For some people, a standard ear piercing is just not enough. Ear gauging or stretching takes piercing a step further, enlarging the hole over a matter of weeks or months, until it measures the shape and size desired. Gauging usually begins with the use of a 1.6 mm taper, inserted into the hole. The taper remains in the ear as the lobe expands; which usually takes three to four days. Jewelry replaces the taper after the three to four day waiting period. Care of gauged ears involves keeping them clean and free of debris.

Wash your gauged ear lobes each time you shower. Use an antibacterial soap and massage it into the pierced area. Rinse with warm water and pat your ear lobes dry with a soft towel.

Perform a sea salt bath twice a day. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before applying the salt to your ears.

Pour 1 cup of water into a small bowl. Add 1 tsp. of sea salt to the water. Saturate a large cotton ball with the sea salt.

Lay the cotton ball over your gauged ears. Allow the sea salt to seep into the pierced area for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the process on your other gauged ear.

Allow your ear lobes to air-dry after applying the sea salt. Continue soaking your gauged ears with the sea salt bath twice a day until the skin heals completely.