Sometimes stud earrings can become stuck in ears. This occurrence is particularly common in new ear piercings. As the new earring holes heal for the first time, they produce fluid which causes the skin to tighten, making it difficult to remove the pair of earrings at first. The key to removing stuck earrings is to be patient and gentle. A rough approach could cause serious injury and even promote infection. If the ears appear to be red, swollen or bloody, seek professional medical help as these symptoms point to infection.
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water. Dry them thoroughly. This step prevents infection, especially if the piercings are new or still healing.
Wet down a cotton swab or cotton ball with warm water and swipe it around the front and back of the earring post. Soak a fresh swab in piecing disinfectant like saline solution, hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol and rub it on the front and back of the earlobe, making sure to get underneath the front of the post and the clasp, if possible.
Different types of earring backs can become stuck from the build-up of dead skin cells, moisturizers and body oils. Grab onto the clasp, pinching the front of the post and the earlobe with your other hand. Gently attempt to turn the earring back in a circle on the post to loosen it. Wiggle the clasp gently back and forth in opposite directions motion until it works its way to the tip of the post. If you continue to have trouble with this apply a small amount of vaseline, antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to loosen it. Even using a pair of tweezers, needle-nose pliers or rubber gloves could help you get the grip you need without being forceful. Different earring backs like butterfly backs or screw back earrings can prove to be more difficult to remove than standard push backs, but as long as you’re gentle and patient they should come off no issue.
Tug gently on the clasp to release it. Use a cotton swab soaked in warm water to clean the area if it seems sticky or crusty while removing the clasp. If the skin appears to be healed over the clasp, ask your piercer about your new piercing or get a doctor's help.
Grab onto the front of the earring with pinched fingers and gently twirl it in the hole until it spins somewhat freely. Swipe the front and back of the lobe with warm water, then lightly tug on the post until it slides from the hole. This may take some time if the hole is tight.
Wipe down the front and back of the earlobe with warm water and piercing disinfectant. Dry with a soft washcloth, then treat the lobes with antiseptic ointment if they appear red or swollen.