What is the best metal to use when getting my ears pierced for my second hole?

Question

I got my first hole 6 years ago, and occasionally get some white stuff and a sore lump at the hole when I wear studs (even Gold) without taking them out for about 3-4 days.

When I got my first hole they used Gold studs and a gun and I didn't have any problems with healing, etc. I am wondering if I should use a different metal and method since more research about sanitation and piercing methods has been done. I've read that Titanium is the best and the needle method, and that the pain factor is about the same. I just need some advice: Gold versus Titanium, and Gun versus Needle. Thanks!

It's a second hole or nothing. I have a friend going with me who's getting a tattoo, and I'm getting my second hole. I don't want a tattoo, but I am okay with getting a second hole. Tounge and lip rings won't be conducive to my career choice in the Higher Education field--would you take a college professor with a lip ring seriously? No. Especially not a Religion professor. Plus it's not my style.

It's a second hole in my earlobe, NOT cartilage.

Answer 1

The sore lump is probably scar tissue. Having gotten your lobes pierced with the gun put your ear through a lot of trauma and its very likely that scar tissue formed. Chances are when jewelry rubs against the area, it irritates it. As long as this lump is not excruciatingly painful and as long as it never changed in size, I'd say that nothing bad will come of it.

The gun:
http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Piercing_gun

A great article about the use of a gun:
http://www.bmezine.com/news/pubring/20050131.html

A short quip about gold:
http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Gold
(as a professional piercer, I never pierce with gold. In the event someone tells me they need it because of allergic reactions or sensitivity, I tell them they will get titanium or niobium instead)

Info on titanium:
http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Titanium

Overall, I suggest having your piercings done with a needle and get titanium jewelry. Reasearch your piercer well. As for photos of piercings they've done, ask to see their work area and how they sterlize their equipment, find out if they have first aid and cpr training and if they passed cross-contamination classes. If you feel uncomfortable (other than the new piercing jitters) find a new piercer who can answer your questions, address your concerns and set your mind at ease.


P.S. That white stuff is dead skin cells, some bacteria, oils from your skin and grooming products. While it can be smelly and gross, as long as its not green or bloody, its 100% normal. I have it and the piercing community knows of this as 'ear cheese'. Gross, I know, but keep your body clean and clean your jewelry often, you should be fine.

Answer 2

I had my first piercing done with a gun and good quality gold and had a few problems with healing.The second piercing I again went with the gun and gold and got so infected I had to remove the earring and go on antibiotics.
Now I can't wear anything but very good quality gold,titanium or surgical steel and even then have to go back to the gold sleepers after a few hours of wearing other earrings.
My doctor told me that I had an allergy to metal and that the second piercing made the allergy worse.
I would really think twice about the double piercing if you have had problems with your ears in the past.If you are still getting white stuff in the holes and have to take your studs out you most likely have a slight allergy to metal.
If you do decide on a double piercing I would recommend the gun and stainless steel or titanium if they have it.Many piercers don't carry titanium.I had to go to a jewelry store and have them replace the backings on some of my favourite earrings to titanium.
Make sure you go to a good place to have them pierced and that their sanitation techniques are good.
Use the cleaning liquid on your ears until they heal and also on any earring back you use after.

Answer 3

Do not ever let someone pierce you with a gun, there is not way to sterilize the whole gun and it shatters your cartilage instead of cuts through it, the painfull bump your refering to was probably a keeloid(cant spell) i had them on all my gun piercings i cant wear any jewelry in my ears except surgical steal and titanium. Yes even gold jewelry will make my ears do funny things too.
Go to a PROFESSIONAL piercer and have them put a needle through your ear (it hurts about the same) they will have some jewelry there to choose from I personally have surgical steal captive bead rings (i find them easier to keep clean) hope this helps you out doesnt matter if its cartilage or earlobe go with a gun and either surgical steel or titanium titanium has really cool colors and designs where at surgical steel is plain....

Answer 4

The reason you're seeing the puss-like fluid and lump after wearing the studs for several days is due to build-up of dirt and oils irritating the skin. Exchange your studs (and clean them with alcohol) every day or so.

As for the rest...I honestly couldn't help you...I don't have any piercings.

Answer 5

could be the type of earings that your tryin to wear try a different type of metal

Answer 6

if gold worked before then no problem, gold has a very low allergic reaction rate so thats why its used alot....
all mine are surgical steel though

Answer 7

Surgical Steel is the best.

Answer 8

Use the gun. Go with what worked before. I have sensitive ears and I know the pain of a new hole getting infected & its just money wasted. So go with what works.

Answer 9

very interesting question

Answer 10

get one somewhere else
like lip, above the chin or tounge