What is a Daith Piercing?
Daith Piercing is done through the innermost cartilage fold called the crus of the helix. It is an awkward angle because of the curvy position. It is also popularly known as migraine piercing or an ear piercing for migraines or even an ear piercing for anxiety.
How is Daith piercing done?
A piercer uses a straight hollow needle for piercing the area. Owing to complications, it is important that an experienced professional do the task.
Pain
Does Daith piercing hurt? Yes, it does as it is a form of cartilage piercing and is usually very painful. It is normal for the piercing to bleed along with some redness and pain. If rated on a pain scale, we give a score of 8 out of 10 where 10 is the highest and 1 is the lowest in terms of pain intensity.
Aftercare
To keep away any sort of infection, it is important to take care of the following things:
- Cleanse your hand properly before touching or cleaning the Daith
- Rinse the pierced area with cotton soaked in warm salt water
- While taking a bath, clean the pierced area gently with soap
- Avoid taking a call from the pierced side and sleeping on the pierced side
- Do not apply any cosmetics in the region
- Try not to give much stress to the pierced ear, doing so could lead to bleeding and some infection
Daith Jewelry
Daith Piercing Healing Time
3 to 6 months to heal completely.
Jewelry
Hearts, moon, and curved barbells are the most loved jewelry pieces you could choose from.
Daith piercing Pictures
How much is a Daith piercing?
Do not try this at home. At a studio, It will cost you something around $40 to $50.
Types of Daith Piercing
- Double Daith piercing: Two piercings are done in the innermost cartilage fold. It can be done only if the cartilage fold is big.
- Triple Daith piercing: Three piercings are done on the cartilage. However, it’s only possible for people having a large cartilage.
Daith Piercing Helps Migraines – Myth
There is a myth that this piercing can give some relief to people suffering from a migraine. But do Daith ear piercings help with migraines or for that matter get rid of headaches? Various researches in the past have been conducted to substantiate this argument if it stops migraines, headaches or anxiety. Moreover, recently it has emerged as a potential treatment to cure migraines.
Done in the innermost cartilage fold of the ear, it attempts to replicate acupuncture as it is applied to the same migraine pressure points of the ear. As per practitioners, people undergoing Daith piercing will experience limited symptoms. There are people who claim that impact of migraines and intensity of headaches as well as anxiety had reduced drastically after the piercing was done. This is the reason that some people named it Migraine Piercing.
Does it really prevent?
People trying this kind of ear piercing to get relief from migraines are among those who have found acupuncture to be helpful. Neurologists often deny any evidence that the piercing actually stops migraines and state that there is limited information about the topic. It is thus very important to make an informed decision before going for a Daith piercing as an attempt to prevent migraines or helps to stop headaches.
Complications or Problems
Some common risks associated are:
- Infections while it heals due to pathogens (yeast, bacteria, HIV, tetanus, hepatitis, etc.)
- Bacterial infections after it has healed
- Allergic reaction (mostly due to the type of jewelry)
- Excessive Bleeding
- Swelling or Pain
- Keloids or Scarring
Hence, before opting for Daith piercing, especially for getting relief from migraines, it is important to consult a qualified auriculotherapy practitioner or acupuncturist.
Infection
The piercing is regularly exposed to bacteria from the phone, hat or hair increasing the chances of an infection. In case of rejection also there is a chance of infection. The tissues around this area are thick and dense that the cartilage on the lobe or outer edges. Moreover, this area also has lessor blood flow which further extends the entire healing period.
Symptoms
First of all, you need to understand if it is irritation or infection. Irritated piercing refers to a reddish appearance in that area which is sensitive when touched. Although irritation doesn’t need any treatment, the infection will need some efforts from your end. Some common symptoms of Daith piercing infection are as follows:
- Pain or extreme sensitivity to touch
- Hot tissue or warmness around the area
- Brown, green or yellow discharge
- Swelling
- Foul smell
- Body ache
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Fever
Causes
The primary reason behind an infection is improper aftercare or touching the pierced area with unwashed hands. Other reasons include:
- Contact with body fluids like sweat or saliva
- Hair touching the piercing along with hats, hair accessories or headbands
- Cologne, makeup or other cosmetics irritating the piercing
Treatment
Prolonged discomfort or complications around the area are clear pointers towards infection. To get relief, refrain from touching the region and visit a doctor. The doctor will advise you to:
- Clean the infected area using a cleanser or a specially formulated soap for sensitive skin. Avoid applying any form of alcohol-based cleaner or hydrogen peroxide and follow the cleaning process by dabbing the area dry by using a clean cloth.
- Apply warm compress with sea salt soak
- Lastly, do not use any over the counter antibiotics without the approval of a medical practitioner