Numbing Creams for Ear Piercings
- Angel, DEH Safe Body Art Practitioner at Baby Ear Piercing
- 17 hours ago
- 6 min read
At Baby Ear Piercing in San Jose, CA, a common inquiry from our visitors is:
Should numbing cream, gel, or spray be used before an ear piercing?
Numbing Creams for Ear Piercings:
"Are numbing creams safe and effective for ear piercings?"
Let's delve into this subject by discussing the fundamentals. Numbing creams, gels, sprays, or injectables are available in various strengths and can be purchased over-the-counter, prescribed, or administered by a licensed medical professional.
Their effectiveness depends on the concentration of the numbing agent,
the method of application, and the timing in relation to the piercing procedure.
The popularity of topical creams, gels, and sprays is increasing, as they are promoted for ear piercings and to inexperienced piercers who may need help due to a lack of experience in the speed, agility, and precision necessary for swift and accurate ear piercing services. Numbing products are also commonly used in the cosmetic industry
for permanent makeup and laser treatments,
although these services do not fully penetrate the skin as ear piercings do.
For research purposes, we have tested many of these products during piercing procedures and can confirm their varying levels of effectiveness.
It's understandable that clients are interested in these products for ear piercings,
as they seem attractive in theory. A simple cream, gel, or spray applied to the skin can numb the area, making an ear piercing easier.
However, there is a concern. Topical numbing is not recommended for piercings, especially ear piercings on babies, toddlers, and kids.
Here's why: it doesn't truly "numb" you.
Most people associate numbing with medical procedures.
After a few sharp injections, these drugs work so effectively that you don't feel anything. However, topical creams, gels, and sprays don't numb in the same way.
If you've used these topical products for piercing before, you know they can slightly dull the sensation, but you still feel the piercing. Over-the-counter products have minimal effect on fully alleviating the sensation of an ear piercing procedure.
Topical creams, gels, and sprays do not numb beyond the skin,
and you will definitely feel the ear piercing.
This is because they only partially numb the top layers of skin
and don't affect the deeper layers.
Guests using numbing products may enter an ear piercing procedure expecting not to feel anything. They might jump, jolt, or move in surprise when they realize they can actually feel the piercing. I can confirm that you will still feel the piercing, and knowing this makes you less likely to move during your ear piercing service without relying on these products.
Given the existence of these products, should they be used before an ear piercing?
Ear piercing professionals are not medical experts.
We are not doctors, dermatologists, or nurses. We are piercers, meaning we lack the training or licensing to apply numbing products and are unaware of how they might affect you differently. Many of these products can cause severe side effects if they enter the bloodstream or lead to serious reactions if applied to the skin during an ear piercing. Some may argue, “but what about tattoo artists using topical products!”
These products contain a low percentage of chemicals marketed and FDA-approved
for over-the-counter use in tattooing on adults.
Products designed for tattoo procedures primarily numb only the top layer of skin.
These topical products are minimally effective for ear piercings
because an ear piercing penetrates all layers of the skin, not just the surface.
Numbing creams, gels, and sprays lead to tissue constriction. While they don't fully numb the area, they can change the texture and tension of the tissue.
Most of these products contain lidocaine and vasoconstrictors.
These chemicals narrow blood vessels,
which helps in the numbing process.
This narrowing can also cause the skin to shift.
As a result, once the product wears off and the skin relaxes,
the piercing might appear different from its initially marked position.
The placement of ear piercings is crucial and greatly affects the outcome.
Therefore, many seasoned Ear Piercing Professionals
avoid using numbing products for various reasons, including
the potential for these products to cause
movement that affects the aesthetically placed ear piercing.
There are several reasons why most skilled Ear Piercing Professionals avoid numbing products. An ear piercing is essentially a puncture wound. Numbing creams, gels, or sprays take about 30 minutes to affect only the skin's surface. However, skilled professionals can complete a piercing in just a few seconds. Waiting for half an hour for a product that offers minimal numbing isn't worth the inconvenience for nervous clients or their families. Moreover, these products come with dosage recommendations for different ages and are considered drugs, posing risks such as severe allergic reactions.
