How do you relieve ear gauges pain?
Applying oil to your stretched ears helps keep the skin healthy and reduce the chance of tears. Many jewelry stores sell lubricant specifically for ear stretching, but you can also use plant oils like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Stop when you feel pain.
How do you heal gauges fast?
If you get any tears or injuries you should treat your newly stretched ears like any new piercing and soak them in (sterile saline wound wash, not saltwater) for at least 10 minutes a day to speed up healing and avoid infection. We'd recommend using Neilmed sterile saline wound wash in the fine mist.
What to do if your gauges are swollen?
People with gauges or plugs in their ears may notice swelling each time they stretch the ear. Infected ear piercings can also cause the earlobe to swell, even if the person has had a piercing for many years. People should see a doctor if their symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are severe.
How do you make gauges not hurt?
Go slowly. If you experience any discomfort, you've done too much. Put your plug in at the thicker end of the taper so you can insert it into the stretched piercing immediately. Insert your plug into the hole once the taper goes all the way through.
Is it normal for gauges to hurt?
A little discomfort that goes away quickly is normal when increasing gauge size, but if your ears start hurting more, or if they are red or throbbing, chances are, they are irritated and inflamed.
Why do my gauges hurt so bad?
If the gauge is too big compared to the hole you have, or you stretch the area very quickly, then you may suffer from something called a blowout. This is when the area of the stretched lobe becomes very red, raw and irritated. You may even suffer with lumps on the area, and it might feel quite itchy and sore.
Do gauges ever fully heal?
Many variables affect whether or not a stretched piercing will return to its original size, such as the length of time taken to stretch and the amount of time the piercing is fully healed at a particular size. However, everyone's ears are different and some ears will not heal back even from a size smaller than 8mm.
Can I sleep without my gauges in?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to sleep without gauges in. In fact, it is generally recommended to remove your gauges before sleeping to allow your earlobes to rest and heal.
Can I put Vaseline on my gauges?
Use Plenty of Lubrication
Stay away from petroleum products like Vaseline, A&D ointment, and Neosporin—or other antibiotic ointments—as they may leave behind an oily film which keeps oxygen and cleaning solutions out.
Do gauges heal back to normal?
Everybody heals and adjusts to changes differently. One person's earlobe may shrink back to normal after having a stretched piercing and another may need surgical repair. Generally, holes that are less than a half inch in diameter may shrink back naturally if the jewelry is left out. There is no guarantee, however.
Do stretched ears ever stop smelling?
The odor will be stronger while you are stretching your ears. This is because the ear is trying to heal and will produce more sebum and dead skin. When you get to your desired ear gauge you will notice less of an odor. The other part of the smell is the plug itself.
How do you know if gauges are infected?
An infected piercing can be serious. The area around your piercing may be painful, swollen, red, and hot. You may see red streaks or pus at the piercing site. You may have a fever or swollen or tender lymph nodes.
Does 16g to 14g hurt?
Can I put 14g jewelry in a 16g piercing? Yes. This is how you stretch your holes. It will take a little effort to put the bigger size through, but it should not be too painful.
How do you dead stretch?
Dead stretching, or natural stretching, involves inserting jewelry that is slightly larger than the current size of the piercing. This method relies on the natural elasticity of the skin to accommodate the larger size over time.
Can your ears heal from gauges?
Try Without Surgery First
If you stretched your lobes properly, the hole should mostly close up on its own. Gradually decrease the size of the gauge you wear. Go down one size, and wait until the size shrinks up around that smaller gauge.
Why do people like gauges?
Stretched ear body jewelry remains a popular form of self-expression amongst many cultures worldwide today due to its deep roots in history and the symbolism behind each size chosen by individuals seeking an outward expression that reflects who they are on the inside. These pieces remain timelessly beautiful.
Are gauges bad for you?
Any gauges or instruments that aren't sterile have the potential to introduce bacteria into the wound. If you do end up with an infection, you'll have to treat it immediately to avoid pain and scarring. By working with a professional, you can ensure that your ears will be gauged safely.
What do ear gauges symbolize?
History has shown us that ear stretching was initially used to show that an individual belonged to a group or a tribe. It was accepted by the group and they were marked as being "one of us". When someone did not have stretched ears they were considered to be an outsider or someone who did not belong to the tribe.
Should sizing up gauges sting?
Stretching your ears can take months or years, depending on how large you want them to be. During this time, your ear will be sensitive. However, they should never be painful or stressed. A good rule of thumb is to go up one gauge size every four to six weeks.
Are stretched ears still popular?
Traditional ear stretching isn't entirely a thing of the past! The various tribes and civilisations of the modern day have held up the practice throughout the ages. Many of them are located on the African continent, but the practices are also used in Asia and other parts of the world.
