Inner Conch Piercing - An Overview

Introduction

The conch is scientifically known as 'concha' and comprises the upper conch area (cymba) and the lower part (cavum). This portion of the ear is made of cartilage and is harder than the soft tissue of the earlobe. A conch piercing is done in the ear's upper or lower concha. These piercings are more susceptible to infections than earlobe piercings, requiring special care and additional healing time.

Where Are the Outer and Inner Conches Located?

The outer and inner conches are located in the following positions:

• The outer conch is situated at a lower level and is close to the antihelix. Antihelix is the first of the two ridges that constitute the outer contours of the ear.

• The inner conch is situated at a higher level parallel to the fold of the cartilage above the ear canal (daith).

Does Conch Piercing Cause Pain?

The intensity of the pain differs for each individual. However, it can be more painful than earlobe piercing since the conch is made up of cartilage that is thicker and harder than the soft tissue of the earlobe. This makes it difficult for the needle to traverse during piercing. These tissues have minimal blood flow and take time to heal. The normal healing time following conch piercing can range between 6 to 9 months.

The type of pain experienced in conch piercing can be as follows:

• During the procedure, sharp pain and pressure that lasts for a few seconds can be felt.

• A hot, throbbing pain that lasts for several hours or a few days can be felt following a conch piercing.

• The same pain may be experienced for several months, especially while cleaning the piercing. This can be aggravated when one accidentally rolls to the side of the piercing when sleeping, particularly during the first month. If the pain gets intolerable during the healing phase, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any infection.

What Are the Normal Symptoms of Healing After a Conch Piercing?

The normal symptoms include:

• Mild swelling around the site of the piercing.

• Mild discoloration of the skin.

• Mild bleeding.

• Bruising.

• Itching.

• White-yellowish discharge that results in the formation of a crust but is not a pus.

The site of the piercing might appear as if it has healed, but it does not. This is normal since the healing progresses from outside to inside. The cleaning routine should be followed throughout the healing phase, even if the site appears to be healed. The jewelry should be retained and not removed since the site of the piercing can close if left empty.

What Are the Beneficial Aspects of Piercing?

The beneficial aspects include:

• Though conch piercings can be painful, some prefer these piercings to get relief from other acute or chronic pain. This is based on the principle of acupuncture and acupressure. It is believed that stimulating certain areas or pressure points on the body, mostly on the ears, can offer relief. For example, daith piercing is believed to provide relief from migraine. However, there are no proven studies to prove the above facts.

• There is also a belief that daith piercing can ease anxiety. It is claimed that stimulation of the daith aids in maintaining homeostasis (maintaining internal stability). There is no peer-reviewed research to support this fact.

Can Infections Develop From Conch Piercing?

An infection can occur if bacteria attack the wound before it heals completely. The reasons for bacterial invasion include the following:

• Use of non-sterile piercing tools.

• Unhygienic environment.

• Failure to clean the piercing every day.

• Swimming in a pool, a hot tub, or a natural water source.

• Early removal of jewelry from the piercing.

• Touching the piercing with dirty or unhygienic hands.

Symptoms of infection from conch piercing are as follows:

• A discharge from the site of the piercing.

• Fever.

• Pain or soreness around the piercing.

• Red streaks adjacent to the piercing.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Presence of yellow or green pus in the piercing.

• The skin around the piercing tends to be red, warm, or swollen.

What Are the Cleaning and Aftercare Procedures After Conch Piercing?

Since conch piercings can take around 4 to 12 months to heal, regular piercing cleaning is vital to avoid infection. Piercers may suggest applying a saline solution to the piercing frequently with the help of clean and sterile gauze. A gentle soap can also be used around the piercing site before rinsing. Harsh cleansers and alcohol should be avoided since these can cause damage to the area.

A person should wash their hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning the piercing to avoid infection. Following rinsing, the site should be gently pat dried using a clean or disposable paper towel. The cleansing routine should be followed for one year even if the site appears to be healed.

The aftercare precautions include the following:

• Overcleaning should be avoided as this can irritate the piercing and prolong the healing time.

• Hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, harsh soaps, and iodine must not be used to clean the piercing.

• Cosmetic products such as lotions and fragrances should not be applied.

• Hanging or heavy jewelry should not be worn until the piercing heals completely.

• One must refrain from swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or unhygienic water.

What Are the Complications of Conch Piercing?

The complications are as follows:

• Areas of raised scar tissue called keloids can develop. Individuals who are susceptible to developing keloids must refrain from having piercings.

• A professional and experienced piercer should be preferred. Using non-sterile instruments and unhygienic conditions can increase the risk of bloodborne infections like Hepatitis B or C and tetanus. It is better to get vaccinated against these before getting a piercing.

• Inflammation resulting in cartilage piercing bumps can develop immediately following cartilage piercing.

• A painful collection of pus called an abscess can form as a consequence of bacterial infection.

• Itchy skin rashes can develop if one comes in contact with a substance or object to which they are sensitive or allergic. This is called contact dermatitis.

What Is the Ideal Jewelry for Newly Pierced Ears?

Ideal jewelry should be made up of the following:

• Titanium is a lightweight metal and is a friendly option for people with nickel sensitivity.

• White, yellow, or rose gold that does not contain nickel and cadmium can be preferred. Opting for 14 karats or higher gold is advisable.

• Niobium can also be preferred. It is available in many colors and is like titanium.

• Though expensive, platinum is an excellent option for piercings.

• Lead-free soda-lime glass, fused quartz glass, and lead-free borosilicate are considered safe for piercings.

How to Accelerate the Healing of Conch Piercing?

The healing process can be accelerated in the following ways:

• Stress and intake of excessive caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and the use of recreational drugs should be avoided.

• One must not sleep directly on the side of the piercing.

• The bedding must be washed and changed frequently. One can take a shower instead of swimming in the pools, using tubs or other such sources.

• Anything that comes in contact with the conch piercing, like phones, hats, glasses, headphones, and so on, should be cleaned before use.

• The hair should be carefully handled while combing and must not be allowed to fall freely to avoid irritation and the spread of infections.

• Care should be taken so as not to allow the conch piercing to get in contact with the body fluids of others.

• Adding charm to the jewelry should be avoided until the piercing heals completely.

• The piercing should be cleaned at least twice daily for at least three months.

• Rotating the piercing should be avoided at all times. A sea salt bath can be given to the piercing once a day by tilting the head and dipping the ear in a shallow bowl containing warm saline for three to five minutes.

Conclusion

Conch piercing is a piercing that is done on the cartilage situated in the inner part of the ear. There can be some pain since the cartilage in this area is comparatively thick than the soft tissues in the ear lobe. Though some people believe that a few ear piercings can relieve certain pain like migraine and ease anxiety, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting these facts. Practicing good personal care of the piercing is essential to minimize the risk of infection. If one observes any signs of infection, it is advisable to consult a physician at the earliest.