Piercing is a wonderful form of self-expression, even if the body regards it as a wound to heal. This is why it is important to clean it several times a day by gently applying a saline solution. Give your body time to heal the wound to prevent an infection from developing. If you learn how to take care of your piercing, healing times will be quick.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Keeping the Piercing Clean
Step 1. Purchase the saline solution from the piercer or pharmacy
You can find it at the center where you have been pierced or at the pharmacy, parapharmacy or on the Internet. Try looking for a "saline solution to cleanse wounds".
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Homemade saline solution:
Mix one teaspoon (0.7g) of non-iodized salt in 240ml of warm distilled water until dissolved.
- Be careful not to buy contact lens solution as it may be too aggressive.
Step 2. Wash your hands before cleaning the piercing
The piercing can become infected if bacteria enter it, so it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching or cleaning it. Dry them well with a clean cloth or paper towels.
Avoid diving in dirty or contaminated waters, such as lakes, swimming pools, or hot tubs, to decrease the risk of infection
Step 3. Hold a saline-soaked gauze over the piercing for 5 minutes
Wet a clean gauze or paper towel with your homemade or pharmacy-bought saline solution and gently hold it on the piercing for 5 minutes. It should weaken any encrustations, which will come off as you swab the wound. Do not remove them when the skin is dry, otherwise it could become irritated.
- If the piercing is in a place on your body that you can soak, soak it in homemade saline for about 5 minutes. Just fill the tub with a few centimeters of water and add the salt until it melts. You can also do a sitz bath if you have a genital piercing.
- Some doctors recommend turning the jewelry gently when the skin is wet to better penetrate the solution into the wound. Avoid when the skin is dry, otherwise you may slow down the healing process.
Step 4. Blot with a clean paper towel
Once the saline solution is applied, take another paper towel and gently press it onto the piercing. Continue blotting until dry, then discard the wipe.
Don't use a towel, even if it's clean. The sponge could become entangled in the jewel, but also trap bacteria that risk penetrating the wound
Step 5. Clean the piercing 2 times a day until it heals
While you may think that more frequent cleaning speeds up healing, there is a risk that the skin will dry out. So, just cleanse the wound a couple of times a day until it's completely healed. Healing times depend on the type of piercing.
For example, ear piercings take up to 4 months to heal, while navel, genital or nipple piercings take up to 6 months. Most mouth or face piercings heal within 8 weeks
Step 6. Avoid denatured alcohol and hydrogen peroxide
You should clean the piercing as gently as possible, so don't use products that dry or irritate the skin. Stay away from denatured alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial hand sanitizers, and harsh cleansers.
Some of these products contain alcohol which, by drying the skin, can promote the accumulation of dead cells and the formation of encrustations near the wound
Part 2 of 3: Preventing and Treating an Infection
Step 1. Avoid touching or playing with the piercing
Leave him alone so he can heal. If you touch, twist or move it unnecessarily, you risk introducing bacteria or causing skin lesions.
- You should also avoid applying beauty products and cosmetics, such as lotions or sprays. They can irritate the wound as it heals.
- If you continuously move the jewelry, you risk slowing down the healing process.
Step 2. Watch out for swelling and irritation as they can indicate an infection
It is normal for the piercing to be sensitive or bleed for a few days as soon as it is done, but if it doesn't seem to get better or even worsening, you may have an infection. Watch out for these symptoms if you have had the piercing for at least 3 days:
- Persistent bleeding or sensitivity;
- Swelling;
- Ache;
- Green or yellowish secretions
- Fever.
Step 3. See your doctor right away if you think the piercing is infected
If you have this suspicion, don't wait to seek assistance. Leave the jewelry in place and contact your doctor. He will likely have to prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. If you don't touch the jewelry, it may start to produce secretions within a few days.
If you remove the jewelry, the wound may close, hindering treatment of the infection
Part 3 of 3: Promote Healing
Step 1. Wear loose fitting clothing that doesn't put pressure on the piercing
If the site where the hole was made is necessarily covered with clothing, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing that rubs against the wound. Friction risks irritating her and slowing healing. Instead, opt for loose, soft dresses that do not create friction with the jewel.
In addition, loose clothing promotes perspiration, prevents the onset of infections and facilitates healing
Step 2. Rest to help the body heal
Like any wound, healing will be faster if the body is not busy fighting other infectious processes or health problems. If you are a teenager, try to get at least 8-10 hours of sleep. If you are an adult, you should rest at least 7 hours a night.
- Try to manage stress so your body can focus on healing. Try practicing yoga exercises, meditating, listening to music, or going for a walk.
- If the piercing is localized on the head, use clean, soft pillowcases so as not to irritate the area while you sleep.
Step 3. Take a shower instead of a bath until the wound has healed
You should keep shampoo, body wash or germs from coming into contact with the piercing. Since it is more difficult to prevent this from happening when you take a bath, opt for a shower and make sure no product gets into the wound.
If you prefer to take a bath, clean the tub thoroughly before diving. Avoid direct contact between the piercing and the shower gel or shampoo and rinse thoroughly once out
Step 4. Eat proper nutrition and stay hydrated to strengthen your immune system
Eat healthily by opting for food sources rich in zinc and vitamin C to speed healing times and prevent infections. Try to maintain a balanced diet by consuming whole grains, strawberries, spinach, and dairy products. In addition to eating healthy, drink 2.5-3.5 liters of water every day to ensure your body has a good supply of fluids.
Avoid sugary drinks as they do not help strengthen the immune system
Step 5. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol if you want to speed up your recovery
Research has shown that smoking and alcohol can slow the body's resilience. In order for the wound to heal quickly, try to stop smoking and drinking.
Remember that the body treats the piercing as a real wound that will begin to heal. Take care of yourself for a few days to give him a chance to recover
Advice
- Contact your piercer if you are worried about something. He can help you!
- Ask the piercer about the healing times and instructions for caring for the wound.
