MARKER PENS

Keep the marker pen in a safe hygienic place - if left out, somebody might mistake it for an ordinary felt tip - pen Some salons that offer the ear piercing service also sell earrings, Those designed for pierced ears should not be tried on by a client, in the interest of health and hygiene. (Although there have been no reported cases of transmission of hepatitis B or HIV in this Way, all possible risks should be avoided).

CROSS INFECTION

If you have any cuts on your hands or fingers, these should be covered with a clean dressing before you treat the client. It is preferable to wear disposable gloves.
The CAFLON gun approved for piercing is designed so that it does not come into contact with the client's pierced skin, and is used with pre sterilized ear studs and ear clasps. The studs are provided in sterile packs. CAFLON earrings give a date after which their sterility can no longer be assumed. This date is normally indicated on the sealing paper.

DISPOSAL OF WASTE

All consumable materials used during the ear piercing treatment should be placed in a covered, lined waste bin and disposed off in a sealed bag.

Preparing the cubicle :

Ear piercing can be carried out either in a private cubicle or at reception. Use your discretion to decide which would be more appropriate.
Good ventilation is important-some clients may feel faint following the treatment. The client should sit in a chair at a comfortable height for you.

Preparing the client :

If the position of the stud has not already been marked, do this now.

• Wash your hands and apply a fresh pair of disposable gloves.
• Thoroughly cleanse the back and the front of the client's earlobes. Allow the skin to dry. (If moisture is present, the mark will blur.)
• Holding a mirror in front of the client, discuss with her where the stud should be placed. Mark the position using the non-toxic skin marker pen.

SECONDARY INFECTION

As you cleanse the client's ear lobes you may notice that her skin, ear or hair is dirty. You may proceed, but when giving her the aftercare instruction politely and tactfully point out the importance of cleanliness in preventing secondary infection.
Remember that the ears are not at the same level on each side of the head, and protrude at different angles. Take time when marking the position of studs, to ensure that the final appearance is balanced.

EAR STUDS

Studs are preferable to hooped earring or sleepers, as dirt is less likely to the stud and infect the ear

Contra - actions :

Redness, swelling, inflammation and the exudation of serum (weeping) all signify that the ear is infected. If this occurs, the client should contact the salon. Depending on what she describes, it may be possible to give her adequate instruction over the telephone or it may be necessary to make an appointment for the therapist to look at the ear. If following action by the therapist the infection persists, the client should be advised to contact her physician. Infection usually results from incorrect aftercare, removing the studs too early, or wearing cheap earrings. Closed holes are caused by removing the studs too early or by not continuing to wear earrings after the removal of original studs.
Keloids - overgrowths of scar - sometime occur at the site of ear piercing. If a client suffers from keloids, advise her not to have her ears pierced move than once - further keloids tissue could develop, giving an unsightly appearance.

Aftercare and advice

After the ear piercing treatment the client should be given clear instructions on how to care for her ears to prevent secondary infection. The studs must not be removed for six weeks. Invite the client to return to the salon after the six - week period for you to remove the studs. Remind the client always to wash her hands before cleaning the ear area. (If someone else is going to clean the ears, she also must wash her hand with soap and warm water before touching the client's ears.) The ears should be cleaned twice daily, using an eau de cologne or surgical spirit. The lotion may be applied as directed by the manufacturer. If surgical spirit is used, this should be applied to clean cotton wool, and the cotton wool squeezed to allow the surgical spirit to run around the stud, at the front of the ear and then at the back. Whilst the ears are being bathed with the cleansing solution, the stud should be rotated by holding by holding it firmly at the front.

ANTISEPTIC LOTIONS

Remind the client that if an antiseptic lotion is applied to the ear area, it must be diluted as directed or skin burning may occur.

SECONDARY INFECTION

If the client's ears become slightly red, indicating a possible infection, she should cleanse the area more frequently.

Even if the cleanses her ears effectively, infection could still occur in other ways. These include the following:

• Long nails harbour germs. Infection of the ear can occur whilst the client is turning the stud.
• The client may touch the stud and ear at times other than when cleaning the ear.
• Shampoo and dirty water may collect around the ear whilst shampooing the hair. Remind the client to rinse the ear thoroughly with clean water after shampooing.
• The client should protect her ears when applying hair lacquer or perfume to avoid sensitizing the ear.
• Following the removal of the studs, the client should only wear gold earrings. Cheap fashion earrings should be worn only for short periods of time, or allergic reactions and ear infections may occur.

After oral instructions have been given, the client should be provided with an aftercare leaflet containing these instructions.