More than just body modification:
tragus – everything you need to know

A tragus piercing is a piercing that is located on the small piece of cartilage that covers the ear canal.

With this small modification you can emphasize your individuality without attracting too much attention. In this way it is one type of cartilage piercing, opposed to the traditional position for earrings, lobe piercings that are located on the fleshy part of the ear.

In terms of anatomy, the outer ear is made up of cartilage and skin. The fleshy lobe remains the best choice among traditionalists willing to pierce. Whereas portions of cartilage, such as tragus, can seduce those who are interested in something more exclusive.

Tragus piercing procedure consists of the following steps:

• Pre-preparation. Before starting, the piercer thoroughly washes his/her hands, puts on gloves, disinfects surfaces and tools. This is necessary to ensure cleanliness and avoid possible infections.
• Marking. The master determines the optimal puncture point and designates it with a marker or otherwise. Before starting the procedure, the client can inspect the selected place to coordinate it.
• The tragus disinfection. The cartilage region is treated with antiseptic.
• Piercing of the cartilage and setting decoration.
• Support and follow-up instructions. The master gives the client advice on the aftercare of new piercing and answers any questions. It should be noted that after piercing may appear redness and swelling. Often, they are accompanied by discomfort, feeling a little pressure or moderate pain.
  
  
  
  

There are several myths and misconceptions around the piercing of the tragus that can lead to misunderstandings and unjustified anxieties.

Consider some popular but erroneous points of view and try to debunk them:

• Tragus piercing can cause partial or total hearing loss. This is a fairly common myth, but puncture in this area does not affect the quality of hearing. The procedure is performed on the outside of the ear, away from the hearing aid and important nerve endings.
• The procedure is incredibly painful. The perception of pain and tolerance to it depend on each individual. However, this type of piercing is often considered moderately painful. With proper aftercare, any discomfort should disappear within days of puncture.
• Long healing. It really takes a long time to heal the damaged cartilage. However, not more than usual: 3 to 6 months.
  
  

The difficulty in healing the tragus is that it is located near an auditory passage inhabited by bacteria.

In addition, it is cartilage that takes longer to heal. These factors make it particularly susceptible to infection.

Be careful with your headphones. The reason for this is the pressure that can traumatize the puncture place and provoke various complications. Since the tragus is located directly at the auditory passage, headphones tend to press on fresh piercing. Even a small pressure for a long time can cause problems.

Ambushers can be an alternative. It is important that their substrate has minimal pressure on the decoration. However, in-ear headphones and ambushers should be used only four to six weeks after a puncture.

In addition, any pressure on the piercing can prolong the healing process. Therefore, it is not advisable to sleep on it for the first few months. To avoid pressure, you can use special travel pillows during sleep. It is also important to keep bedding and hats clean at all times.

Other recommendations:

• Do not move the decoration and do not touch it unnecessarily. And although this is the standard rule for all new punctures, the puncture tragus needs it especially strongly. Except for the moments of care for piercing.
• Keep the ear shell clean. Formed inside the sulfur exists to protect the organ. It is a kind of barrier from bacteria and foreign substances that can damage the eardrum. This means that the earwax is filled with harmful creatures and substances that you definitely do not want to have at your piercing. In the moments when you clean your new decoration, be sure to do the same with the auditory passage.
• In case of infection symptoms such as fever, local and headache, pus, edema, inflammation and fever, you must urgently consult a doctor.