Nipple piercings are done to express oneself, to increase sensitivity or for aesthetic reasons. Whatever your reason for doing this, know that the wound requires some care and attention. You must be especially careful during the healing process; cleaning can be long and tedious, but absolutely essential if you want to stay healthy, avoid infection, irritation or other negative reactions.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Caring for a New Piercing
Step 1. Clean it twice a day
The wound takes 3-6 months to heal or even longer if you don't treat it as you should or if it becomes infected; over time, however, you can reduce the frequency of cleaning.
- Use only a sterile solution or a salt and water bath to cleanse the nipple.
- If you wash it excessively or use harsh products, the wound becomes irritated and takes longer to heal.
Step 2. Do not participate in sexual activities that involve stimulating the nipple and touching the piercing
Saliva contains bacteria that can trigger an infection. This precaution may seem excessive, but if the hole becomes contaminated, you face a much bigger problem with longer healing times. Take preventative measures to ensure proper healing - your body will thank you.
In addition to saliva, you should also avoid vigorous contact, touching or friction with the piercing
Step 3. Put on clean, breathable clothing
Maybe you feel more comfortable with a sports bra, shirt or tank top. You should prefer cotton, as it absorbs sweat and lets air through, thus reducing the likelihood of bacteria accumulating and thus developing an infection.
- Wash and change your sheets once a week.
- Wear a fitted sports bra or tank top when you sleep to prevent the jewelry from getting stuck in the sheets or duvet.
Step 4. Know what's normal
You may notice some tension and discolouration of the skin around the nipple during the healing process. The body also secretes a yellowish-white liquid and you may notice a crust on the jewel; these are completely normal phenomena. You may notice scabs even after the injury heals, but you can wash them off easily with warm water.
Pay attention to the amount of secretions or scabs; this way you can understand what is normal for your specific case
Step 5. Monitor for infections
If the skin is red, abnormally swollen, itchy, burns, has a rash, or you experience pain that does not go away or reduce, the wound may be infected. If there is no infection, you may simply be allergic to the cleaning product or the metal of the jewelry.
- Listen to your body; if you experience something abnormal, try to understand what it is.
- If the piercing area is foul-smelling, filled with secretions or fluids other than normal, there may be an infection.
Step 6. Go to the doctor or call the piercer
If you notice any signs of infection, you should call one of these professionals and not remove the jewelry on your own. Removing it does not automatically eradicate the infection; leave it where it is and wait to talk to your doctor or body artist.
- Act as soon as you notice the first signs of infection. the longer you wait, the worse the situation gets.
- Your doctor may advise you to remove the jewelry, take antibiotics, or undergo surgery; most infections are fought with antibiotics.
Method 2 of 3: Clean the Piercing
Step 1. Wash your hands
Always sanitize them before touching the piercing by wetting them with water, soaping them and rubbing them for at least 20 seconds. If you don't have access to soap and water, use an alcoholic sanitizer; However, be aware that this product does not wash the skin, it kills bacteria.
- If you don't do this, germs and bacteria can move to the piercing and infect it.
- Mentally hum "Happy Birthday to You" twice instead of counting to 20.
Step 2. Clean the hole when you are in the shower
Lightly lather your hands and apply the foam to the nipple; when finished, remove all the detergent with the water, avoiding leaving any residue.
- Opt for a dye-free and fragrance-free soap; avoid harsh ones that can irritate the skin surrounding the hole.
- Do not apply soap directly to the piercing and do not let the foam stay on it for more than 30 seconds.
- Do not wash the piercing like this more than 2 times a day.
Step 3. Soak the wound in saline solution
This method is the best for taking care of piercings. Mix the tip of a teaspoon of pure sea salt (not iodized) in 250 ml of distilled water and lean over the container to dip the nipple in the solution; the jewel and the hole should be completely submerged. Press the glass against the skin to create a sort of "suction effect" or an airtight seal, so that the liquid cannot escape; meanwhile you can stand or sit.
- Leave the area to soak for about 5-10 minutes or longer.
- Before washing the piercing, heat the solution in the microwave; you don't have to burn yourself, but remember that the hotter the water, the better.
- When finished, discard the solution.
- Do this twice a day or even more often if the wound does not heal properly.
- You can prepare 4 liters of this solution and store it in the refrigerator; then, heat only the dose you need for each wash; if you decide to prepare a large quantity, dissolve 4 teaspoons of salt in 4 liters of distilled water.
- After 4 weeks, clean the piercing every 2-3 days.
Step 4. Use sterile saline solution
Commercial is the second best product you can choose to take care of the wound; spray it on the nipple, wetting the entire piercing. It is not necessary to rinse it.
- You can buy sterile saline at any supermarket or drugstore.
- Do not apply it on a cotton swab or a cotton swab before using it; just spray it directly on the skin.
Step 5. Dry the area
After cleaning, gently pat the nipple with a disposable paper towel; fabric towels are a breeding ground for bacteria and their fibers can become entangled in the jewel. There is no need to rotate the piercing when cleaning.
Method 3 of 3: Avoid Infections
Step 1. Do not use harsh chemicals to clean the wound
Avoid povidone iodine, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, commercial disinfectants, or harsh soaps; also do not apply detergents that contain benzalkonium chloride and antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin or Gentalyn Beta. These creams often contain petroleum jelly and keep the piercing moist; moisture attracts bacteria.
- These substances and ointments hinder the healing process by preventing the piercing from receiving oxygen.
- It also prevents the affected area from coming into contact with other personal hygiene products (lotions, shampoos, conditioners); if you are cleaning the piercing while taking a shower, proceed after washing your hair and using other cleansers.
Step 2. Don't tease the piercing
You may be tempted to touch and disturb him, but try to resist; if the wound is still healing, only touch it when you need to clean it. Remember not to turn or rotate the jewelry.
Step 3. Keep the area dry
Dab the jewel and the wound as soon as you get out of the shower or have finished sanitizing them; change your clothes often to prevent the sweat they have soaked from staying on the piercing for a long time. Always use clean, disposable materials (such as paper towels or cotton balls) to dry the area, as towels can contain bacteria.
- Do not immerse the area in lake water, swimming pool or whirlpool; it is best not to swim until the hole has healed completely.
- If you go swimming, apply a waterproof patch and clean the piercing as soon as you get out of the water.
