Are Clay Plugs Safe?

What Are Clay Plugs?

Clay plugs are jewelry made from clay that are used to stretch ear piercings. They are inserted into the earlobe and gradually enlarged to expand the size of the piercing over time. Clay is used because it is porous and allows the skin of the earlobe to breathe as it stretches.

There are a few main types of clay plugs:

• Kaolin or white clay – This natural clay is very porous and ideal for stretching.
• Terracotta or red clay – Terracotta has good porosity though may be more brittle.
• Polymer clay – This is manmade modeling clay that can be molded into detailed shapes.

Clay plugs come in a range of standard sizes as well as custom sizes to gradually increase the diameter of piercings from smaller gauges to larger gauges. They are an alternative to acrylic, wood, stone, or metal plugs for stretching.

Benefits of Using Clay Plugs

Clay plugs offer several benefits over other types of ear jewelry and stretchers:

They are completely natural and organic, made from baking clay into the desired shape and size. This makes them a great biodegradable and eco-friendly option.

Clay plugs are very affordable, especially compared to quality wood or stone plugs. A package of reusable clay plugs can be purchased for just a few dollars.

The clay material allows clay plugs to be easily molded and shaped as needed. They can be resized and customized for a perfect fit. Wearers can roll and shape them with their hands before inserting into freshly stretched piercings.

Unlike acrylic or silicone plugs, clay plugs are fully reusable. As long as they are properly cared for, the same clay plugs can be worn multiple times. They can simply be washed, dried, and reshaped between each use.

Potential Risks

While clay plugs are generally considered safe, there are some potential risks to be aware of when using them:

Risk of Breakage

If not properly cared for, clay plugs can become brittle and prone to cracking or breaking apart. Dropping your plugs or knocking them against a hard surface could cause them to chip or shatter. Wearing heavier plugs before your ears are ready could also put too much pressure on the clay and lead to breakage.

Broken clay in a stretched piercing could cause injury to your ear. Be sure to examine your plugs for any cracks or flaws, and discard them if they become damaged. Allow your ears plenty of time to rest and recover between each new size.

Risk of Infection

Like any piercing, stretched ears with clay plugs can become infected if proper hygiene is not maintained. Clay is porous and can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned and sterilized.

Be sure to wash your ears and jewelry daily with a mild soap. Remove and fully clean your clay plugs regularly. Disinfect and sterilize them appropriately before each use. Never share or borrow used plugs from others.

Monitor your ears for any signs of infection like redness, swelling, drainage, or pain. Discontinue use and see a medical professional if you suspect an infection is developing.

How to Care for Clay Plugs

Properly caring for your clay plugs is essential for safety and hygiene. Here are some tips:

Cleaning

Clean your plugs regularly with a mild soap and warm water. Gently wash away any dirt or oils. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Avoid submerging porous clay plugs in water, as this can degrade the material over time.

Storage

Keep plugs in a clean, dry place when not in use. Store in breathable packaging or on open shelves away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid contact with other jewelry or materials that could scratch or chip the clay.

Inspect for Damage

Check plugs periodically for cracks, rough edges, or thinning of the gauge. Look for signs of wear like stretched lobes. Discontinue use if any damage is found, as this can irritate skin and lead to infection. Replace worn plugs promptly.

Best Practices for Safe Use

When using clay plugs, it’s important to follow some best practices to ensure safe use and avoid potential irritation or infection:

Buy from reputable sellers. Only buy plugs from trusted sellers that have a good reputation for selling quality, body-safe products. Avoid cheap plugs from unknown sources.

Follow size guidelines. Gradually increase jewelry size over time, allowing stretching to occur naturally. Don’t rush sizing up or force a larger size in. Consider 1mm size increases at a time.

Use lubricant. Apply a water-based lubricant during insertion and removal of the plugs to prevent friction and tearing.

Never share plugs. Don’t let others wear or try on your plugs, as this can transfer bacteria and lead to infection. Clay plugs are for single user only.

By taking some simple precautions, clay plugs can be used safely without significant risks. Be patient, listen to your body, and buy from quality vendors for the best experience.

Alternatives to Clay

While clay plugs are popular, there are other materials used to make body jewelry and gauges including:

Silicone

Silicone plugs and tunnels are hypoallergenic and soft. They are comfortable for stretched ears. Unlike porous materials, silicone doesn’t harbor bacteria. Silicone can withstand boiling water, making sterilization easy. The downside is silicone is less durable than other materials and prone to tearing.

