The TikTok video shared by creator Amber Guttilla has shed light on the potential dangers of wearing silicone earring backs for an extended period of time. Guttilla shared her experience of almost needing to go to the hospital after the clear rubbery backings got stuck to her earrings like glue. She had been wearing them for a month or two before attempting to remove them, only to find that they were incredibly difficult to take off.
After seeking professional help at New Flower Body Piercing Studio in Long Beach, California, Guttilla learned that silicone earring backs are porous and can absorb dirt, oil, sweat, and makeup, creating a glue-like substance that fuses with the back of the earring. This can make them near impossible to remove without assistance. Guttilla’s piercer informed her that a previous individual who wore silicone backs for a year had to go to the hospital to have them removed.
Fortunately, Guttilla did not require a hospital visit, but the removal process was still challenging and somewhat painful. The piercer had to use clamp tools and physical strength to pry the earrings and silicone apart. The experience was eye-opening for Guttilla, who had no idea about the potential risks of wearing silicone backs long-term.
Dermatologists Hadley King, MD, and Marisa Garshick, MD, explained that silicone can stick to the skin due to its chemical properties, creating an adhesive effect that can become stronger over time. Buildup of wax, oils, or debris in the earring back can also contribute to difficulty in removal.
Guttilla’s TikTok video has sparked discussions about proper earring care, with some commenters questioning whether earrings should be removed daily. Dr. Garshick recommends removing earrings regularly as a good habit, especially to avoid potential issues with silicone backs. However, for piercings that need to stay in for healing, it may not always be possible to remove them daily, making it crucial to choose appropriate earring backs to avoid complications. When it comes to ear piercings, regular maintenance is key to keeping them clean and healthy. Removing your earrings regularly, if not daily, can not only allow you to clean around the piercing area thoroughly but also help relieve tension from the ear if you wear drop earrings or hoops.
If you’re not in the habit of taking your earrings out daily, there are still ways to keep your piercings clean. Dr. Garshick recommends using a clean cotton swab soaked in water or saline piercing solution to gently clean the area. If you notice buildup stuck in the back of your earrings, you can also use a petrolatum-based product like Vaseline or Aquaphor to massage the area and loosen things up.
Ultimately, whether or not you take your earrings out daily is a personal choice, but if you want to avoid irritation and buildup, it’s best to clean your earrings as frequently as possible. Earrings often become a part of our daily appearance, making it easy to forget about the buildup that can accumulate behind them. This buildup is completely normal, but regular cleaning can help prevent any issues.
To be on the safe side, consider opting for titanium or gold flatbacks instead of silicone earrings. These materials are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions in the long run.
In conclusion, proper care and maintenance of your ear piercings are essential for keeping them clean and healthy. Whether you choose to remove your earrings daily or not, make sure to clean them regularly to prevent buildup and irritation. And remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to choosing the right earrings for your piercings.
