Your Ultimate Guide to Tragus Piercings

Tragus piercings have gained immense popularity in recent years as a unique and fashionable way to express individuality. Located in the small projection of cartilage just in front of the ear canal, tragus piercings offer a stylish and edgy look. If you're considering getting a tragus piercing, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential information you need to know. Pierced, renowned for its expertise in body modifications, brings you this ultimate guide to tragus piercings.

What is a tragus piercing?

A tragus piercing involves perforating the small flap of cartilage known as the tragus. This piercing sits in front of the ear canal and creates a captivating focal point. The tragus is a popular choice for individuals seeking an alternative to traditional earlobe piercings, allowing them to showcase their unique style.

Before getting your heart set on a tragus piercing, it’s important to note that tragus piercings are anatomy dependant. Though most people can get their tragus pierced without a problem, some people have a tragus that is too shallow or too thin to hold a piece of jewelry properly. Therefore, it’s best to consult with your piercer before getting your heart set on a tragus piercing. 

Do tragus piercings hurt?

We know cartilage piercings have a bad rep for being painful. However, the tragus is usually one of the easier cartilage piercings to get on the pain scale. This is because there are nerve endings in the tragus. So while you may experience a bit of discomfort while getting the tragus piercing.

Always bear in mind that a professional piercing shop using sharp, sterilized needles will also help assure your piercing is as painless as possible. Never trust a shop that uses piercing guns for tragus piercings. Piercing guns are impossible to sterilize properly and can cause severe damage to your cartilage. 

Tragus Piercing Aftercare

Cartilage piercings like the tragus piercing usually have longer healing times require a very diligent piercing aftercare regimen to assure they heal properly. 

Cleaning and Hygiene

Maintaining proper cleaning and hygiene practices is vital to promote healing and prevent infections. Clean the piercing twice a day using a saline solution or a mixture of warm water and non-iodized sea salt. Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands and refrain from using alcohol-based products.

Avoiding Irritants and Trauma

To avoid complications, it's crucial to protect your tragus piercing from irritants such as hairspray, shampoo, and excessive moisture. Be cautious when using headphones or talking on the phone, as these activities may cause trauma to the piercing site.

Healing Time and Potential Complications

The healing time for a tragus piercing typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. However, individual healing rates may vary. During the healing process, you might experience some mild swelling, redness, or tenderness. It's important to monitor the piercing for signs of infection, such as excessive pain, pus, or prolonged redness, and seek professional advice if necessary.

Signs of an Infected Tragus Piercing

You’re unlikely to get an infection if you follow the aftercare advice above, but it’s still important to know the signs of any potential danger just in case a problem arises. 

For the first week after getting pierced, it’s common to experience swelling, redness, irritation, a clear or white discharge. If these symptoms persist or seem excessive, however, you may want to check in with your piercer to err on the safe side. 

If you develop a fever or the skin around your piercing starts to feel hot to the touch, it’s best not to wait and contact your piercer immediately. 

Tragus Piercing Jewelry 

You’ll be limited to the jewelry chosen for the initial piercing until your piercing is fully healed…so be sure to choose your first piece of jewelry wisely! Once your piercing is healed, however, you’ll be free to change up your look to suit your mood with a variety of fun jewelry options. 

Most people opt for flat back jewelry or rings after the full healing process for tragus piercings, though you can go for a barbell as well if you feel like standing out from the crowd. 

When choosing your jewelry, you may want to keep in mind that larger pieces may get in the way when listening to music or talking on the phone. 

Conclusion

Tragus piercings offer a trendy and unique way to enhance your personal style. By understanding the process, following proper aftercare, and seeking advice from professionals like Pierced, you can have a successful tragus piercing experience. Remember to prioritize hygiene, be patient during the healing process, and address any concerns promptly. Embrace your individuality with confidence, knowing that your tragus piercing is beautifully adorned and cared for.