If you’re thinking of getting your first piercing, or if you’ve just had one done and aren’t sure how to take care of it, read on. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to look after piercings so that they stay healthy and free from infection.
How to Take Care of Your Piercings – the Dos and Don’ts
One of the most important things to remember when taking care of your piercings is to keep them clean. This means washing the area with the best soap for piercings at least once a day, and more often if they get dirty. Be sure to use a gentle soap that will not irritate your skin.
Another important thing to remember is to avoid touching your piercings with dirty hands. This can cause bacteria to build up and lead to infection.
Finally, be sure to always follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer. These instructions will vary depending on the type of piercing you have.
Aftercare for Different Types of Piercings
There are a few things to remember when taking care of piercings:
- Clean the piercing with the best saline solution for piercings twice a day.
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment if the piercing becomes irritated.
Tips for Avoiding Infection and Promoting Healing
If you’re taking care of a new piercing, here are some tips to help avoid infection and promote healing:
- Wash your hands: before touching your piercing or any of the jewelry, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water. This will help prevent the spread of germs and keep your piercing clean.
- Avoid contact with irritants: certain substances, like lotions, ointments, makeup, hair products, detergents, and other chemicals can irritate a new piercing and cause infection. Avoid these as much as possible while it heals.
- Keep it clean: after washing your hands, use a saline solution or non-iodized sea salt spray to gently cleanse your piercing. Avoid using harsh soaps or rubbing alcohol on the area – they can dry out the skin and delay healing time.
- Don’t play with your jewelry: it’s natural to want to touch and fiddle with your piercing, but doing so can trap bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Try your best to keep your hands away from the area, and only clean and change your jewelry when necessary.
- Avoid moisture: water can cause infection in a new piercing, so it’s important to avoid submerging the area in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans. If you must get wet, cover the piercing with a waterproof bandage or take it out completely until it heals.
How to Deal with Problems like Swelling, Pain, and Bleeding
If you have any problems with your piercings, such as swelling, pain, or bleeding, there are a few things you can do to help.
If your piercings are swollen, try using a cold compress to reduce the inflammation. You can also take ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve the pain.
If your piercings are bleeding, you can try putting pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding. You can also use a styptic pencil or alum block to help seal the wound and stop the bleeding.
What to Do If You Think Your Piercing Is Infected
If you notice any swelling, redness, pus drainage, or pain around your piercing, it may be infected and you should see a doctor. Infections can cause serious health problems if they are not treated promptly.
Conclusion
Taking care of your piercings is not as difficult as it may seem. You just need to be patient and follow the proper steps. By doing so, you can ensure that your piercings will heal properly and look great for years to come!