If you have ear piercings, whether it’s one or multiple, you’re likely familiar with those small, clear, silicone earring backs that typically come with a new set of earrings. They come in handy when you lose one of your regular metal backs and need to secure your studs. However, a recent TikTok PSA that’s gaining traction warns about the potential risks of wearing these clear rubbery backs for extended periods.
On Thursday, Oct 10, TikTok creator Amber Guttilla shared her alarming experience of almost needing to go to the hospital due to her clear earring backs getting stuck to her earrings like glue. In an exclusive interview with Well+Good, Guttilla described the surreal moment when she realized she needed professional help to remove her earrings. She had been using silicone earring backs for “a month or two” before attempting to take them off, only to discover the difficulty. “Let me be the first to tell you,” Guttilla emphasized in her video, “these are not meant to be worn long-term.”
Guttilla initially thought the issue was due to user error, but after several unsuccessful attempts to remove the silicone backs, she sought help from New Flower Body Piercing Studio in Long Beach, California.
@amber.guttilla PSA for earring wearers! I’ve had my ears pierced for 30 years and never knew this 🫠 #earrings #earringtips #earringscare #publicserviceannouncement #PSA #jewelrycleaning ♬ original sound – Amber Rose
Guttilla learned from her piercer that silicone earring backs are highly porous and can accumulate dirt, oil, sweat, and makeup, creating a “glue-like” substance that can almost fuse with the earrings, making them challenging or impossible to remove. Guttilla’s piercer recounted a previous case where someone wore silicone backs for a year and had to visit the hospital to have them removed.
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Guttilla did not require a hospital visit, but the removal process involved significant effort by the piercer. She described the procedure where the piercer had to use force to separate the earrings from the silicone backs. Although it was slightly painful, Guttilla was relieved to walk out of the shop with silicone-free earrings.
The experience raised awareness about the dangers of prolonged wear of silicone earring backs. Experts explained that silicone’s chemical properties can cause it to adhere to the skin, especially in combination with body heat and pressure, leading to a strong adhesive effect.
Was this just a fluke?
According to dermatologists, the buildup of wax, oils, or residue in earring backings can harden over time, making it challenging to remove them. This buildup, though not necessarily congealing with the silicone, can contribute to the difficulty in taking out the earrings.
The aftermath
Guttilla’s experience sparked discussions on earring care on TikTok, prompting many users to reconsider their habits to avoid similar mishaps. While opinions vary on whether earrings should be removed daily, experts recommend regular removal to prevent issues. For individuals who struggle with daily removal, avoiding silicone backs entirely is advised.
Dr. Garshick suggests cleaning the earring area regularly with a cotton swab soaked in water or saline solution to prevent buildup. For stubborn residue, a petrolatum-based product like Vaseline can help loosen it.
Final thoughts
Taking earrings out daily is a personal choice, but maintaining good earring hygiene is essential for preventing irritation. Cleaning earrings regularly can help prevent buildup and ensure ear health. Consider opting for titanium or gold flatbacks instead of silicone for added safety.
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