To get a new ear piercing, start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will prevent you from accidentally getting dirt or germs into the piercing. Next, dip a cotton swab in a gentle saline cleaning solution. Most piercing experts do not recommend using harsh disinfectants, such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can irritate the piercing and slow healing. Gently clean the area around the piercing in front of your ear with a cotton swab. Soak a new swab in the solution and clean the back of your ear as well. While you’re doing this, gently twist the jewelry about halfway into the piercing to keep it from sticking to your healing skin. Finish by applying a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the front and back of the piercing with a fresh cotton swab. Twist the jewelry in half to help heal the hole. Aim to clean your piercing at least once or twice a day, and don’t take off your jewelry until the piercing is completely healed. In your earlobe, this should take about 6 weeks. If it’s in cartilage, it may take a few months. Once the piercing has healed, remove the jewelry every night before you go to sleep. Clean the jewelry with rubbing alcohol before putting it back on. Continue to wash your piercing with saline solution and treat it with antibiotic ointment at least once a month to prevent infection and keep the area healthy. If you notice signs of an infection, such as redness, pain, bleeding, or discharge from the piercing, call your doctor for advice. To learn how to get a healthy ear piercing, scroll down!