Tragus

The tragus is the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal. Its thickness varies more between people than almost any other placement — some are thin enough to pierce easily, others are dense and need a longer post than you would expect from looking at them.

Because it sits right at the canal, it is in the way of everything: earbuds, over-ear headphones, a phone held to your face, a pillow. A flat back is not a style preference here, it is what stops the jewellery catching on all of that.

Earbuds are the real problem. They press directly on a fresh tragus and reintroduce bacteria every time — switch to over-ear or go without until it has settled.

Keep your phone off that side of your face, and clean it if you forget.