Andy Montoya
Stretched earrings can emit a foul odour, often described as smelling like ear cheese, due to a variety of factors. The most common cause is bacterial buildup, which occurs when dead skin cells, blood, and other bodily fluids accumulate around the jewellery during the healing process of a stretched ear. This can be prevented by practising good aftercare, such as regularly cleaning one's ears and jewellery with gentle antibacterial soap, and using products meant for stretching ears, like ear stretching oil or jojoba oil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of smell | Accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other substances |
| Jewelry material | Avoid acrylic, wood, and metal as they can attract bacteria and cause infection |
| Aftercare | Regular cleaning with antibacterial soap or cleanser, use of jojoba oil or ear stretching oil, removal of jewelry at night |
| Prevention | Maintain proper hygiene, use quality products, avoid lotions |
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What You'll Learn
- Dead skin cells, blood, and bodily fluids can accumulate around the jewellery, causing a smell
- Bacterial buildup can occur if piercings are not cleaned or maintained properly
- Materials like wood or poorly sterilized jewellery may attract bacteria and cause infection
- Products that trap moisture can create breeding grounds for bacteria and cause odours
- Sebum accumulation can cause an unpleasant odour when mixed with dead skin cells
Dead skin cells, blood, and bodily fluids can accumulate around the jewellery, causing a smell
Stretched earrings may emit a foul odour due to various factors related to ear stretching. One of the main reasons for this is the accumulation of dead skin cells, blood, and bodily fluids around the jewellery. During the healing process of a stretched ear, these substances can build up, leading to a strong smell if not properly cleaned and maintained.
The human body sheds a significant number of skin cells daily, and these dead skin cells, when mixed with sebum, an oily secretion that helps keep the skin lubricated and waterproof, can result in an unpleasant odour. This mixture can get trapped between the ear and the jewellery, causing the distinctive "ear cheese" smell.
To prevent this issue, it is essential to practice good aftercare and hygiene. Regular cleaning of both the ears and the jewellery is crucial to keeping bacteria at bay and reducing odours. It is recommended to wash your ears and plugs just like you would wash the rest of your body, using gentle antibacterial soap or cleanser to kill any bacteria that may be causing the smell. Additionally, consider removing your plugs or tunnels at night or for a few hours during the day to allow your ears to breathe and promote better circulation in the lobe.
The type of jewellery used can also make a difference. Materials like wood or poorly sterilized jewellery may attract bacteria and cause infection, leading to stronger odours. It is best to opt for quality jewellery made from materials like glass, stone, or well-sterilized metals.
By following these aftercare and hygiene practices, you can reduce the risk of smelly ear holes and enjoy your body jewellery without worry.
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Bacterial buildup can occur if piercings are not cleaned or maintained properly
Firstly, it is crucial to clean your piercings and jewellery regularly. Use gentle, antibacterial soap or cleanser to wash your ears and plugs, rinsing off any soap residue before reinserting the jewellery. This simple practice will help keep bacteria at bay and prevent foul odours.
In addition to regular cleaning, you can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of bacterial buildup. For example, opt for quality jewellery made from materials like glass, stone, or well-sterilized metal, as wood may attract bacteria. Avoid using products that trap moisture, such as lotions, as these create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to potential infections and unpleasant smells.
Furthermore, consider taking out your plugs or tunnels at night while you sleep. This allows your earlobes to breathe and promotes healthy circulation, reducing the chances of bacterial buildup and associated odours. If you are concerned about your piercings shrinking, you can try removing the jewellery for shorter periods, such as an hour after cleaning, to let your ears breathe without risking a size reduction.
By following these steps and maintaining proper hygiene and aftercare practices, you can minimise the risk of bacterial buildup and associated odours, ensuring your stretched piercings remain healthy and pleasant.
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Materials like wood or poorly sterilized jewellery may attract bacteria and cause infection
Stretched earrings may emit a foul odour due to various factors related to ear stretching. During the healing process, dead skin cells, blood, and other bodily fluids can accumulate around the jewellery. This, coupled with poor aftercare practices, can lead to bacterial buildup and infection over time.
