What is a Daith Piercing?
The daith piercing is a piercing of the cartilage located in the fold of the ear. It is located between the tragus and the rook, in a small part called the " root of the helix ". Unlike other ear piercings that are more visible, the daith is relatively discreet because it is located near the ear canal. However, despite its small size, it is considered one of the most painful piercings due to the thickness of the cartilage in this area.
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Therapeutic Benefits of Daith Piercing
Some people claim that daith piercings can have health benefits, particularly when it comes to migraines, stress, and anxiety.
Daith: a piercing to fight migraines and anxiety?
The Daith is located on an acupuncture point that is linked to the trigeminal nerve , which is responsible for transmitting pain signals from the face to the brain. Therefore, according to the theory , by stimulating this point, the Daith piercing could reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. It would also greatly reduce the sense of stress and anxiety that you may continually feel.
It should be noted that these claims have not been scientifically proven and are based primarily on anecdotal evidence. It is important to consult a medical professional before deciding to get your daith pierced in hopes of relieving migraines or stress and anxiety. The pain associated with the daith piercing procedure may also be a factor to consider before taking the plunge.
The Price of a Daith Piercing
As with all piercings, the cost of a daith can vary depending on a variety of factors such as geographic location, the reputation of the piercer, and the type of jewelry chosen.
Typically, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 for the piercing itself, not including the cost of the jewelry. It is important to choose an experienced and qualified piercer to ensure a quality piercing and avoid complications.
Daith Piercing Healing
Daith piercing healing can take anywhere from six to twelve months, or even longer, depending on the individual. As with any piercing, it is essential to follow proper aftercare tips to promote optimal healing. Here are some tips for caring for your daith piercing during the healing period:
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Gently clean the area around the piercing twice a day with sterile saline solution . Use a sterile cotton swab or sterile non-woven gauze soaked in saline solution to avoid contamination.
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Avoid touching or handling the piercing with dirty hands . Wash your hands thoroughly before performing any care.
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Avoid changing the jewelry before the piercing is completely healed. This can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
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Avoid sleeping on the side of the piercing while it heals. Use a memory foam pillow to reduce pressure on the piercing area. Or better yet, a travel pillow with a hole in the center that will keep your ear suspended and prevent it from rubbing on your pillow all night. Also, consider using a clean pillowcase.
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Avoid contact with potentially irritating substances such as hair products, cosmetics and chemical cleaning products.
For more details, check out our piercing care guide.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or excessive pain, seek immediate medical attention or see your piercer.
Risks and Complications of Daith Piercing
As with any piercing, there are certain risks and complications associated with daith piercings. The most common include:
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Infection: If proper care is not followed, the piercing can become infected. Signs of infection include redness, pain, swelling, and discharge of pus. Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have an infection or go see your piercer.
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Rejection: This is extremely rare, but sometimes the body will reject the piercing jewelry, which can cause the jewelry to move or come out completely. If you notice any migration of the jewelry or an increase in the visibility of the piercing, consult your piercer.
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Scars: Some people may develop scars around their piercing, especially if they have a genetic predisposition to excessive scarring. Proper aftercare is essential to minimize the risk of scarring (also called hypertrophic scars ). Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars: How to Avoid Them
It is important to consider these potential risks before deciding to get your daith pierced. Talk to a healthcare professional or experienced piercer for personalized advice and recommendations.