Should you twist your gauges?
It is important to listen to your body and avoid twisting or rotating your gauges if you experience discomfort or pain. Additionally, it is important to keep your stretched ears clean and well-moisturized to prevent infections and promote healing.
Can I use Vaseline to stretch my ears?
It also doesn't allow the skin to breathe, which can slow down the healing process of a fresh or recently stretched piercing. In short, while Vaseline may be useful for many things, it's not recommended as a lube for ear stretching. Stick to safe and natural options to ensure a smooth and successful stretching process.
Can 10mm stretched ears close?
Those who have their ears pierced and haven't worn an earring in a long-time will know that the hole can close back up, but where is the point that it stops happening? Most professionals would say that size 0g (8mm) to 00g (10mm) is the absolute point of no return.
Are gauges still in style?
Stretched ears are still a fashion that has its followers, but they are certainly not a megatrend.
Should I shower with gauges in?
Once your piercings are fully healed (after 12 weeks), you should remove your jewelry when you shower. This is the most effective way to clean both your piercings and your jewelry.
Do gauges always smell bad?
Your regular ear gauges stink because your skin is shedding constantly throughout the day and the dead cells have nowhere to go. A build-up of sebum is caused by wearing regular gauges and as you sweat throughout the day.
Do ear gauges always smell?
Ear gauge holes can come with some unpleasant odors if not taken care of properly. You probably don't want your gauges to get dirty and smell like earcheese, do you? Your ear gauges smell bad because they're in your ear. Almost every hour, your skin sheds, and all of the dead skin cells are left on the gauge.
Is olive oil good for gauges?
First of all, get a good lubricant: Vitamin E oil (jar or pill form), jojoba oil, olive oil, or emu oil are commonly used. This assures a smooth painless insertion of jewelry. Do not, under ANY circumstances, use Vaseline.
Is baby oil good for gauges?
A: Baby oil can be used as a lubricant for ear stretching, but it is not specifically formulated for this purpose. It is important to note that not all baby oils are created equal, and some may contain fragrances or additives that could potentially irritate the skin.
Is coconut oil good for gauges?
The reason this oil is such an effective moisturizer is because its fat molecules are smaller than the pores in your skin, allowing it to pass through for deep moisturization. However, when gauging your ears, you want moisture on the surface, so coconut oil is really only an effective pre-lubricant moisturizer.
Will 14mm ear heal?
The earlobe can shrink back to its normal size if the earring or gauge is less than 14mm or a size 2 gauge. Anything larger than this size will require reconstructive surgery. Stretching of the ear with gauge piercings is a process that takes many months and should not be rushed.
Can ear holes shrink?
If your ears are between 2 gauge and 00 gauge, do the same thing and don't wear earrings for a long time. The holes will shrink in size, but may not get down to a normal ear piercing size of 16 to 18 gauge but it will be fairly close to that size.
Can I stretch my ears every 2 weeks?
Waiting 6 to 24 weeks is how long to wait between ear stretches, as the general recommendation. A minimum wait time of at least one to two months between each stretch is the recommended timeframe to wait in between stretches. This gives your ears enough time to heal and reduces the chance of potential risks.
Should I dead stretch my ears?
Whilst tapers are great to safely assist with the transition of larger gauge piece of jewellery, dead stretching should only be used when your current jewellery is getting loose. The industry standard for dead stretching is going up in 1mm increments and as always, never skipping sizes.
Why do my gauges feel wet?
Wet Ear. While uncommon, stretching with non-porous materials (typically glass) can occasionally result in a condition some piercers refer to as “wet ear.” This is where the skin in contact with the jewelry secretes too much fluid, creating a sticky, moist, “sweaty” layer between the ear and the jewelry.
Can gauges shrink back?
For some people, there's a gauge size at which point their piercings will not shrink at all, and they need surgery to fix them. For other people, they can have large gauges, take the jewelry out, and the holes almost close completely. Reducing gauged ear lobes varies dramatically and can't be predicted.
How often should I wash my gauges?
Here are some tips to care for your ears during the stretching process and after you've finally reached your desired gauge: Wash your piercing at least twice a day with warm water and chemical-free soap.
How do I stop my gauged ears from smelling?
We would recommend taking your plugs out and washing them every day, the shower is the most ideal place to do so. Rinse your ear with warm water and clean with an anti-bacterial soap if possible, once washed your ear should be dried thoroughly to prevent moisture build up.
What happens if you don't clean your gauges?
No matter which material you prefer for your plugs, tunnels, and gauges, keeping them clean should never be just about making them last longer. With regular cleaning, you also make sure they remain safe to wear for a long time, and don't cause irritations or infections to your earlobes.
