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After getting a piercing, you’re likely eager for it to heal quickly. To speed up the process, clean the pierced area daily with water and a mild soap, avoiding irritation to the surrounding skin and preventing the wound from reopening. Allow the tissues around the piercing ample time to recover before switching to different earrings. If you suspect an infection, consult your piercer, doctor, or dermatologist to determine whether antibiotics are necessary or if regular cleaning will suffice.
Steps
Cleaning the Pierced Area
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the pierced area. Use a mild soap and clean water to wash your hands, then rinse with clean water before touching the skin.
- Avoid letting others touch the piercing to prevent bacterial contamination.
Soak the pierced area in saline solution for 5 to 10 minutes daily. To keep the piercing clean, dip a clean gauze or tissue into the saline solution, then place it over the piercing and hold it there for 5 to 10 minutes. You can do this once or twice a day.
- Depending on the type of piercing, you can directly submerge the pierced area into a cup of saline solution. For example, if you have a finger piercing, you can dip your finger into the cup to soak the piercing.
Wash the piercing with soap and water as instructed. If your piercer advises cleaning the piercing with water and soap once daily, use clean water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, then rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
- Avoid soaps containing fragrances, dyes, colors, or triclosan, as these can irritate the skin.
- When cleaning ear piercings, remember to clean behind the ear as well.
Gently dry the area with a paper towel or tissue. Use a clean paper towel or tissue to pat the cleaned area dry. Avoid rubbing or pressing too hard to prevent reopening the wound. Dispose of the paper towel or tissue after use.
- Do not use cloth towels, as they can get caught on the jewelry.
Clean the piercing only once or twice a day. While it may seem beneficial to clean the piercing multiple times a day, over-cleaning can damage the tissue and slow down the healing process.
- Clean the piercing after showering, as it will already be wet at that time.
Caring for the Piercing
Avoid picking at scabs. Simply soaking the piercing in saline solution and washing it with mild soap and clean water is enough to keep it clean. Do not pull or pick at any scabs that form around the area to prevent reopening the wound and causing bleeding. These scabs will naturally fall off as the piercing heals.
- There’s no need to twist or turn the jewelry while the piercing is healing. Doing so can actually irritate the skin and delay healing.
Avoid applying antibiotics or antiseptics to the piercing. These substances can cause irritation. Antibiotic ointments can trap moisture, creating an environment for bacteria to grow around the piercing. Antiseptics like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can hinder tissue healing.
- Avoid antibacterial soaps or antiseptics containing benzalkonium chloride (BZK).
Keep the pierced area clean and dry. Ensure others do not touch it, and try to prevent the piercing from being exposed to sweat and dirt. For example, avoid applying makeup or perfume near the piercing, and clean any items that may come into contact with the affected area to prevent bacterial contamination.
- Depending on the piercing location, clean items like mobile phones, headphones, glasses, and hats.
Sasha Blue
Piercing Technician
Piercing Technician
Minimize touching the piercing with your hands or other objects. Your body wants to heal, so simply keep the piercing clean, and it will do the rest. While the wound is healing, avoid playing with the jewelry, and be cautious when using phones, over-ear headphones, or sleeping on the newly pierced area.
Allow the piercing enough time to heal before removing the jewelry. Most piercings require at least a few weeks or even several months to fully heal. Be patient and wait until it has healed before taking out the jewelry. Below are the typical healing times for common piercing types:
- Earlobe: 3 to 9 weeks
- Cartilage (tragus, conch, industrial, rook, or orbital): 6 to 12 months
- Nose: 2 to 4 months
- Mouth: 3 to 4 weeks
- Lip: 2 to 3 months
- Navel: 9 to 12 months
- Genital: 4 to 10 weeks
Sasha Blue
Piercing Technician
Piercing Technician
Cartilage piercings generally require more time to heal.
Treating an Infected Piercing
Recognize signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever. While some mild discomfort around the piercing is normal, you should watch for signs of infection. In addition to persistent or worsening pain when touching the area, other symptoms include:
- Yellow, green, or bloody discharge
- High fever
- Redness, swelling, or a burning sensation
- Persistent itching
- Unpleasant odor
Visit your piercer as soon as possible. Signs of infection can escalate quickly, so it’s important to see your piercer promptly. Often, they can help manage the issue without the need for a doctor. If the piercer determines the infection is severe and requires medical attention, they will refer you to a physician.
- If you or your piercer suspect a serious infection, consult a doctor. A physician or dermatologist will review your medical history, examine the area, and recommend the best treatment plan.
- Do not hesitate to visit the emergency room if you suspect a severe cartilage piercing infection. Cartilage piercings are more challenging to treat and prone to complications compared to other types.
Tip: Symptoms of piercing irritation and infection can be easily confused. Most experienced piercers can help you distinguish between the two and address the issue without needing a doctor.
