Body piercing has become a popular form of self-expression in recent years. However, it’s not just about getting the piercing done – it’s also important to take care of the piercing site properly to ensure it heals correctly and prevent infections. Proper aftercare is crucial to the success of your piercing, so in this article, we’ll discuss the importance of proper aftercare for body piercings.
Keeping the Piercing Site Clean
The first step in proper aftercare is to keep the piercing site clean. The piercer will provide you with instructions on how to do this, which usually involves washing the area with a saline solution or a mild soap and water twice a day. It’s important to wash your hands before touching the piercing site and to avoid using harsh chemicals, like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can dry out and irritate the skin. Keeping the piercing site clean helps to prevent infection and can also reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Avoiding Touching or Twisting the Jewelry
Another important aspect of aftercare is to avoid touching or twisting the jewelry. It’s natural to want to touch or play with a new piercing, but doing so can introduce bacteria to the site and delay the healing process. Additionally, twisting or turning the jewelry can cause trauma to the piercing, which can also delay healing and cause unnecessary pain. Leave the jewelry alone as much as possible and only touch it when necessary, such as when cleaning or changing the jewelry.
Avoiding Irritants or Contaminants
It’s also important to avoid exposing the piercing site to irritants or contaminants. This means avoiding activities like swimming in pools or hot tubs, which can introduce bacteria to the site. It’s also important to avoid wearing tight clothing or jewelry that can rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and inflammation. Additionally, it’s important to avoid exposing the piercing site to makeup, lotions, or other beauty products, which can clog the piercing and prevent it from healing properly.
Monitoring Healing and Signs of Infection
Another important aspect of aftercare is to monitor the healing process and look out for signs of infection. This includes redness, swelling, and discharge from the piercing site. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your piercer or a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Infections can be serious and can even lead to scarring or other long-term complications if left untreated.
Specific Aftercare Instructions for Different Piercings
In addition to these general guidelines, different types of piercings may require specific aftercare instructions. For example, tongue piercings require a different type of cleaning routine than earlobe piercings, and nipple piercings may require special attention to avoid discomfort or complications. Remember to only buy piercings from reputable stores such as Pierced Universe to ensure only safe metal is used. It’s also important to follow your piercer’s specific aftercare instructions and to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
Extra Care for Cartilage and Oral Piercings
While proper aftercare is important for all body piercings, there are a few piercings that require extra attention. Cartilage piercings, for example, can take longer to heal than earlobe piercings and are more prone to complications. It’s important to follow your piercer’s instructions closely and to avoid sleeping on the side of the piercing site or putting pressure on it. Additionally, oral piercings, like tongue and lip piercings, require special attention to avoid infection and to prevent damage to the teeth and gums.