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Newborn Ear PiercingIt has become a tradition for many parents, to pierce their newborn daughters ears. However, it is always important to keep a few things in mind prior to making that decision. While some people do choose to pierce their children’s ears at the moment of birth, as there is no medical reasoning for them to wait; it is important to remember that there is always a risk involved with any piercing. When you are having your child’s ears pierced, remember that not all ear piercing operations (such as at the mall) have the proper equipment or training to work with such young children. IE: the ear piercing guns used at a mall cannot be sterilized, which means that the risk of contracting hepatitis or other infection from them is greater. However, if you are still set on having your infant’s ears pierced, it is better for you to have your pediatrician to do it with a sterilized needle. For the simple reason that these items will always be clean and used only once. Some other things to keep in mind as well; is that ear piercing is done without painkillers since the piecing hurts less than a shot would. (You may give your child a little tylenol or ibprofen prior to the treatment if need be, however this may thin the blood and cause more bleeding). It is important for the earrings to remain as clean as possible, it is harder with a child however; simply because your infant will be constantly touching and pulling at his or her ears, which makes the risk of infection much higher than in an adult. To help guard against possible infection, you will need to clean the posts of th earring; along with the skin around the piercing with alcohol hydrogen peroxide several times a day. (If you have the piercing done by your pediatrician, he or she will give you a schedule to follow for cleaning). You will then need to watch these tender little ears for any increased redness around the piercing itself, as well as on the earlobe which could indicate the start of an infection. One more thing to consider, is that there is a chance that your child may have an allergic reaction to the metal of the piercing. If your child develops any signs of a rash around the piercing, you will need to remove them immediately. To help avoid the risk of allergic reaction, try to go with a surgical grade stainless steal or 14k gold. If the rash on your child’s ear doesn’t go away shortly after you have removed the earrings, you will need to take him or her to the doctor immediately; and remember that there on out, your child will probably not be likely to wear earrings again.
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