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Piercings are an excellent way to express individuality, but your body treats them as injuries that require healing. This is why it’s crucial to gently clean the pierced area with saline solution several times a day. Engaging in light activities will help the wound heal faster and prevent infections. With proper care, your piercing wound will heal quickly.
Steps
Maintain cleanliness at the piercing site
Purchase saline solution from a piercing studio or pharmacy. Piercing studios sell saline solution, or you can buy it at a pharmacy, supermarket, or online. The bottle usually reads “Wound wash saline solution.”
- Homemade saline solution:
Completely dissolve 1/8 teaspoon (0.7 g) of non-iodized salt in 240ml of warm distilled water. - Do not use contact lens saline solution as it is too harsh for wounds.
Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning the wound. Infections can occur if bacteria enter the wound, so it’s essential to wash your hands completely with soap and water before touching the area. Dry your hands with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Avoid exposing new piercings to dirty water, such as lakes, swimming pools, or bathtubs, to minimize the risk of infection.
Apply a saline-soaked gauze to the wound for 5 minutes. Soak gauze or a paper towel in store-bought or homemade saline solution and gently place it on the wound for 5 minutes. This softens any crusted skin around the piercing, which will be removed when you pat the area dry. Avoid picking at the crusts when the skin is dry, as this can cause irritation.
- Some medical experts recommend rotating the jewelry while the skin is still wet to allow the saline to penetrate the wound. Never rotate jewelry when the skin is dry, as it can disrupt the healing process.
- If possible, submerge the piercing in saline solution for about 5 minutes. To do this, pour the solution into a bowl and dissolve the salt. You can also use a sitz bath for genital piercings.
Gently pat the wound dry with a clean paper towel. After the saline has soaked into the piercing, use a few sheets of paper towel to lightly dab the area. Once the wound is dry, dispose of the used paper towel.
- Avoid using cloth towels, even if they are clean. Cloth towels can snag on jewelry and may carry bacteria harmful to the wound.
Clean the wound twice daily until it heals completely. While you might think cleaning the wound more often speeds up healing, over-cleaning can dry out the skin. Stick to cleaning the wound twice a day until it fully heals. Healing times vary depending on the piercing location.
- For example, ear piercings may take up to 4 months to heal, while navel, genital, or nipple piercings can take 6 months. Most oral or facial piercings heal within 8 weeks.
Avoid using rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound. Gentle care is crucial, so avoid products that dry out or irritate the skin. Stay away from rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial hand sanitizers, and high-alkaline soaps.
- Some of these products contain alcohol, which dries out the skin and causes dead skin cells to accumulate, forming crusts around the wound.
Preventing and Treating Infections
Avoid touching or playing with the piercing. Try not to touch the wound to allow the skin to heal naturally. Unnecessary touching or fiddling with the piercing can introduce bacteria and harm the skin.
- You should also avoid applying makeup or cosmetics like body lotion or perfume, as they can irritate the wound.
- Frequent contact with the jewelry can delay the healing process.
Watch for signs of swelling or irritation, as these may indicate an infection. New piercings may cause pain and bleed for a few days, but if the condition doesn’t improve or worsens, it could be infected. Look for the following signs of infection if the piercing is at least 3 days old:
- Persistent bleeding or tenderness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Yellow or green discharge
- Fever
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect the wound is infected. Don’t hesitate if you suspect an infection. Avoid removing the jewelry and contact a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Leaving the jewelry in place allows pus to drain over a few days.
- Removing the jewelry can cause the wound to close, making it harder to treat the infection.
Supporting the Wound Healing Process
Wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t press against the piercing. If the wound is covered by clothing, avoid tight garments. Friction can cause irritation and prolong healing. Instead, opt for loose, soft fabrics that won’t snag on the jewelry.
- Loose clothing allows air circulation, prevents infection, and promotes faster healing.
Get plenty of rest to aid your body’s recovery. Like other wounds, healing occurs faster when your body isn’t preoccupied with other issues. If you’re a teenager, aim for at least 8-10 hours of sleep. Adults should get a minimum of 7 hours per night.
- Manage stress to help your body focus on healing. Try yoga, meditation, listening to music, or taking walks.
- If the piercing is on your head, use a clean pillowcase to avoid irritation while sleeping.
Take showers instead of baths until the wound heals completely. Avoid exposing the piercing to shampoo, soap, or germs, which is hard to prevent in a bath. Use a shower and keep soap and shampoo away from the wound.
- If you prefer baths, clean the tub thoroughly before use. Keep soap and shampoo away from the wound and rinse your skin after bathing.
Ensure proper nutrition and hydration to maintain a healthy immune system. Follow a balanced diet rich in vitamin C and zinc to speed up healing and prevent infections. Include foods like whole grains, strawberries, spinach, and dairy products. In addition to a healthy diet, drink 2.5– liters of fluids daily to stay hydrated.
- Avoid sugary drinks as they don’t support immune function.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol to speed up healing. Research shows that alcohol and smoking can slow wound healing. To help your piercing heal faster, quit smoking and avoid alcohol.
- Remember, your body treats piercings like regular wounds and will heal them naturally. Avoid overexertion for a few days to support faster recovery.
Tips
- Consult your piercer if you have any concerns. They’ll be happy to hear from you and provide guidance.
- Ask your piercer about the expected healing time and specific aftercare instructions for your piercing.
Warnings
- Leave the jewelry in place if you suspect an infection and seek medical attention immediately. Removing the jewelry can make treating the infection and draining pus more difficult.
