How to Take Care of Your Piercings and Avoid Complications
So, you’ve just got a fresh piercing, huh? Congratulations! Now comes the most important part of the piercing process: Aftercare.
Caring for piercings in the days and weeks following your appointment is important for two big reasons. The first is, of course, that you don’t want there to be any chance of complications like infection. You also want to make sure that your piercing stays as clean and beautiful as the day you got it for as long as possible.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about piercing aftercare: how to clean it, what to expect during healing, and the mistakes that could cause problems.
The Basics of Piercing Aftercare
Taking care of your piercing doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency and attention. Just by following these three basic rules, you can help heal your piercings with little to no fear of issues:
#1: Clean Them Daily
This is not something that you want to forget. You can’t treat your piercing area like you would, say, a wound. That means no hydrogen peroxide or other harsh, drying solutions. Instead, you’ll want to use a saline solution and a cotton swab to slowly (and gently) clean around the pierced area.
#2: Keep Those Hands Off
This is a big one. Yes, it’s very tempting to twist and turn your new piercing out of habit, but it’s a one-way ticket to an infection when left unchecked. If you do feel like you need to fix or adjust your piercing, always wash your hands first. In general, though, the rule is simple: The less you touch it, the quicker it will heal.
#3: Don’t Irritate The Pierced Area
Even if your makeup is “all-natural,” your piercing site will not be able to tell the difference. It is quite easy to accidentally introduce irritants into your piercing through cosmetics or skincare products that don’t otherwise agitate your skin. For the time being, keep it to a simple cleanser.
How Long Will My Piercing Take to Heal?
This depends on quite a few factors, with the most important being the type of piercing you received. This is a loose estimate:
- Earlobes: 6-8 weeks
- Cartilage (helix, tragus, etc.): 4-12 months
- Nose: 4-6 months
- Belly button: 6-12 months
What to Expect During Piercing Aftercare
If you notice a few small symptoms in the weeks immediately following your piercing, that isn’t automatically a sign of trouble. In fact, a little bit of “attitude” is normal.
Usually, the normal healing process will come with a side of redness, slight crusting, and occasional itching. These are all indicators that everything is going according to plan.
However, there are also a few signs that your piercing may be getting infected, or your body is rejecting the piercing altogether. Look out for things like extreme warmth and redness, any signs of swelling (especially if that swelling makes removing the jewelry difficult), or green/yellow discharge.
Ready For Your Next Piercing?
Maybe you just got one finished, and now you’re on a kick, or you’re reading articles like these in preparation for your first piercing. No matter what your situation is, we’ve got your back.
If you’re interested in finding the perfect piercing for you, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact our awesome team. Still have lingering questions? No worries, we’ll be happy to answer them.