Wood

Wood plugs are lightweight and naturally antibacterial. Organic woods like bamboo don’t splinter easily in stretched ears. Wood allows ears to breathe. The drawbacks are wood is porous, absorbs oils and fluids, and requires special cleaning. Cheaper woods may split or degrade over time.

Glass

Glass plugs are hypoallergenic, easy to disinfect, and durable. Glass comes in many colors and textures while remaining smooth on skin. On the downside, glass is heavy and can be dangerous if broken in a stretched piercing.

Stone

Natural stone plugs like quartz or obsidian are smooth, simple, and elegant. Stone is easier on stretched ears than metal or wood. But stone gauges are heavy, cold, and prone to breakage. Porous stones require special care.

With various pros and cons, silicone, wood, glass, and stone provide alternatives for those unable to wear or concerned about long-term clay use. Consulting with a piercer can help determine the best option.

Signs of Irritation or Infection

It’s important to monitor your piercing for any signs of irritation or infection when using clay plugs. Some key things to look out for include:

Redness – Redness around the piercing that continues to get worse over time can indicate irritation or infection. Some redness is normal at first, but if it persists or spreads, be on alert.

Swelling – Significant or increasing swelling, especially if it’s hot, painful, or containing pus, points to an issue. Mild swelling that goes away within a few days is often normal.

Discharge – Yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge signals infection. Clear fluid or some crusting can happen during healing. But thick, discolored or bad-smelling discharge is a warning sign.

Pain – Mild soreness and tenderness is expected, but increasing throbbing, aching pain means something is wrong. Severe or radiating pain needs attention.

Fever – A fever or flu-like symptoms along with other signs can indicate an infection is brewing and your body is fighting it off. Seek medical care if a fever develops.

Don’t ignore any of these red flags. Catching problems early is key to proper healing. See your piercer or doctor at the first signs of irritation or infection for appropriate treatment.

Seeking Medical Care

It’s important to seek medical care from a doctor or dermatologist if you experience any signs of infection, allergic reaction, or irritation from wearing clay plugs. Some symptoms that indicate the need for medical care include:

• Redness, swelling, itching, burning, or pain in or around the piercing site
• Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the piercing
• Warmth, tenderness, or hot to the touch feeling around the piercing
• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Rash or bumps around the piercing
• Severe swelling that spreads away from the piercing

Treatment will depend on the exact cause and severity of symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. They may also recommend removing the clay plugs until the infection clears and suggest alternative jewelry materials that are less irritating. For allergic reactions, steroids or antihistamines may provide relief from swelling and itchiness.

In rare cases, an abscess may require draining or the piercing may need to be removed entirely. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely to allow the area to properly heal.

Choose the Right Size

Selecting the right size plugs is crucial for comfort and safety. Plugs that are too small can lead to irritation, tearing, and injury as they put excessive pressure on the ear canal. On the other hand, oversized plugs feel uncomfortable and can slowly damage the shape of the earlobe over time.

To find the ideal size, first measure the diameter of your earlobe using a metric ruler. Wrap the ruler around the thickest part of your earlobe to get the circumference. Then, divide this number by 3.14 to calculate the diameter in millimeters. It’s best to round down to the nearest whole millimeter. For example, if your earlobe measures 12mm, start with 10mm or 11mm plugs.

Allow your ears to gradually get accustomed to increasing sizes. Wait at least 1-2 months between each new size to give your earlobe time to naturally stretch. Never force a plug that causes significant pain or bleeding. If unsure, consult a reputable piercer to help determine the most appropriate sizing.

The Bottom Line

When used properly, clay plugs can be a safe ear stretching option. However, there are some risks to be aware of. The clay can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly, leading to infection. Using low quality clay that contains impurities can also irritate the skin. It’s important to follow best practices like washing hands before handling, allowing new piercings time to heal before stretching, and cleaning the plugs regularly.

Don’t force clay plugs into a stretch that’s too big, as this can cause tearing and blowouts. Allow your earlobes to naturally stretch over time. Look for signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing, and tenderness. Seek medical care if these symptoms persist. Always consult your piercer or doctor with any concerns.

Overall, clay plugs can be a safe ear stretching option when sized and cared for properly. Take things slowly, adopt good hygiene habits, and see a professional if any issues arise.