Tragus Piercing - An Overview

Introduction:

The tragus of the ear is a thick or nubby piece of flesh that envelops the ear's opening and protects and covers the tube that progresses into the inner organs of the ear, like the eardrum. Tragus piercing has recently gained popularity, especially among young ladies. The term 'tragus' originated from the Greek word 'tragos', meaning goat. The cartilage and the hair that grows in the ears is called tragus. The hair behind the cartilage flap resembles the beard growing on a goat's chin; hence, it was named the tragus.

Do Tragus Piercings Hurt?

The tragus of the ear is composed of a thin layer of flexible cartilage and is not packed with too many nerves when compared to the other parts of the ear. But the cartilage is comparatively thick compared to regular flesh; hence, the piercer has to exert additional pressure to pierce through the tragus. The degree of pain differs for each person. One might experience stinging pain during needle insertion because the needle pierces through the top layer of the skin containing the nerves.

A pinching sensation may be felt as the needle traverses through the tragus. The pain experienced due to tragus piercings is transient and fades after some time.

Can a Piercing Gun Be Used for Tragus Piercings?

Piercing guns are not suitable for piercing cartilage and can result in scarring, additional pain, and other issues. It is advisable to approach a piercer who does not use piercing guns for tragus piercings.

What Is the Procedure for Tragus Piercing?

The following steps are followed in tragus piercing:

• The tragus of the ear is cleaned with purified water and a medically approved disinfectant.

• The area to be pierced is marked with a non-toxic pen or marker.

• A sterilized needle is inserted into the marked area of the tragus and pulled out on the other side.

• The selected jewelry is then inserted into the pierced area.

• The bleeding is controlled at the site of the piercing.

• The pierced area is again cleaned with water and disinfectant to ensure that the area is completely clean.

Can Tragus Piercings Result in Infections?

Infections due to tragus piercings can occur due to the following reasons:

• Touching the pierced area with unclean hands or non-sterile instruments can transfer bacteria to the pierced area, resulting in an infection.

• Wearing earrings that are too tight such that there is no air circulation on the wound can cause infection.

• Not taking proper care of the wound, wearing rough earrings, and frequently touching the pierced site can cause infections.

• Hair that hangs down on the area of the piercing can make it exposed to the entry of bacteria. Long hair can also get trapped in the piercing, irritating the wound, making it susceptible to infections, and delaying the healing time.

• If the pierced site takes time to heal, the chances of acquiring an infection are also high.

What Are the Symptoms of Infections Following Tragus Piercing?

For around two weeks following tragus piercing, it is normal for one to experience redness, throbbing, and discomfort in and around the area, clear or light yellow discharge from the wound, and radiation of heat from the area. These indicate the normal healing process. Sometimes, it might take about eight weeks for the wound to heal completely, but usually, it should not persist for more than two weeks. Infection is confirmed if the person experiences the following:

• A swelling that does not subside even after 48 hours.

• Extreme pain.

• Heat or warmth that gets worse or does not resolve.

• Redness and inflammation that do not resolve even after two weeks.

• Discharge of yellow or dark-colored pus from the wound accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

• Excessive bleeding.

• A bump that develops either at the front or behind the site of the piercing.

In case one notices the above symptoms, it is necessary to consult a healthcare professional.

How Can Tragus Infections Be Treated?

Some infections need to be examined by a physician. The tragus infections are treated using oral antibiotics, topical steroids, and topical antibiotics. Once treated, the wound heals completely. Tragus piercings usually heal within three to six months, but it might take about one year in some individuals.

What Precautions Should Be Followed Following Tragus Piercing?

The following precautions should be followed:

• The piercing should not be touched with unclean hands. One must wash their hands thoroughly before touching the piercing to avoid the spread of infection.

• The jewelry should not be handled harshly and should not be removed for three months until the wound has healed completely.

• It is advisable not to use any soap, disinfectant, or shampoo on the pierced area for the first day following the piercing.

• Alcohol-based cleaners, hydrogen peroxide, and some ear care solutions should not be used on the piercing. Ointments like Bacitracin, Neosporin, and Hibiclens form a barrier over the site of the wound and can interfere with air circulation. Hence, these should be avoided.

• Scented powders, lotions, or creams that contain chemicals should not be used.

• The piercing should not be immersed in water for a minimum of three weeks following the piercing. One must shower with care, and it is advisable to avoid swimming.

• Any crust on the piercing should be gently rinsed with warm, clean water using unscented soap.

• The piercing should not be rubbed dry. Instead, it has to be gently dabbed dry using a paper towel or a clean cloth to prevent tissue damage or scraping.

• The bedding should be changed frequently to minimize the chance of acquiring an infection. One must sleep on the side that is not pierced so that the wound does not come in contact with the pillow.

• The hair should be secured in place and must not be allowed to hang. Care must be taken while brushing the hair or while dressing.

• One must maintain proper personal hygiene and avoid smoking, drinking, or taking drugs, as these can prolong healing.

• The piercing can be soaked in warm water or saline solution and dried with a clean cloth.

What Are the Complications of Tragus Piercing?

The complications are as follows:

• Infections can develop following tragus piercings.

• Allergic reactions can develop in response to certain metals found in the jewelry, like nickel. This could cause redness, itching, and blisters. The safest metals include gold (14-karat or higher), surgical stainless steel, niobium, and titanium.

• Piercing the tragus with a non-sterilized or reused needle can make one prone to acquire infections like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

• Rarely, the body might detect the jewelry in the piercing as a foreign object and act against it (rejection). As a response to this reaction, the hole can get enlarged, or the surrounding skin can thicken or become flaky.

• The jewelry can get caught on clothing or other objects and cause pain.

Infections that arise as a result of ear piercing can be cured if they are identified at the earliest. If left untreated, the infections can worsen and enter the bloodstream. This can be dangerous as it involves the head and brain regions.

When Should One Consult a Doctor?

One must seek medical help if:

• There is a dull aching pain that is unbearable or worsens with time.

• Presence of excessive bleeding.

• Pain or discomfort inside the ear or in other parts of the ear.

• Green or dark yellow discharge from the piercing.

• Persistent warmth and throbbing around the piercing.

Conclusion:

Tragus piercings are comparatively painful compared to other earlobe piercings since more pressure is required to insert the needle through the tragus cartilage. The pain usually fades off within a few minutes. However, one might experience some discomfort during the healing phase, which is usually bearable. If one notices any signs of infection, throbbing pain, or other discomfort, it is advisable to consult a physician at the earliest.