Is there a 5g septum?
Septum 5g & 4g
While I have yet to attempt the 4g jewelry, I am very happy with the feel of my septum 5g. As I was using steel hewelry before, the glass is much more comfortable and helped with the stretch.
Can you sleep with tapers in?
Since ear tapers make sleeping difficult, it's best to stretch with tapers during the waking hours and put plugs in your ear before going to bed.
Are tapers bad for stretching?
Acrylic is not safe to wear in a fresh stretch so be sure to transfer to steel or glass plugs. Stone tapers are not to be used for stretching at all. They are only for wearing in healed stretches as jewelry because they are porous and can carry too much bacteria.
What are the 4 rules of stretching?
To stretch safely, you must adhere to the four main principles of avoiding pain, stretching slowly, stretching the right muscle, and working only the necessary joints and muscles. These guidelines are designed to make your stretching safer and more effective and to increase your awareness of your body.
What is a lazy stretch?
We stretch when lazy or lethargic for a reason. It helps in shedding the lethargy and refreshes the mind. Stretching acts as a mental break from all the work that is stressing you out. When the mind and body is stressed, the muscles become tight and rigid.
Can you wear tapers as jewelry?
Tapers are not meant for long-term wear as jewelry. Uneven weight distribution can lead to blowouts and damage. Use tapers as tools for stretching, not as decorative items. Insert your chosen jewelry immediately after guiding the taper through.
Can I sleep without my gauges in?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to sleep without gauges in. In fact, it is generally recommended to remove your gauges before sleeping to allow your earlobes to rest and heal.
Do gauges ever fully heal?
Many variables affect whether or not a stretched piercing will return to its original size, such as the length of time taken to stretch and the amount of time the piercing is fully healed at a particular size. However, everyone's ears are different and some ears will not heal back even from a size smaller than 8mm.
Should you sleep with ear gauges?
We advise removing jewellery while sleeping to avoid injury. The only items we recommend for wearing while sleeping are the 'soft' silicon tunnels. If you have had some bleeding then treat as you would any wound.
Do stretched ears ever stop smelling?
The odor will be stronger while you are stretching your ears. This is because the ear is trying to heal and will produce more sebum and dead skin. When you get to your desired ear gauge you will notice less of an odor. The other part of the smell is the plug itself.
Can stretched ears go back to normal?
One person's earlobe may shrink back to normal after having a stretched piercing and another may need surgical repair. Generally, holes that are less than a half inch in diameter may shrink back naturally if the jewelry is left out. There is no guarantee, however.
Why do people like gauges?
Stretched ear body jewelry remains a popular form of self-expression amongst many cultures worldwide today due to its deep roots in history and the symbolism behind each size chosen by individuals seeking an outward expression that reflects who they are on the inside. These pieces remain timelessly beautiful.
Do small gauges hurt?
Ear stretching tends to tingle or sting but it shouldn't hurt a lot. If your earlobe feels tight or you're in pain after inserting the taper or plug, then the size is too big and you should opt for something smaller.
Did Vikings have stretched ears?
So even back then, customers had choices for big stretched ears jewelry! Did vikings stretch their ears? Vikings are not known to have stretched ears, nor ear piercings, at all.
Are gauges permanent?
For some people, stretching out to 2 gauge, which is 6 millimeters, can be permanent. It all depends on how your body reacts to piercings, but 00gauge, 10mm is the maximum stretch that might return to normal, but it's not guaranteed.
Is 0g to 00g a big jump?
Is 0g to 00g a big jump? Yes, it can be a big jump for some people. Going from 0g to 00g means stretching your earlobe by about 2mm, instead of 1mm, which can be a challenge for some. The use of 9mm plugs (which is an in-between size of 0g and 00g sizes) is an option, too.
Why do my gauges hurt so bad?
A blowout is one of the most common complications of ear gauging. It's a ring of scar tissue that forms behind the jewelry and gives the piercing the appearance of turning inside out. Blowouts usually occur from trying to stretch the hole too quickly. They often cause sharp pain and inflammation.
How long does it take for a gauge to heal?
Do stretched ears ever heal?
Do larger gauge piercings heal faster?
Will 1 inch stretched ears close?
Do gauges heal back to normal?
With this said, it generally takes anywhere from 4 months for smaller gauges to a year or more for larger gauges. Some of the factors that contribute to how long it takes to close your stretched ears include: Whether or not you had any blowouts, scarring, or other damage to the tissue during the stretching process.
How long do stretched ears take to heal?
That being said, most large-gauge piercings only take about 10-15% longer than a standard piercing to heal. So for example, if a standard lobe takes 6 months, then a large-gauge lobe will take 7 months. This varies from person to person, but they are not going to take years and years!