Ear stretching, often called gauging, involves gradually increasing the size of a pierced hole in the earlobe. This process requires patience, as the tissue must slowly adapt to the larger size of the jewelry. A gauge blowout is a common complication and form of trauma to the earlobe tissue. Identifying a blowout early is important for minimizing long-term damage.
What Causes a Gauge Blowout
A blowout occurs when the skin lining the inside of the stretched tunnel (the fistula) is forced out through the back of the piercing. This trauma is most often the result of stretching the ear too quickly, which does not allow the tissue enough time to naturally expand and adapt. Many people attempt to skip sizes or push in new jewelry before the lobe is fully healed, leading to tearing of the delicate inner tissue.
Lack of proper lubrication during insertion can also contribute to excessive friction. Using materials that irritate the skin, such as low-quality jewelry or porous materials like silicone prematurely, can cause inflammation that weakens the tissue. When stretching is done aggressively, the internal pressure pushes the vulnerable skin layer outward, causing the skin to prolapse.
The Physical Appearance of a Blowout
The defining characteristic of a gauge blowout is a distinct ring or flap of tissue that protrudes from the back of the piercing, giving it the appearance of being turned inside out. This prolapsed skin is irritated, appearing red and swollen around the jewelry. The tissue may look like a small, puffy donut behind the plug.
The texture of the blowout is raw and tender to the touch, and it may be moist or crusty, especially if it is a fresh injury. A blowout is accompanied by sharp pain, tenderness, and a feeling of heat in the lobe, which signals acute trauma and inflammation. If the blowout is infected, there may also be a discharge of yellow pus. Even a minor blowout that is not fully prolapsed often presents as a painful, firm lump around the hole.
Immediate Treatment and Recovery
The immediate action upon identifying a blowout is to downsize the jewelry. This means removing the current gauge and inserting a smaller size, often two or three sizes down, to instantly relieve pressure on the damaged tissue. This is the first step toward allowing the prolapsed skin to relax and begin the reabsorption process.
Gentle cleaning is required using a saline solution, applied by soaking the earlobe multiple times a day. Harsh chemicals, such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, should be avoided as they can dry out the compromised skin and impede healing. Once the initial pain subsides, the lobe should be massaged daily with a nourishing oil, such as jojoba or vitamin E oil.
Massaging helps promote blood circulation and assists in breaking down scar tissue. Healing takes several weeks to months, and stretching should not be attempted again until the earlobe is completely healed and flexible. If the blowout is severe, or if signs of a worsening infection are present, seeking professional medical attention is the appropriate next step.