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AFTERCARE FOR PIERCINGS
Aftercare for piercings is important to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of infection. Here’s a general guide for piercing aftercare:
KEEPING IT CLEAN
THINGS TO KNOW
Use a saline solution or a mild, fragrance-free soap to clean around the piercing. Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh chemicals, as they can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
Clean twice a day: Gently clean the piercing once or twice a day, not more to avoid over-drying it.
Wash your hands: Before touching your piercing, always wash your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria.
Don't twist or rotate: Avoid twisting or turning the jewelry during healing as this can cause irritation and scarring.
No swimming: Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans while the piercing is healing, as these environments can introduce bacteria.
Try to sleep on the opposite side of the piercing to prevent pressure and irritation. If this is difficult, you might consider using a travel pillow or a special piercing pillow to reduce pressure.
INFECTION SIGNS
THERE ARE CERTAIN SIGNS THAT YOU WILL NOTICE IF YOUR PIERCING MAY BE INFECTED. ITS IMPORTANT TO FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THEM, AND TAKE ACTION SHOULD THEY OCCUR
A small amount of clear or whitish discharge is normal, but if the piercing becomes excessively red, swollen, or produces green/yellow pus, you may have an infection and should consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider.
JEWELLERY CARE
Leave the jewellery in: Do not remove the jewellery until the piercing is fully healed, as removing it too soon can cause the hole to close up.
HOW LONG WILL MY NEW PIERCING TAKE TO HEAL?
Healing time varies depending on the type of piercing, but generally, it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks for earlobe piercings and 3-6 months or longer for cartilage, nostrils, or other body piercings.
It's really important to follow the advice laid out in the above sections, as this is going to minimise the risk of infection and/or irritation. Then you can start to look at changing your jewellery to to your taste!
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Avoid Irritants:
Hair products, lotions, or perfumes: Try to keep hair sprays, lotions, and other irritants away from the piercing area.
Don't Over-Clean:
Cleaning the piercing too much or too aggressively can cause unnecessary irritation and delay healing. Stick to a gentle routine.
Monitor for Healing:
If you experience unusual pain, prolonged swelling, or signs of an infection (such as fever or severe redness), seek professional advice.