Helix Piercing

Helix piercing is the perforation of the upper ear region for the purpose of wearing or inserting a piece of jewelry. The piercing is made with a tiny gauge excavate piercing needle. At times, two helix piercings bear the same jewelry piece, which is generally a barbell, is called an industrial piercing.

Helix Piercing process

A needle is forced through the cartilage, and it is kept in till the jewelry is added. The process can be painful, but it depends on a person’s individual's pain threshold. There may be a little bleeding during the process.

Helix piercing can also be done with a piercing gun, but it is not recommended as this may drive a sudden shock to the ear. This process can also disfigure or cause permanent damage to the ear and cause severe infection. If Helix Piercing is done through a piercing gun, then the healing process might take up to 6 – 8 weeks.

Helix piercing Aftercare

Like all piercings, it is recommended not to touch the helix piercing region. The pierced region must not come in contact with beauty sprays, makeup or other body fluids. If the area is touched with untouched hands, it may infect the region. One must avoid twisting the jewelry in the pierced region as it may cause damage to the place and prolong the healing process. It also carries the risk of migration and rejection.

The pierced region can be cleaned by just allowing light warm water to clean over the jewelry. One can also spray sterile saline on the pierced area. Irritated or sore piercing can also be soaked with warm saline.

Antimicrobial soaps that carry triclosan or chloroxylenol can be extremely irritating, and it is not suggested for routine use. However, this is tremendously helpful if the helix piercing comes in contact with a dirty environment.

Localized swelling after the piercing process is extremely normal as is the secernment of lymphatic fluid that tends to be pale yellow or transparent in appearance, but it is not an infection sign. The fluid often forms around the piercing’s exit holes and builds a crusty substance that can easily be removed during the cleaning process. It is recommended not to pick the crust as this infixes bacteria to the pierced region and infects the place.

Helix Piercing Healing

Helix Piercing takes around 6 weeks to heal, but the recovery process can be faster than that. The healing time also depends on the way one takes care of the perforation. If the region is properly cleaned and injuries are avoided, then the region might get healed within 5 weeks. Piercing swelling takes around 1 – 2 weeks to fade.

Is Helix Piercing Dangerous?

There is no danger as such in Helix Piercing. However, wrong handling and improper aftercare could be terribly dangerous for the pierced ear. Use of cartilage guns could be serious. Other Helix Piercing problems include allergies, irritations and infections.