Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Cartilage piercing

17 July, 2009

Question:

Is a cartilage piercing (it is a small post ring that does not press up against my ear) that I never take out as it is incredibly painful and causes infection every time I remove it considered a chatzitzah?

Thanks so much and Shabbat Shalom.


Answer:

It would be preferable to immerse without the post ring.  Since removing it causes pain and infection, the best course of action would be to give it up.  If you are dead set on keeping the ring, then you may immerse with it.  But you will have to clean the area very well prior to immersion.  For immersion, you should loosen the ring as much as possible, making sure it is not stuck in one place when you immerse. 


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