Q&A for How to Remove Earrings for the First Time

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Question

Once I take them out can I put the same ones back in?

Community Answer

Sure. You can wear them as many times as you want. Just be sure to clean them regularly.

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Question

I've missed a few cleaning days, but they don't seem to be infected. Is that okay?

Community Answer

Skipping out on cleaning your ears does put you at a higher risk of infection every time you do it. However, as there's no infection, resume cleaning, and do your best to not skip out on cleaning them in the future to minimize that risk.

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Question

Will it hurt when I take them out for the first time?

Community Answer

It could if they haven't completely healed or you have an infection, but if they're healed and not infected, you will be fine.

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Question

Do you need to clean your piercing following a shower?

Community Answer

Yes. Follow the instructions of your (hopefully professional) piercer, and clean the piercing separately. Hair conditioner left on a newly pierced ear can cause it to become infected.

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Question

How can I tell if I have an infection?

Community Answer

The spot on your ear would turn red, hurt, smell bad (which means you weren't cleaning the earrings enough), and may bleed. If you're unsure, see a doctor.

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Question

How long can I keep the earrings out?

Community Answer

If your ear is infected, you should not remove the earrings until it gets treated, so you do not spread the infection. If your ear piercings are healed, try not to keep the earrings out for too long (2 weeks or longer) or the holes will close.

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Question

Why did I get light-headed the first time I removed my earrings?

Community Answer

You likely wore those earrings for a long time, which means that your body got used to them. This sudden change can make you feel lightheaded. If you tend to be squeamish when it comes to blood, injections, and so forth, that could be another factor.

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Question

After 6 weeks, can I take my earrings out at night so I don't have to sleep with them in?

Community Answer

Your piercings might close even if you only take your earrings out at night. You should leave them in until it has been 8 weeks or more.

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Question

What if the back gets stuck in your ear?

Community Answer

If the back is actually embedded in the ear, it needs to be removed by a professional.

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Question

How should I remove a starter earring if I have an infection?

Community Answer

You need to get rid of the infection first before trying to remove the earring, so you do not spread the infection. Be sure to use a lot of alcohol on cotton puffs and apply it to clean the area multiple times during the day until the infection is gone. Once the infection is gone, the earring can be removed.

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Question

How quickly will my ears heal up if I remove my earrings?

Community Answer

It depends on how long they've been in. If it has been more than six weeks, you can leave them out for a couple of days without them closing up -- but not much longer.

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Question

After six weeks of cleaning my ears can I put new earrings in the day after I stop cleaning them?

Community Answer

Yes, just don't wait to long, because the hole piercings will start to close after a period of time.

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Question

How do you take them out with hands (the butterfly)

Community Answer

You take them out with your hands by pinching the stud and the back of the earring. To help get the back off you can spin it a bit and then just pull the stud.

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Question

What do I do if it is stuck right on the edge and won't come out?

Community Answer

It might hurt a little but you just have to pull it harder. Just wiggling it back and forth will not make the earning come out.

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Question

Can I change my earring after 2 weeks of getting it pierced if I need another stud for school?

WillowWeasley

Community Answer

No, you risk infection or the hole closing. That doesn't sound fun, does it?

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Question

After I change my earrings, do I still need to clean my ear?

Community Answer

I would say yes, you may still be at risk for infection. Better safe than sorry.

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Question

What is the cleaning solution for earrings?

Community Answer

When you got your ears pierced, you might have received a solution to spray on your ears. If not, you can use salt water to clean them.

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Question

I need to take out my daughters earrings for soccer games -- 1 hour, once a week -- but she has had them for only two weeks. Will they close on her?

WillowWeasley

Community Answer

Not in an hour. But you should still keep them in. See if you can put tape over them instead.

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Question

Do you need to remove the earrings at night?

Community Answer

If you just got your ears pierced, do not remove them! Taking them out at night could cause the holes to close up. After you've had them in for 6-8 weeks, you can start removing them at night, but it's not necessary if they don't bother you.

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Question

Will twisting the earring everyday help with it being easier to remove?

Community Answer

Yes. You should twist it so that skin doesn't heal over the earring, and it becomes apart of your body. Normally you should twist them after you spray/rub them with your antiseptic, so that it gets inside the hole.

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Question

I just got my ears pierced not too long ago. Now I found out I can't have earrings in a work? Can I take the studs out during work hours?

WillowWeasley

Community Answer

You can't take them out until your piercer said that you are able to. See if your boss will allow you to put tape over them.

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Question

What if they are on too tight?

Community Answer

You might have to pull slightly harder to remove the earrings. Take care not to lose the backs.

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Question

Is my earring infected if I notice a small amount of redness?

Community Answer

Most likely not, as infections generally cause pain and swelling as well. However, you should clean the piercing regularly and keep an eye on it. If other signs of infection start to show, see a doctor.

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Question

How do I remove a ring-shaped earring?

Community Answer

There should be a thin piece of metal in the back that you can pull out to create an opening in the earring. That opening can slip over your ear lobe to remove the earring.

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Question

Will my ears hurt the few times changing them?

Community Answer

If your ears hurt whenever you try to change them, then you shouldn't be changing them yet. This means they aren't fully healed yet and they need more time before you switch out the jewelry.

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Question

Is my earring infected if it is bleeding, but it doesn't hurt?

Community Answer

You should talk to a doctor or professional to see what they say, because it is not necessarily infected but it might be.

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Question

Can I use salt and warm water to clean my ears?

Community Answer

No, you should only use the solution the person who pierced your ears gave you.

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Question

When should I take earrings out? I have had them in for a month now.

Community Answer

It's best to wait six weeks to change them, and six months to take them out.

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Question

I just got my ear done almost 3 weeks ago and I have to take them out in a couple of days for a competition. I'll have them out 3 hours or so. Will they close?

Community Answer

Yes, they will close. Go back to the piercing studio and see if they can replace your studs with clear plastic spacers.

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Question

I got my ears pierced 3 weeks ago. I have basketball, and I have to take them out. Will they close up?

BreezyDeezy

Community Answer

Yes. You need to wait 6 weeks before taking earrings out. Talk to your coach about covering up the earrings instead.

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