn why washing your freshly-arrived apparel is necessary and important now!
This “anti-hunger” wild weed is a fresh and nourishing source – Get it now!
This is a nostalgic vegetable from a time of poverty, when it served as a temporary meal to stave off hunger. But now, it has become a pricey and rare vegetable that is not always found in the market.
Why should women shave their pubic hair before giving birth?
Many expectant mothers often wonder why they need to shave before giving birth and what happens if they don’t shave.
