How to Care for Piercings?
Getting piercings in different parts of the body can be exciting, but it's important to learn how to properly care for piercings. Knowing your piercing areas, when to clean them, and how to avoid infection can ensure that these accessories continue to look healthy and beautiful on your body.
What should be the basic care for piercing?
Although the piercing is located in different parts of the body, the basic care steps can be said as follows:
1. During initial drilling, use only stainless, tarnish-resistant metals such as at least 14 carat gold, 316G carat (surgical) steel and titanium
Did you know that you may have an allergic reaction to some metal piercings? Piercings made of metals such as copper, nickel and white gold can often cause allergic reactions and infections. If you've had your piercings done at a reputable place, you've probably been given gold or stainless steel piercings. When you get your first piercings, make sure you buy quality metal piercings that won't irritate your skin.
2. Wear post piercings for the first few months and gradually transition to other styles
While your piercing is healing, it is important to only wear “post piercings.” This is the type of piercing that is easiest to hold onto the body and does not contain heavy beads or decorative details. It is generally used in drilling. Post piercings are also fitted with a longer bar option by calculating the swelling rate of the area. It is often used in the piercing process and the healing process. After wearing the post piercing for at least 6 months until the area has healed, you can switch to other styles that reflect your style.
3. Don't rotate your piercings
While there is some debate about whether rotating your piercings is beneficial or harmful, it is generally recommended that you do not rotate them. It was thought that your piercing earring should be turned to prevent it from sticking to the skin, but the earring already acts as a kind of buffer and prevents the skin from covering it. Twirling your new piercing can irritate the skin and cause infection. In general, avoid moving your piercings too much.
4. Do not remove your piercings for the first 6 weeks after piercing
Removing your piercings exposes the area to possible infection and increases the chance of the hole closing. Therefore, you need to wait for the punctured area to heal completely. If healing is faster than expected, you can remove your piercings early, but it is recommended to consult a specialist to confirm this.
5. Remove your piercing earring every night for at least a year after the healing process is over
Once your piercing has fully healed, you should remove your piercings every night before going to bed. This allows the area and piercing to breathe; It helps prevent infection. But don't forget to re-insert your piercings every morning to prevent the hole from closing.
6. Be careful not to get anything stuck in your piercings
It's easy for things to get stuck in your piercings in the weeks after you get a new piercing. Clothes, hair, scarves, hats and other accessories are some of them. Put on and take off your clothes slowly. Getting your piercing inserted can be painful and lead to injury.
7. Clean your piercings regularly
Cleaning your piercings regularly aids healing and prevents infection. Therefore, it may be recommended to clean the affected area with saline solution every day. You can also clean it with soap once a day as needed.
Healing Process After Piercing and Injury Prevention
The healing process after piercing is one of the most curious topics. For healing and preventing injuries after piercing, you can take a look at the following suggestions from Evla experts:
1. Use antibacterial soap and water when cleaning your piercings
Clean the affected area with soap and water every day. Lather the soap between your fingers and gently apply it to the front and back of your piercings. Carefully wipe off the soap with a clean, wet cloth.
2. Use a saltwater cleaning solution
As an alternative to soap and water, you can use a saltwater cleaning solution. Consult a doctor to see if a sea salt-based cleanser is right for you. This cleans your piercings without drying out the skin. Apply a cotton ball or cotton swab soaked in saline solution to the front and back of the piercing.
3. Do not use antibiotics or alcohol-based ointments
Antibiotic ointments and alcohol can further irritate the skin and slow the healing process. Therefore, stay away from them unless recommended by a doctor. Instead, clean your piercing with salt water to prevent infection.
How to Treat an Infected Piercing?
You can treat some minor infections caused by piercing at home. Since infections related to piercings in the cartilage tissue can be more difficult to treat, consult a doctor for such infections. Piercing infection home treatment steps can be listed as follows:
- Clean your piercing: Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your piercing. Then, clean around the piercing with sterile saline. For this, you can prepare a salt water solution by adding a teaspoon of salt to warm water.
- Daily cleaning: Clean your piercing with salt water three times a day, at least in the morning, noon and evening. This controls the infection and speeds up the healing process.
- Do not use antibacterial products: When cleaning your piercing, do not use products containing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or antibiotics. These substances can further irritate the skin and prolong the healing process.
If symptoms of infection do not improve within two days or if you have more serious symptoms, see a doctor.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Piercing Infection?
The following can be done to prevent infection after piercing:
- Have it done by a professional.
- After piercing, clean the affected area twice a day with the provided cleanser.
- Do not handle or play with your piercings too much. Keep external factors' contact with your piercing to a minimum.