Many of these products advise consulting a physician, especially for children under three and sometimes up to 12 years old.
If these guidelines are not followed, the safety practices of the provider and the entire
Ear Piercing Service should be questioned.
Further, there are numbing products used for piercings similar to those used for injections, but they contain much higher concentrations of chemicals, which can lead to more severe side effects. Injections are administered by trained and licensed professionals such as nurses and doctors who understand the risks and know how to handle complications. Consider who typically applies a numbing topical before giving a numbing injection; a dentist is a common example. This is not something your local body piercer is trained to do.
Body piercing training does not cover the use of topical or injectable numbing agents,
nor does it prepare individuals to manage serious allergic reactions
that might occur from these products.
Unless individuals are properly trained and licensed to use these products,
they should not be part of ear piercing services.
Numbing creams, gels, and sprays might seem beneficial in theory,
but in practice, they are not very safe. As a skilled Ear Piercing Professional, I know that using such products can lead to various risks and complications, which I do not want to expose my special guests to at Baby Ear Piercing. Not only can these products cause serious side effects, but they can also result in a misplaced or unattractive ear piercing. Moreover, the sensation is almost the same with or without these creams, sprays, or gels. Most traditional ear piercings are not painful enough to warrant the use of numbing products.
Many fears and concerns about the sensation of an ear piercing are often exaggerated, and these feelings are completely normal. We understand.
An experienced, reputable Piercing Professional will strive to make your ear piercing experience as safe and comfortable as possible!
A reliable Ear Piercing Professional you trust will guide you through your
ear piercing experience without relying on numbing creams.
Baby Ear Piercing in San Jose, CA, has developed an expert skill level that guests can trust,
without the need for gimmicks or topical aids that may cause issues.
Here are the Highlights From an Expert Licensed Ear Piercing Professional:
8 Reasons Numbing Creams for Ear Piercing
Should Not Be Used
1. Risk of Allergic Reactions
Numbing creams often contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. This can lead to skin irritation, rashes, or more severe allergic responses.
2. Altered Pain Perception
Using numbing creams can interfere with the body’s natural pain response. This may prevent the individual from feeling pain that indicates a problem during the piercing process, such as excessive pressure or improper technique.
3. Inconsistent Effectiveness
The effectiveness of numbing creams can vary significantly between individuals. Factors such as skin type, the specific cream used, and the application method can all influence how well the cream works, potentially leading to inadequate pain relief.
4. Potential for Infection
Applying numbing cream can create a barrier on the skin that may trap bacteria, increasing the risk of infection at the piercing site.
Proper skin preparation is essential to minimize this risk.
5. Delayed Healing
Some numbing creams contain ingredients that can irritate the skin or interfere with the healing process. This can lead to prolonged healing times or complications
at the piercing site.
6. Improper Application
If not applied correctly, numbing creams can lead to uneven numbing or excess product entering the piercing area, which can complicate the procedure and result in discomfort.
7. Misleading Sense of Safety
The use of numbing creams may give individuals a false sense of security regarding pain management, leading them to underestimate the importance of choosing a professional and safe piercing environment.
8. Regulatory Concerns
Many numbing creams are not specifically approved for use in cosmetic procedures like ear piercing. Using unregulated products can pose safety risks.
Conclusion
While pain management is a consideration for those getting ear piercings, the potential risks and complications associated with numbing creams often outweigh their benefits. It is advisable to consult with a professional piercer for safe practice strategies.
About the author:
Angel is a DEH LICENSED SAFE BODY ART PRACTITIONER, with expertise in ear piercing and blood-borne pathogens. She founded Baby Ear Piercing, a Licensed Safe Body Art Facility located in San Jose, CA. Since 1987, Angel has been delivering expert ear piercing services to individuals of all ages.
Angel has created a distinctive controlled environment to provide the safest ear piercing services across the nation. She is globally recognized and trusted by parents, medical professionals, influencers, and celebrities for her safe and effective ear piercing and re-opening services for babies, toddlers, children, and adults.
Her proficiency in working with and developing superior metal formulations, along with her insightful advice, has assisted numerous clients in resolving issues related to sensitive and problematic ear piercings, including concerns with earring and aftercare compatibility.
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