Piercing Aftercare
Getting a new piercing is an exciting and often nerve-wracking experience. However, it is important to take proper care of your new piercing to ensure that it heals properly and avoids infection. In this article, we will discuss what not to do after getting a new piercing to ensure that it heals quickly and safely.
- Do not touch the piercing with dirty hands
One of the most important things to avoid after getting a new piercing is touching it with dirty hands. Your hands come into contact with all sorts of bacteria and germs throughout the day, so it’s crucial to keep them clean and avoid touching the piercing unless you need to clean it.
- Do not rotate the jewelry
Many people believe that rotating the jewelry in a new piercing will help prevent it from getting stuck, but this is not true. In fact, rotating the jewelry can cause irritation and delay the healing process. Leave the jewelry in place and let the piercing heal naturally.
- Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
While alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used as antiseptics, they can be too harsh for a new piercing. These substances can dry out the skin and delay the healing process, so it’s best to avoid using them on your piercing.
- Do not remove the jewelry
Unless you experience an allergic reaction or infection, it is essential to keep the jewelry in your new piercing for the first few months. Removing the jewelry can cause the piercing to close up and may even cause an infection.
- Do not sleep on the piercing
Sleeping on your new piercing can cause irritation and delay the healing process. It’s best to avoid sleeping on the side of your piercing or use a travel pillow to prop your head up and avoid putting pressure on the area.
- Do not swim in public pools or hot tubs
Swimming in public pools or hot tubs can expose your new piercing to bacteria, which can cause an infection. Avoid swimming for at least two weeks after getting a new piercing.
- Do not use harsh soaps or cleansers
Using harsh soaps or cleansers can irritate the skin and delay the healing process. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap to clean your piercing and avoid using any exfoliating products or loofahs on the area.
- Do not expose the piercing to hair products
Hair products such as hairspray, gel, and mousse can irritate the skin around the piercing and delay the healing process. Avoid getting hair products on your piercing and be careful when styling your hair around the area.
- Do not wear tight clothing
Wearing tight clothing can rub against the piercing and cause irritation. Choose loose, comfortable clothing that allows the skin to breathe.
- Do not share personal items
Sharing personal items such as towels, pillows, or earphones can transfer bacteria and germs to your new piercing, which can cause an infection. Avoid sharing personal items with others until your piercing has fully healed.
- Do not change the jewelry too soon
Changing the jewelry too soon after getting a new piercing can cause irritation and delay the healing process. It’s best to wait until your piercing has fully healed before changing the
It is imperative for new piercings to have proper aftercare during the healing process. Not doing so can delay the healing time by months or sometimes years, do not take it lightly. Below we have outlined the general things you should do as well as things you should not be when caring for your piercing.
- Reduce pain and swelling: Ice combined with IB Profin will help alleviate pain and swelling- IB Profin should be used as directed on bottle.
- Before caring for your piercing: Always wash your hands before cleaning or handling your new piercing.
- Clean piercing regularly: The piercing should be cleaned 2-4 times a day – We suggest using unscented antibacterial soap, Epson Salt dissolved in warm water, saline solution, or we have several aftercare products available for purchase. (Do NOT use – Neosporin, Vaseline, Alcohol, or Peroxide).
- Check jewelry daily: While cleaning your piercing, you should check that jewelry is secure as well as slightly rotate the piercing. (Only rotate when piercing area is wet, never dry)
- Avoid overly touching the piercing: Never play with your piercing jewelry or touch it with unwashed hands – this can cause irritation or infection.
- Avoid swimming while it is healing: Pools, lakes and, oceans; typically 4-6 weeks
- Changing your jewelry: You should wait at least 2 weeks before your Jewelry is changed out, this should be done by a professional piercer the first time. We are available to change the jewelry for you.
Cleaning Instructions by Piercing Type
- Oral Piercings: Every time you “eat” or “drink” (besides water), “smoke anything,” “kiss,” “or put anything in your mouth”: you should rinse with (NON-ALCOHOL) Mouthwash. You can use Listerine, BUT use 1/2 Listerine, 1/2 Water in a clean glass cup. Brush teeth regularly.
- Labret, Snake Bites, Monroe, and Dimples Piercings: as mentioned above, but also clean around the ball on outside with Bactine or Saline Solution on clean Q-Tip.
- All Other Piercings: Clean around the ball with Bactine or Saline Solution in clean Q-Tip. AVOID USING FINGERS!
- First week: Twice a day. Second week: Once a day. Third week”: Every other day
Approximate Healing Time
Please make note that everyone heals at a different rate, the healing time below refers to a standard healing time for those specific piercings.
- Cheek: 2 – 3 months
- Cartilage: 2 months – 1 year
- Earlobe: 6 – 8 weeks
- Eyebrow: 6 – 8 weeks
- Genitals: 4 weeks – 6 months
- Labret: 6 – 8 weeks
- Lip: 6 – 8 weeks
- Navel: 6 months – 1 year
- Nipple: 2 – 6 months
- Nostril: 2 months – 1 year
- Septum: 6 – 8 weeks
- Tongue: 4 – 6 weeks
- Reduce pain and swelling: Ice combined with IB Profin will help alleviate pain and swelling- IB Profin should be used as directed on bottle.
- Before caring for your piercing: Always wash your hands before cleaning or handling your new piercing.
- Clean piercing regularly: The piercing should be cleaned 2-4 times a day – We suggest using unscented antibacterial soap, Epson Salt dissolved in warm water, saline solution, or we have several aftercare products available for purchase. (Do NOT use – Neosporin, Vaseline, Alcohol, or Peroxide).
- Check jewelry daily: While cleaning your piercing, you should check that jewelry is secure as well as slightly rotate the piercing. (Only rotate when piercing area is wet, never dry)
- Avoid overly touching the piercing: Never play with your piercing jewelry or touch it with unwashed hands – this can cause irritation or infection.
- Avoid swimming while it is healing: Pools, lakes and, oceans; typically 4-6 weeks
- Changing your jewelry: You should wait at least 2 weeks before your Jewelry is changed out, this should be done by a professional piercer the first time. We are available to change the jewelry for you.
Should I change Out My Piercing Jewelry?
The frequency with which you should change your piercing jewelry depends on several factors, including the type of piercing you have, the material of your jewelry, and how well you care for your piercing. Here are some general guidelines:
Healing period: You should wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing your jewelry. The healing time varies depending on the piercing, but it usually takes between 6 to 12 weeks. Changing your jewelry too soon can irritate the piercing and prolong the healing process.
Material: The material of your jewelry can affect how often you should change it. For example, if you have a metal allergy or sensitivity, you may need to change your jewelry more frequently. You may also need to change your jewelry if it becomes tarnished or discolored.
Activity level: If you are very active or participate in sports, you may need to change your jewelry more frequently to avoid damage or injury to your piercing. Additionally, if you work in an environment with a lot of dirt, dust, or chemicals, you may need to change your jewelry more often to avoid infection.
Signs of irritation: If you notice any signs of irritation, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, you should consider changing your jewelry. This may indicate an allergic reaction or infection.
Personal preference: Some people like to change their jewelry frequently to switch up their style, while others prefer to keep the same jewelry in for longer periods.
In general, it’s recommended to change your piercing jewelry every 3-6 months if your piercing is fully healed and you’re not experiencing any issues. However, if you notice any signs of irritation or discomfort, you should consider changing your jewelry sooner.