3 Steps to Safely Remove Your Tragus Piercing

If you’re thinking about getting a tragus piercing, it’s important to know how to take it out safely. Tragus piercings are located in the small cartilage bump in front of the ear canal, and they can be a bit tricky to remove. However, with the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can take out your tragus piercing at home without causing any pain or damage.

To remove your tragus piercing, you will need the following items:

A pair of clean gloves
A sterile needle
A cotton ball
A mirror
A pair of pliers or tweezers

Once you have gathered your materials, follow these steps to remove your tragus piercing:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Put on the clean gloves.
Locate the piercing hole in the tragus. Insert the sterile needle into the hole from the back of the ear. Push the needle through the hole until it comes out the front of the ear.
Remove the needle and insert the cotton ball into the hole. Apply pressure to the cotton ball to stop any bleeding.
Use the pliers or tweezers to gently remove the jewelry from the front of the ear.
Clean the piercing hole with a cotton ball soaked in sterile saline solution.

After you have removed your tragus piercing, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Clean the piercing hole twice a day with a cotton ball soaked in sterile saline solution. Avoid touching or playing with the piercing while it is healing.

Safely Removing a Tragus Piercing

Removing a tragus piercing requires care and precision to minimize discomfort and prevent infection. Follow these steps to safely remove your tragus piercing:

1. Gather necessary supplies:

– Antibacterial soap

– Cotton balls or gauze

– Piercing removal tool (if not using pliers)

– Gloves (optional)

– Aftercare solution (such as saline)

– Clean towel or paper towels

– Mirror (if needed)

2. Wash your hands and the piercing area:

Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap and dry them completely. Clean the piercing area with antibacterial soap and cotton balls or gauze. Rinse with clean water and pat dry.

3. Remove the jewelry:

If you have a captive bead ring, carefully remove the bead using a piercing removal tool or sterile pliers. For a barbell, unscrew one of the balls. Gently slide the jewelry out of the piercing hole.

4. Clean the piercing site:

Once the jewelry is removed, clean the piercing site with antibacterial soap and cotton balls or gauze. Apply an aftercare solution to the piercing and surrounding area using a clean cotton ball or gauze. Gently pat dry with a clean towel.

5. Monitor the piercing:

Keep an eye on the piercing for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If any of these symptoms occur, clean the piercing twice daily with antibacterial soap and water, and seek medical attention if necessary.

Tools and Materials Required

Jewelry Removal Tool

A jewelry removal tool is a small, handheld device specifically designed for removing piercings. It consists of two handles connected by a thin, curved rod with a small notch or hook at the end. When the handles are squeezed together, the notch or hook grips the piercing and allows it to be gently removed from the skin.

Cotton Balls

Cotton balls are soft, absorbent pads that are used to clean the piercing area before and after jewelry removal. They are also used to apply pressure to the piercing site to help stop bleeding.

Gauze

Gauze is a lightweight, woven fabric that is used to wrap the piercing area after jewelry removal. It helps to absorb any remaining blood or discharge and protect the piercing site as it heals.

Antiseptic Solution

An antiseptic solution is a liquid that is used to clean the piercing area and prevent infection. It can be found in a variety of forms, including wipes, sprays, and liquids.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a strong disinfectant that is used to clean the piercing area and the jewelry removal tool. It should be used with caution, as it can be irritating to the skin.

Gloves

Gloves should be worn when removing a piercing to prevent the spread of infection. They should be disposable and made of a material that is not allergic to the skin.

Item	Quantity
Jewelry removal tool	1
Cotton balls	A handful
Gauze	A small piece
Antiseptic solution	A small bottle
Rubbing alcohol	A small bottle
Gloves	1 pair

Preparing for Piercing Removal

Consult a Piercer or Doctor

Before attempting to remove your tragus piercing, it’s highly advisable to consult with a professional piercer or doctor. They possess the expertise to assess your piercing, determine if it’s fully healed, and provide guidance on the safest removal technique to minimize any potential complications.

Gather Necessary Materials

Ensure you have the following materials on hand:

Clean gauze pads
Sterile saline solution
Cotton balls
Antibacterial soap
Non-latex gloves (optional)

Prepare Your Piercing Site

Thoroughly clean the piercing area and your hands using antibacterial soap and warm water. Pat dry with a clean gauze pad. Then, soak a cotton ball in sterile saline solution and gently apply it to the piercing site for a few minutes to soften the surrounding tissue and facilitate easier removal.

