Like a lot of people I know I started my piercing journey with gunned lobes, that I had begged my mum for. The journey didn't progress further until I turned 18 and was at university and got my lobes gunned further twice. (both of which weren't the best experiences ever) Fast forward to the summer of 2003 when I got my nipple pierced, (while stewarding at a festival of all things) and I'm well and truly addicted. While I do adore all of my ear piercings towards the end of the summer I was starting to think that I wanted something new to 'finish them off' and started thinking about getting my rook done.
At A Glance Author midgetgem Contact midgetgem@bme.anon When Six months ago Artist Luke Studio Ultimate skin Location Leeds, UK In September I was due to travel to Zurich, Switzerland to spend a year studying, and my friend who was already out there told me that piercings were rather expensive (think £80 for a lip ring) so I decided to try to quench my thirst by getting a piercing (or 2) before I set off. I was recommended Luke by a close friend, so I thought why not and a few days prior to flying out I headed off to Leeds to meet my friend and go get a new hole.
I arrived at Ultimate skin rather late- in fact I remember Luke was the only person there, but he had been forewarned that I was going to be going over. He immediately put me at ease and we went up to his piercing room- first impressions were very good indeed the room was reasonable sized and very clean, with a medical type bed in the middle.
I discussed my idea's with Luke- he looked at my ears and finally suggested that a daith would suit me better, and a conch to go in the other ear to 'even me out'. With that settled he prepared his equipment while I talked with my friend to distract from the coming needles, I seem to remember changing of gloves many times and remarking on how much cleaner he was than my dentist.
Finally the equipment was ready so I got up onto the bench for him to clean and mark my ear – which he did with a cocktail stick and some ink, then me being me I had a look at it in the mirror, and with a nod and a smile it was piercing time.
Luke had me breath in, then out, and he pierced on the exhale. It hurt, but was over very quickly, and before I knew the ring was in and he was placing the ball into it, which went in with ease.
He went over the aftercare with me, and then we continued with the conch. (which is another story) I paid (and tipped- beer is good) and I went out in Leeds with the knowledge that I had 2 new piercings- happy feeling.
Healing to begin with at least was very straightforward, salt soaks twice a day. Ibuprofen for my flight out to Switzerwooland to help combat swelling and so on, everyone complimented me on my interesting piercing and I was very happy.
Somewhere along the line though I think I slipped up. Maybe I stopped cleaning it as often, or maybe I caught it on a late night exploit, well one way or another 2 growths at the entry and exit appeared. I tried to go back to salt soaks, but this had no effect, and the ear got quite painful.
At Christmas I was back in the UK, and went with a friend to get her ear done again at Luke's. I was going to get my septum done, but at this point my boyfriend asked me not to- so I agreed. (I since have had it pierced- with my boyfriend present) Instead I got some new plugs (5mm) and asked Luke about the growths, he suggested that I try Ground-up dissolved aspirin covers- putting them on last thing at night and removing in the water. I tried this for a few weeks, but though I saw some improvement, the growths didn't go away, so I went back to just salt soaks.
Fast forward to march and I was in the UK once more. I went to get my septum done and again asked about the ear- Luke suggested that I should try rubbing vitamin E in and I also decided to try tee tree oil.
It's may now, and I think that the growths have shrunk again, I'm keeping up with the tea tree oil, and keep seeing improvement.
I know that the growths are completely due to my own neglect, and I think I learnt the hard way. (I've been very good with my septum and had no problems) Luke has been great helping me, and hopefully by summer I should once more have a beautiful daith.
I really like the piercing, and so far I haven't got any done in Switzerland – which my bank balance is rather happy about.
Happy piercing to all, and don't forget to clean.