Piercing Aftercare 2019
Piercing Aftercare in 2019 is much different than it was years ago when I got my belly button in 2007 and nose piercing in 2011. I was told to use dial soap and warm water but did you know they actually recommend NOT using dial soap anymore? Today we’ll go over exactly what you should use, what’s normal, when to see your piercer, and a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your piercing.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PIERCINGS:
The ONLY thing you need to clean your piercing is Sterile Saline Wound Wash. You can find it on Amazon here or you can find it in the first aide aisle of most drugstores. Sterile Saline Would Wash is the #1 and only product piercers recommend. Another option is H2Ocean, which you can find here. H2Ocean is simply purified salt water in a can. What makes each of these great options is the fact that you can spray these products on your piercing, making it very convenient, and you don’t have to touch them.
Another option but should be a last resort is a DIY Salt Water Solution. You can check out my video on Youtube for the exact Salt-to-Water Ratio.
WHAT’S NORMAL FOR NEW PIERCINGS?
For new piercings.. swelling, redness, bruising, and some bleeding are all normal.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE MY PIERCER?
You should see your piercer for a few different reasons. Please remember piercings are their speciality and piercers are here to HELP you. Do NOT feel embarrassed to go to one especially if you are in one of the following situations:
If you can’t remove your piercing. Often times piercings are screwed on tight so it’s difficult to remove and so they don’t fall off that easily and risk your piercing closing. If you find you are having trouble, don’t freak out. Go to your piercer (or find a reputable one here) and they will help you remove and even change your jewelry for you!
If you think it’s infected. Honestly, the term “infected” is used pretty loosely in the piercing community. Often times an irritated piercing is confused with a piercing infection. If you’re unsure, a piercer will be able to tell you if it’s irritated. If it’s infected, they will recommend you see your doctor. An infection due to a piercing is not as common as you think.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN IT COMES TO PIERCINGS:
Earlobe piercings should be kept in for 4-6 weeks. Cartilage and other body piercings 8-12 weeks. Keep in mind, piercings heal from the outside in, so it may seem as though the piercing is healed from the eye but in reality it’s not because the inside hasn’t healed yet. Taking your piercing out for even a minute, can cause it to close up. Each persons body is different so if it worked for a friend, it may not work for you. Also, you don’t need to take your piercing out to clean the jewelry with alcohol. Keep your piercing in for the initial healing period.
Also, always wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap before touching your piercings and make sure your body is healthy, Vitamin C is key!
My hope for you after reading this is that now you know exactly what to use to clean your piercings, know what’s normal, and know when you should see your piercer. For more piercing tips, subscribe to The Piercing Outlet.