Jewelry Type	Removal Technique
Labret Stud	Unscrew the ball from the front, then slide the post through the piercing hole.
Barbell	Remove the jewelry balls from both ends of the barbell, then gently slide the bar out of the piercing hole.
Circular Barbell	Unscrew one of the balls, then rotate the other ball out of the piercing hole.

Disinfecting the Piercing Site

Before handling the piercing site, it is imperative to clean your hands thoroughly. Use lukewarm water and an antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to eliminate any potential microbes. Dry your hands with a clean, disposable towel or allow them to air dry.

Materials You’ll Need:

Product	Purpose
Cotton balls or gauze pads	For cleaning and applying disinfectants
Isopropyl alcohol (70-90%)	Disinfectant and antiseptic
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)	Disinfectant and antiseptic (optional)
Saline solution (0.9%)	For flushing and cleaning the site (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Apply Warm Compress: Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and apply it to the piercing site for 5-10 minutes. This will help soften any crust or debris around the jewelry.
Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide (Optional): If there is noticeable crust or discharge around the piercing, gently dab it with a cotton ball dipped in hydrogen peroxide. Do not use excessive force or tear at the piercing.
Flush with Saline Solution (Optional): If the piercing is highly irritated or inflamed, you can use a saline solution to flush out any bacteria or debris. Gently squirt the saline solution over the piercing site for a few seconds.
Disinfect with Isopropyl Alcohol: Wet a cotton ball or gauze pad with isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe around the piercing. Avoid getting the alcohol inside the piercing hole. Rotate the jewelry gently to ensure all surfaces are disinfected.
Allow to Air Dry: Once you have finished cleaning and disinfecting the site, allow it to air dry for a few minutes before putting on clothing or jewelry.

Remember to follow these steps regularly, typically twice a day for the first few weeks after getting the piercing, and once or twice a week thereafter. This will help promote proper healing and prevent infection.

Loosening the Jewelry

Before attempting to remove a tragus piercing, it is crucial to loosen the jewelry first. This step ensures the piercing is not accidentally yanked out, causing pain and potential damage to the tissue.

Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water.
Gather materials: Sterile gauze pads, rubbing alcohol, a clean, fine-gauge piercing needle (if possible), and a pair of sanitized gloves.
Sanitize the area: Apply rubbing alcohol to a gauze pad and gently wipe around the piercing, removing any crust or debris.
Wear gloves: Put on sterile gloves to minimize the risk of infection.
Loosen the piercing: Insert the piercing needle (or the blunt end of another clean object) into the back of the piercing. Gently push the jewelry forward to create a small gap between the backing and the piercing hole.
Apply gentle pressure: While holding the needle or object in place, use your fingers to carefully slide the jewelry forward and backward, loosening it from its position.
Repeat on both sides: If the piercing has two balls, repeat the loosening process on the other side to ensure it is evenly loosened.
Avoid twisting: Do not twist the needle or object while loosening the jewelry, as this can damage the piercing.
Proceed carefully: Take your time and be gentle, as rushing or using excessive force can cause pain or injury.
If the piercing feels stuck: If you cannot loosen the piercing after several attempts, do not force it. Consult a professional piercer for assistance.

Removing the Jewelry

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water before touching your piercing.

2. Gather your materials:
– a clean pair of gloves
– a sterile saline solution
– a cotton ball or gauze pad
– a mirror

3. Put on the gloves and soak the cotton ball or gauze pad in the saline solution.

4. Gently hold the tragus piercing with one hand and use the other hand to apply the saline solution to the piercing.

5. Hold the saline solution on the piercing for 5-10 minutes.

6. Once the piercing is softened, use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to gently remove the jewelry.
– If the jewelry is difficult to remove, do not force it. Apply more saline solution and wait a few more minutes.
– If the jewelry still will not come out, see a piercer.

7. Once the jewelry is removed, clean the piercing with saline solution and pat it dry.

8. Continue to clean the piercing twice a day with saline solution until it is fully healed.

Cleaning the Piercing Canal

Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your tragus piercing canal:

Materials:

Item
Sterile saline solution
Cotton balls or gauze pads
Soft, clean cloth

Instructions:

Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching the piercing.
Gently soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in sterile saline solution.
Carefully clean the area around the piercing by wiping from the front to the back.
Use a separate cotton ball or gauze pad to clean the back of the piercing.
Avoid using harsh soaps, alcohol, or peroxide, as these can irritate the piercing.
Rinse away any residue with warm water and pat the area dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Repeat this cleaning process twice a day, or as directed by your piercer, until the piercing is fully healed.

