1. Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Piercing
The first and most important rule of piercing care is always to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing. Your hands carry bacteria and oils that can easily infect a new piercing. Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap and wash for at least 20 seconds. This simple precaution can prevent most common piercing infections.
2. Use Saline Solution for Cleaning
One of the gentlest and most effective ways to clean your piercing is by using a saline solution. You can either buy a pre-made saline solution from a pharmacy or make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in 1 cup of warm, distilled water. Apply the saline solution with a clean cotton ball or gauze pad to gently clean the area around the piercing.
3. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals or Alcohol
While it may be tempting to use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptic solutions to clean your piercing, these can be too harsh. They dry out the skin, slow the healing process, and may even cause scarring. Stick to saline solution or other products recommended by your piercer to avoid irritating the piercing.
4. Clean Twice a Day, Not More
Over-cleaning a piercing can be just as harmful as not cleaning it at all. Cleaning your piercing twice a day is enough—once in the morning and once before bed. Too much cleaning can disrupt the natural healing process, drying out the skin and causing irritation. Follow your piercing professional’s advice on how frequently to clean your particular piercing.
5. Use a Cotton Swab or Gauze, Not Cotton Balls
When cleaning around your piercing, opt for a cotton swab or a piece of gauze rather than a cotton ball. Cotton balls tend to leave behind fibers that can get stuck in the piercing, leading to irritation or infection. A cotton swab can help you get into the crevices of the piercing and clean it without leaving any residue behind.
6. Let the Piercing Air Dry
After cleaning your piercing, avoid wiping it dry with towels or tissues, which can carry bacteria. Instead, allow the piercing to air dry naturally. You can gently pat the area with a clean paper towel if necessary, but don’t rub or use anything abrasive on the piercing.
7. Avoid Removing the Jewelry During Healing
One of the worst mistakes you can make while cleaning a fresh piercing is removing the jewelry before the piercing has fully healed. The hole may close up quickly, trapping bacteria inside, leading to infection. Keep your jewelry in place during the healing process unless a professional piercer advises you to remove it.
8. Shower Instead of Soaking
When cleaning a piercing, you may want to avoid submerging it in water, especially during the initial healing phase. Swimming pools, hot tubs, and even bathtubs can harbor bacteria that can infect your piercing. It’s best to take showers instead of baths and clean the area under running water to avoid unnecessary risk.
9. Avoid Touching Your Piercing With Dirty Hands
Even if you just cleaned your piercing, touching it with dirty hands can introduce bacteria and cause an infection. Make sure that you only touch your piercing after washing your hands thoroughly. Also, avoid playing with the jewelry, as this can irritate the skin and prolong the healing time.
10. Watch for Signs of Infection and Seek Professional Help If Needed
While cleaning is crucial, it’s equally important to pay attention to any signs of infection. Redness, swelling, excessive pain, or unusual discharge (especially if it’s green or yellow) can indicate an infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a professional piercer or healthcare provider immediately for advice.
Conclusion: Patience Is Key
The best trick to ensure your piercing heals properly is patience. Piercings can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to fully heal, depending on the location and type of piercing. By cleaning your piercing properly, avoiding harsh chemicals, and taking the time to care for it, you can reduce the risk of complications and enjoy your new piercing for years to come!
Bonus Tip: Stay Consistent
Healing takes time, and consistency in care is essential. Set reminders to clean your piercing twice a day and follow all aftercare instructions provided by your piercer. With proper care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy, beautifully healed piercing.
By following these 10 simple but essential tricks, you can ensure that your piercing heals safely, and avoid common mistakes that can cause infection or delays in the healing process. Good luck and enjoy your piercing!
