Earlobe piercing

At Queen Street Pharmacy our trained staff will ensure that your piercing is completed in a hygienic and safe environment. We will talk you through the process and help you choose from our range of hypoallergenic earrings. You don’t need to book – drop in or call ahead to check availability.

What to expect

Our staff use a piercing gun specifically designed for piercing ears. These guns require the use of a stud and clasp that come in a pre-loaded, single use, sterile cartridge.

The piercing process is quick and as pain free as possible. We will provide you with after care instructions and any products you may need.

After your piercing

Always wash hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap before touching the piercing. Rinse the piercing with water and use a fresh cotton bud to remove any crust. Apply an Ear Care Solution available from the Pharmacy to the piercing while rotating the stud several times 180° left and 180º right. Only doing half turns will prevent hair wrapping around the post at the back of the lobe. In between cleaning, keep your ears dry.

Carry out this procedure twice daily for 6 weeks. More frequently could damage the delicate skin cells that surround the piercing and less frequently may invite infection. Do not remove the studs for the first six weeks. For the first six months do not go for more than 24 hours without wearing jewellery in the piercing.

Pain, redness or swelling is not normal for an ear piercing and may indicate an allergic reaction or infection. If you are concerned, the Pharmacy staff can assist.

What if my ears become infected?

It is normal for there to be a small amount of local pain and swelling for up to 48 hours after being pierced. Continuing significant pain, swelling or redness may indicate a bacterial infection.

On first sign of pain, redness or swelling remove the post three times each day and clean it with Cleaning Solution. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol as these will slow down healing of the skin. Clean the piercing on both sides of the earlobe, using a cotton ball or swab to dab sterile saline on it. Before reinserting the post, cover it with a small amount of Cleaning Solution to help the infection heal.