Getting a body piercing is a pretty exciting time. You have decided on where you want it, decided on the jewellery that you want and are ready to go. So once you have gotten the piercing then the next step is to make sure you are looking after it. You have literally had a hole poked into your body and there is exposure to the outside world, even with a piece of jewellery in it. Whilst it is healing you need to ensure that you take the steps to keep it clean and maintained to avoid the risk of infection or rejection.
We have put together a quick guide for how to look after your piercings once you have them done.
Things NOT to do
Rotating
It is important not to move or rotate your jewellery in your new piercing. This can prolong the healing process and allow bacteria to get into the piercing. It can also cause bruising or bleeding to start if you are playing with it very soon after the piercing has been completed.
Touching it
We know you want to look and play with your new piercing but try your best not to touch it too much. Touching the piercing can increase the risk of bacteria getting in and an infection starting. Also avoid oral contact with the piercing for the same reason.
Sleeping on it
Where possible, try not to sleep on your piercing until it has healed properly. The constant pressure on it from sleeping on it can alter the angle that it is in and as such it can heal in this altered position. If it heals in an altered position it can end up causing pain or discomfort for you.
Over cleaning
Try not to overclean the area. This can cause irritation and discomfort to the area. Clean as per the instructions from the piercer and stick with the products that they recommend using. Just because your friend used something different and it worked for them, does not mean it will be the same for you.
Changing jewellery too soon
You need to keep the jewellery in that it was pierced with until the healing period is over. If you change the jewellery too early you can cause infection, irritation and irregular healing to the area. The piercer will let you know when it is safe to change your jewellery to a new piece.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
The use of these substances can cause unnecessary bleeding and bruising to the pierced area. They can also prolong the healing time of the area, so it is best to avoid these whilst you are waiting for your piercing to heal.
Product contact
Ensure that any shampoo, soaps and sprays are rinsed thoroughly from the pierced area. There is bound to be some that makes its way to your piercing however a good rinse should do the trick. Avoid using make up or hairspray directly on the area until it is fully healed. This will help to reduce irritation and infection and help the healing to happen quicker.
Things to DO
Cleaning
Clean with warm salty water or with a product approved by your piercer. Ensure you receive instructions from them on how to clean the area and do not over clean it.
Bedding
It is advised to change your bedding regularly when you get a new piercing. This is so that there is not different bacteria’s and fibre’s getting into the pierced area.
Getting a new piercing and caring for it is not a hard task. Take the time to let it heal properly and do not over do it. As exciting as it is – it needs the time to heal properly.