Ear piercings are very common among all ages. You may be wondering if it’s safe to do if your child has a bleeding disorder. Read on for more information about ear piercing.
This section on Body Art covers:
Take the Necessary Precautions
Take the Necessary Precautions
Before you decide to get your child’s ears pierced, you should be aware of the following:
Talk to your child’s health care provider
You should always talk with your child’s health care provider before getting any type of body art done. Your provider can give you the best advice about the procedure, pain, follow-up care, and possible complications. The type of bleeding disorder your child has and its severity can affect treatment both before and after the piercing. Talk with your provider about the best treatment for piercing, especially if your child has a severe bleeding disorder.
Do your research
Before going to a shop for a piercing, review the local laws and health codes. Look at the reviews and any complaints about the shop and artist you’re planning to use. Piercing practices vary across the country and there may be different laws about licensing, training, and inspections in your local community. Look at the different piercers in your community and look for someone who does great work and will also keep your child safe.
Inform the piercer
Tell the piercer your child has a bleeding disorder. Explain that you’ve talked to their health care provider about the risks. Many shops ask customers to sign a form that outlines the shop's rules and releases the shop and piercer from any responsibility if something goes wrong. These consent forms often say that people with bleeding disorders are at risk and should speak with their provider before getting a piercing.
Check out the piercing shop
- Make sure the shop is well lit and clean.
- Check for any required licenses and certificates.
- Ask about how the shop sterilizes their equipment.
- The piercer should put on a new pair of disposable gloves before setting up supplies.
- Always make sure you see the piercer remove a new needle from a sealed package before beginning. The piercer should never use a needle that has been soaking in a liquid. This liquid can have harmful bacteria.
- Piercers should properly dispose of needles in a sharps container.
- Read reviews of the shop online or speak with someone you know who has been there.
Take care of your child’s piercing
Listen to your piercer about how to care for your child’s piercing. It is a wound that’s at risk for infection and disease and will need time to heal. If you have problems during the healing process, talk with your child’s health care provider.
Consider Other Options
There are non-piercing body art options too. Check out magnetic and clip-on jewelry that look like body piercings.