Aftercare Instructions

1. Clean the Piercing Regularly

Clean the piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. To make your own sterile saline solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Gently soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in the solution and hold it over the piercing for 5-10 minutes. This will help to remove any crust or discharge and keep the piercing clean.

2. Dry the Piercing Thoroughly

After cleaning the piercing, dry it thoroughly with a clean towel or gauze pad. Do not use a hair dryer, as this can irritate the piercing.

3. Avoid Touching the Piercing

Touching the piercing can introduce bacteria and cause infection. Only touch the piercing when you are cleaning it.

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Do not use harsh chemicals, such as soap, shampoo, or deodorant, on the piercing. These chemicals can irritate the piercing and delay healing.

5. Avoid Swimming

Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean until the piercing is fully healed. These environments can contain bacteria that can cause infection.

6. Avoid Sleeping on the Piercing

Sleeping on the piercing can put pressure on it and cause irritation. Try to sleep on your opposite side or use a travel pillow to support your head and neck.

7. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Alcohol and smoking can slow down the healing process. Avoid alcohol and smoking until the piercing is fully healed.

8. Watch for Signs of Infection

If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, see a doctor immediately. Infection can be serious if it is not treated promptly.

Here is a table with some of the signs and symptoms of an infected tragus piercing:

Sign/Symptom	Description
Redness	The area around the piercing is red and inflamed.
Swelling	The area around the piercing is swollen.
Pain	The piercing is painful to the touch.
Discharge	There is a yellow or green discharge from the piercing.
Fever	You have a fever.

Signs of Infection

If you suspect your tragus piercing may be infected, seek medical attention immediately. The following are some common signs of infection:

Redness and swelling around the piercing
Pus or other discharge from the piercing
Pain and tenderness
Crusting or bumps around the piercing
Fever or chills
Swollen lymph nodes
Difficulty sleeping or eating
Feeling generally unwell
A ring or stud that appears to be growing into the skin

Symptoms of a Migrating Piercing

In some cases, an infected piercing can migrate, or move, from its original location. This can be a serious complication, as it can lead to further infection and tissue damage. The following are some signs that your tragus piercing may be migrating:

Symptom	Possible Cause
The piercing is moving or shifting from its original location	Infection or trauma
The skin around the piercing is red, swollen, or tender	Infection
Pus or other discharge is coming from the piercing	Infection
The piercing is causing pain or discomfort	Infection or trauma

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Migrating piercings can be difficult to treat and may require surgery.

Professional Removal Recommendations

Scheduling a Removal Appointment

Consult a reputable piercing professional who specializes in jewelry removal. Book an appointment to ensure availability and avoid potential wait times.

Preparation

Inform the piercer about any allergies, medications, or current health conditions. Follow any pre-appointment instructions provided by the piercer.

Disinfection Protocol

The piercing site and the piercer’s hands will be sterilized using a surgical-grade disinfectant to prevent infection.

Removal Technique

The piercer will use specialized tools, such as pliers or snippers, to carefully remove the piercing jewelry. Pressure may be applied during the removal process.

Post-Removal Care

The piercer will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including any necessary solutions or ointments for cleaning and healing.

Potential Complications

Minor pain or discomfort may be experienced during removal. In rare cases, scar tissue can form or the piercing hole may close.

Expected Costs

Removal fees vary depending on the piercer and the location of the piercing. Generally, expect to pay between $10 to $50 for professional removal.

Recommended Piercing Removal Professionals

Consider seeking services from reputable piercing studios or medical professionals who are experienced in piercing removal:

Organization	Website
Association of Professional Piercers (APP)	safepiercing.org
National Council on Piercing Arts (NCPA)	piercingarts.org

How To Get Tragus Piercing Out

To remove a tragus piercing, you will need to follow these steps:

Wash your hands and the area around the piercing with soap and water.
Locate the ball on the back of the piercing and unscrew it.
Gently pull the piercing out of your ear.
Clean the piercing and the area around it with soap and water.
Apply a bandage to the piercing.

If you are having trouble removing the piercing, you can ask a piercer to help you.