Would you say put earrings in the ears after birth is a form of abuse against girls? At the very least you will agree with me that a baby cannot give its informed consent so that you drill a hole for a decorative object, from which we can conclude that the main reason for doing so is the vanity of the parents. Don't think I'm being too harsh: why else would we allow the little girl to feel an unnecessary pang of pain?
What doesn't hurt? Sure it hurts, Hasn't it hurt you when you have pierced your ears or put a piercing anywhere on your body? I think that since the times when it was thought that babies were incapable of feeling pain are long gone, we are perfectly capable of preventing girls from this suffering, and letting it be them the ones who make the decision when they grow up.
I'm telling you this because a group of British mothers and fathers have started to collect signatures en 38 Degrees, to make the practice illegal.
We have read the news in The Telegraph, and as expected there is already defenders and detractors of the initiative, I find it logical, and also that everyone expresses their opinion. Now, in these cases, the opinion should be that of the babies, and it is completely unlikely that they express it more than crying, and sometimes not even that, because their response to pain may not be developed.
The Royal College of Family Physicians, through its vice president, states that although piercing the earlobes cannot cause lasting damage (or at least it is unlikely to do so), yes, it is a cause of pain.
Pain and more?
Well, soon, I see it as a way to classify: girls with earrings, boys without them (until adolescence, it is understood). I do not know, I do not like that it is imposed that way just because they are girls, the same is my personal perception.
Obviously they will reach an age where they will 'dress up' themselves to go out, and even voluntarily make holes here and there, but Is it necessary for it to be so small?
My experience
I couldn't give my opinion on whether I would wear earrings or not, I only decided on the third hole I got when I was 19. My daughter will be able to choose, because we didn't pierce her ears when she was born. In fact, she already made one (unsuccessful) attempt: last year (when she was 8), she said, "I want earrings." I asked her to think about it. When she was sure, we went to the jewelry store. They explained what it was all about, and told us that for now, she'd be wearing temporary earrings, and in a few weeks, we'd be buying the permanent ones.
Not even two days had passed when, while taking off his swimming cap, one fell off. Unfortunately, we lost the screw, so we couldn't put it back on. The hole was very tender, it closed quickly, and I told him we'd have to go back and get another one done. Since he remembered the prick and the pain, he said, 'No way!' 'I'll keep an eye on it when I'm a teenager'.
The campaign is already underway, and the request will be raised to the Ministry of Children. There is by the way a published guide on tattoos and piercing elaborated by the Department of Public Health of England, without specifications on minimum age, although parents must consent, if a minor wants to wear a ring wherever. But one thing is consent, and another to impose it.
I only have doubts about the way to get them to stop putting babies on hold, perhaps the campaign It should be to inform parents that it hurts and girls suffer, outlawing, I don't know ... maybe they will put a lot of people against it.
What do the professionals say and what are your options if you decide to do it?
El pain is subjective and their perception varies from one baby to another. Many clinics describe that most infants continue breastfeeding or sleeping after drilling, although some perform gestures of discomfort. It cannot be assured that the younger the age, the less pain there is; neurological development and sensitivity are individual, and some professionals prefer to wait until first month of life for safety and to reduce the risk of accidental closure.
Societies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics They recommend considering doing it when the baby has already received its first vaccinations. And both the AAP and the OMS invite us to reflect on whether it is better postpone until the person can decide for themselves.
Measures that reduce pain and manipulation
- topical anesthetic cream with lidocaine and prilocaine, applied about 50 minutes before, to reduce skin sensitivity under professional supervision.
- Tetanalgesia (breastfeeding during the procedure), a non-pharmacological technique that uses suction to modulate pain.
- Sterile cartridge earrings that drill and are placed in a single step, minimizing manipulations and skin contact.
After drilling, there are centers that report that There is usually no pain afterwards Neither fever nor night crying when aseptic technique is used and the indicated care is followed, although it is advisable monitor the area.
Methods and locations: pros and cons
- Non-motorized pressure apparatus with sterile cartridge: small, precise and quiet; includes slope medical degree Pre-loaded and secure nut. Reduces the risk of contamination and the number of movements.
- Piercing gun: Some pediatricians and dermatologists advise against due to mechanical trauma, the noise and the difficulty of precision in tiny ears.
- Sterile needle with cannula: manual technique that can be very aseptic in expert hands, but it takes more time and the baby usually move.
- With the earring itself bought by family: not recommended by lack of sterility and precision.
The environment must be hygienic and controlled and the person who performs it must be an experienced professional. There are consultation services and also Chef at Home carried out by healthcare personnel to promote a serene environment.
Age, materials and safe design
Many families choose the window of 2 to 6 months Because the immune system is more mature, the tissue usually heal quickly and there are already initial vaccines. Others wait until the girl can decide and participate in the selection of the earring. Both options are valid if they are prioritized security and consent.
To minimize allergies, it is recommended 14-18 karat gold, 925 sterling silver, titanium o surgical steelIn cases of very sensitive skin, it may be considered medical grade acrylic. Avoid the nickel and uncertain alloys.
Design matters: pieces small and light (3-4 mm), edges rounded, without pendants that get caught and with a clasp safety thread that it does not come loose accidentally.
Does it hurt more in the lobe or the cartilage? The perception is variable; some people report more discomfort in areas with cartilage, others in the lobe. In babies, the recommended dose is lobe.
Care and warning signs
- Cleaning twice a day with Saline solution or mild antiseptic. Avoid alcohol and hydrogen peroxide due to their irritating effects.
- Avoid swimming pools and submerged baths the first few weeks to reduce the risk of infection.
- Do not manipulate with dirty hands. Some protocols indicate turn smoothly Rotate the earring 1-2 times a day; others prefer not to rotate it if the piece is clean and stable. Follow the professional's guidelines.
- Do not remove the initial slope at least during 6 weeks. Aesthetic changes, better past Several months.
- Come if it appears intense redness, heat, discharge, persistent pain or fever.
If you suspect infection: withdraw the piece, clean with physiological serum and use the recommended antiseptic (generally chlorhexidine for the little ones or povidone depending on age and health indication). Prolonging the cures can favor the hole closureSome centers perform follow-up after 3-5 days to check the evolution.
Contraindications and rare complications
- Postpone if there is fever (>37,5 ºC), skin changes in the lobe or clotting problems.
- Rare complications: infection, capillary hemorrhage mild, Allergic dermatitis for the metal and “screw inside the lobe” after pulling. The latter requires attention from Nursing without delay to avoid infection.
In older children and adolescents, the perforation usually lasts the 2nd, often without anesthesia, with brief and tolerable pain, always with consent adult if they are minors.
Choosing whether to pierce a baby's ears involves values, culture, and care. The choice to wait respects the right to decide; if you choose to do so, it is advisable to prioritize qualified professional, aseptic technique, hypoallergenic materials and a clear care guideline to minimize discomfort and risks.