Ear piercing / earring allergy - Sali Hughes advice to re-pierce with needle?

[WoolyMammoth55]

Hi all, would be very interested to know any thoughts on this (wasn't sure where to post but it's fairly superficial so thought this was my best option for tribe! :))

I've been pointed towards this 2019 Sali Hughes article on piercings where she basically says "if you want problem-free piercings get them re-done with a needle and all will be well":
www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/oct/12/best-problem-free-piercings-sali-hughes

I had mine pierced with a gun at 11yo; I'm now 40 and have basically given up earrings completely for years due to crazy weeping/crusty soreness, even with my Granny's 24-carat studs, or hypoallergenic ones from special allergy shops.

Does anyone think that if I went into a piercing shop and got them re-done with a needle I'd magically be able to wear earrings again?

I'm really interested in anyone's experience - normally quite like Sali but this sounds a bit wildly optimistic to me! :) Thanks for any thoughts x

I’m not sure if it would work with re-piercings but I agree wholeheartedly, I would never pierce anything with a gun, especially somewhere like Claire’s accessories. I took my DD to have hers done with a needle and I’m evangelical about how much better it is than those minging guns.

Needle piercing at a Tattooist and titanium studs , they are the least reactive (Titanium is used in joint replacement surgery and dental implants .)

Only downside is the choice is limited so you're stuck with boring earrings for a while .

Follow the advice and the LITHA method (Leave It The Hell Alone )

I'd definitely go to an experienced piercer. They'd be able to take a look and advise you on outcomes.
There's a forum online somewhere for uk piercing which provides a list of good piercers. If you are near Manchester Holier than Thou is listed. Nicole at Love Hate Social Club in London has pierced me several times. She was able to rescue one of my cartilage piercings which was awkwardly pierced by someone else.

the problem is, you'd still have to put earrings in which you're clearly allergic to. You'd be better off finding out which type of studs will allow them to heal (if such a thing exists) without irritation but you might still flare up whatever you put in there.

Do you not get on with sterling silver at all? Just asking as interesting. I can only take sterling, never tried gold.

It worked for me. First time with a gun and it would not heal as a 5 year old and I took them out and the completely closed up. .When I was eight and desperate for piercings again, my mum did a DIY job with a sewing needle: germs killed over a gas hob flame and then into some perfume (should add I grew up abroad where we didn't have to many options and we had to be creative in life - and not too squeamish either - I couldn't have done that to my 8 year old). Anyhow, it healed beautifully.

I would like a second ear lobe piercing
Do you know if needle piercers would let me use my own gold earrings?

@JaceLancs

I would like a second ear lobe piercing Do you know if needle piercers would let me use my own gold earrings?

No.

You need piercing jewellery at first to allow for swelling.

Thanks all, really interesting and positive!

@MrDarcysMa, the article specifically says that Sali's allergies cleared up once she had the needle piercing instead - I don't get the science of that but think it's probably worth a punt just in case!

@User258544 - sterling silver (and gold and titanium) were all ok in the early decade or so, but it all got a lot worse in my 30s and now I can't put anything at all in... Oh the crustiness!

I'm pregnant ATM but it'll be a nice present to myself once bub arrives! Thanks again all X

One of my DDs piercings done with needle was much slower to heal than the other until we got some solution that I saw recommended in piercing forums. I'll go and find it in a bit.

It's tattoo med after piercing spray