The industrial piercing is usually performed in the upper and cartilaginous part of the auricle; it consists of two individual holes connected by a bar jewel. This body modification is easily infected if it is not cleaned and cared for properly. You should sanitize wounds twice a day, throughout the healing period, with antibacterial soap or a solution of warm water and sea salt.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: with an Antibacterial Soap
Step 1. Run hot water over the piercing
Rinse wounds for at least 30 seconds while taking a shower or holding your head under the tap in this way, you soften dry skin or crusts that have formed since the last cleaning.
Step 2. Use your fingers
Soap your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap and apply the detergent on the jewel using your little finger; afterwards, rotate the bar several times. Smear the foam behind the finger, inside the ear and around the wounds for about three minutes. always use your little finger for this operation.
Step 3. Rinse and dry the piercing
After cleaning it for three minutes with antimicrobial soap, carefully wipe off all foam and dirt with a stream of water; then pat the area with kitchen paper to dry it.
Method 2 of 3: with a Sea Salt Solution
Step 1. Prepare the solution
Get a clean one-liter container similar to Tupperware; check that the material can withstand boiling water. Add a teaspoon of sea salt and fill the bowl with boiling water, wait for the liquid to cool until it is tolerable to the touch.
Step 2. Immerse the ear in water
When it is still very hot but not boiling, place the container on the table, sit next to it and lean forward; completely submerge the wounds and hold the position for 5 minutes.
Step 3. Alternatively, use a cotton pad
If you don't want to soak your ear, you can clean the piercing with a makeup remover pad; soak it in the saline solution and apply it to the wounds for about five minutes.
Step 4. Wait for the area to air dry
After this procedure do not use any cloth but simply let the moisture evaporate; do not touch the piercing between cleanings.
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Piercing Safely
Step 1. Sanitize your hands before touching wounds
It is essential not to touch the piercing with dirty hands, you should always wash them with soap and very hot water; scrub them for at least 20 seconds after covering them with foam and rinse them off with warm water.
Step 2. Clean the earring twice a day
To avoid infections it is necessary to provide with this frequency during the healing period; the holes take four weeks to six months to heal. Incorporate piercing cleaning into your routine, such as doing it after breakfast and before bedtime.
- If you don't follow a regular schedule, wounds can become infected and healing times lengthen.
- Remember that industrial piercings take longer to heal than others. Once perfectly healed, it shouldn't be painful to touch; however, it is worth making an appointment with your doctor to see if the wounds have healed completely.
Step 3. See a doctor if you notice any signs of infection
Redness, red streaks, or yellow discharge near the piercing are signs of a possible complication. If you notice them or complain of severe pain or swelling, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
If you see scabs around the wounds, don't peel them off; leave them where they are for the doctor to examine and take a sample
Step 4. During the healing period, do not wet the area when bathing or swimming
An industrial piercing takes one to six months to heal; therefore, excluding the occasions when you clean it, you must avoid immersing it in water during this period. Do not get it wet when you take a bath, shower or wash your hair; you shouldn't even go swimming.
Step 5. Change your clothes and bedding regularly
It is important to wear clean clothes and sleep in clean sheets while the piercing heals; otherwise, germs can attack the wounds causing unwanted and potentially serious infections.
- Change your clothes every day.
- Put clean sheets on your bed at least once a week.