To prevent this, it is crucial to prioritize proper aftercare and hygiene practices. Regular cleaning of both the piercing and the jewellery is essential. When cleaning jewellery, ensure that any soap residue is thoroughly rinsed off before reinserting the jewellery into the ears. Antibacterial soap or cleanser can be particularly effective in killing bacteria that may cause odours.
Additionally, consider removing your plugs or tunnels at night while you sleep. This helps improve circulation in the earlobe, keeping it healthy and allowing it to breathe. However, if you are concerned about your ears shrinking in size, you may want to avoid this advice as it might be challenging to reinsert the jewellery afterward. Alternatively, you can take out your plugs for an hour or so, especially after cleaning, to give your ears some time to breathe.
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Products that trap moisture can create breeding grounds for bacteria and cause odours
Stretched earrings can emit a foul odour due to various factors related to ear stretching. During the healing process, dead skin cells, blood, and other bodily fluids can accumulate around the jewellery. If proper care is not taken, bacterial buildup can occur, leading to an unpleasant odour. This buildup can also result in infection.
To further reduce the risk of odours, consider the following:
- Take out your plugs/tunnels at night: This will help improve circulation in the earlobe, keeping it healthy. It also gives your ears a chance to breathe, reducing any smell.
- Use quality products: Opt for ear stretching oils, such as jojoba oil, specifically designed for stretched ears.
- Choose the right jewellery material: Materials like wood or poorly sterilized jewellery may attract bacteria and cause infection, so it is important to choose jewellery made from suitable materials.
By following these steps and maintaining good aftercare practices, you can reduce the risk of unpleasant odours and enjoy wearing your body jewellery without worry.
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Sebum accumulation can cause an unpleasant odour when mixed with dead skin cells
Stretched earrings may emit a foul odour due to various factors related to ear stretching. One of the main causes of this unpleasant odour is the accumulation of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands, which can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, resulting in bacterial infection and an unpleasant smell.
Sebum accumulation in the ear can occur due to several reasons. Firstly, hormonal changes during puberty or reproductive age can affect sebum production, leading to increased sebum secretion in the area. Additionally, poor hygiene or inadequate cleaning of the ears can contribute to sebum build-up. The accumulation of sebum, when combined with dead skin cells, can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
During the healing process of a stretched ear, dead skin cells, blood, and other bodily fluids can accumulate around the jewellery. If proper aftercare is not maintained, bacteria can thrive in this environment, leading to an unpleasant odour. The jewellery itself can also be a factor, as materials like wood or poorly sterilized metal may attract bacteria and cause infection, further contributing to the odour.
To prevent sebum accumulation and the associated odour, it is essential to practice good aftercare techniques. This includes regularly cleaning the piercing and jewellery with antibacterial soap or cleanser, using gentle products to avoid irritating the skin, and opting for quality materials designed for stretched ears, such as stretching oils or jojoba oil. Maintaining a consistent hygiene routine will help keep bacteria at bay, promote healing, and reduce the risk of unpleasant odours.
By understanding the causes of sebum accumulation and implementing proper aftercare practices, individuals with stretched ears can effectively manage and prevent the development of unpleasant odours, ensuring they can confidently enjoy their body jewellery without concern for unwanted smells.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell is likely due to a buildup of sebum, an oily secretion that helps keep your skin lubricated and waterproof. This mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, creating an unpleasant odour.
Proper aftercare and hygiene are key. Clean your ears and jewellery regularly with gentle antibacterial soap, and rinse off any soap residue before reinserting jewellery.
Taking out your plugs/tunnels at night or for an hour after cleaning can help your ears breathe and reduce the risk of smell.
Yes, avoid materials that trap moisture, such as lotions, as these create an ideal environment for bacteria growth. Poorly sterilised jewellery and certain materials like wood or acrylic can also attract bacteria.
Yes, this is a common issue, especially when first stretching your ears. While some people may enjoy the smell, proper hygiene and regular cleaning are important to prevent bacterial infections.
