How To Properly Clean A New Piercing
Getting a new piercing can be an exciting experience, no matter if it is your first one or your addition to your collection. However, with this new piercing comes the responsibility of making sure that it heals the proper way. Proper cleaning is crucial for a healthy cleaning process. Today we will be going over a guide on how to properly clean a new piercing.
Why Proper Cleaning Is Essential
When you get a new piercing, you are creating a small wound in the skin. Ultimately making them susceptible to infections if not cared for correctly. It is quite easy for bacteria and germs to infiltrate open wounds, which can lead to healing complications. A sure way to combat this is by following a proper cleaning routine. This will assist you with preventing infection, minimizing discomfort, and ensuring that your new piercing heals quickly.
What You Need
Before you start cleaning your new piercing, ensure that you gather the following supplies:
Saline solution or a homemade sea salt solution (¼ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt mixed with 1 cup of warm distilled water)
Cotton balls or gauze pads
Clean, disposable paper towels or tissues
mild, fragrance-free soap
Clean hands
Cleaning Routine
Step One
Always make sure that you thoroughly wash your hands before touching your new piercing. This is a crucial step to prevent transferring bacteria to your open piercing.
Step Two
Next, you will want to prepare your cleaning solution, which you can find in most pharmacies, or start to prepare your homemade solution. If you are using your homemade solution, ensure that the water is warm and not too hot to avoid burning yourself.
Step Three
Now, you will want to start cleaning the pierced area. First, soak a cotton ball or gauze pad with the saline solution. From here you can start applying it to the affected area. You can hold it against the area for a few minutes. Lastly, do a cleaning around the piercing to help remove any crust or debris that may still be floating near the area.
Step Four
After you are done cleaning the area be sure to take time to rinse off the piercing. If you are using soap, only apply a small amount and gently lather around the area. After that is done be sure to thoroughly rinse the area with warm water to remove the soap residue.
Step Five
Now that you have successfully cleaned and rinsed your new piercing you can gently pat down the area with a clean paper towel or tissue.
Additional Tips
Some additional tips that you will want to keep in mind during your healing process.
Avoid Touching: Refrain from touching your new piercing with unwashed hands.
Twisting & Turning: Twisting and turning the jewelry can cause irritation and prolong the process of healing.
Hair & Clothing: Keep your hair and clothing away from the piercing to avoid any snagging or pulling.
Bodies of Water: Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water, as they can often hold bacteria.
Watch For Infections: Some signs to look out for are redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. If you notice any of them be sure to contact a healthcare professional!
How Often Should You Clean Your New Piercing?
For the first few weeks, clean your piercing at least twice a day, preferably once in the morning and once at night. This will help ensure that your piercing heals properly. As the piercing starts to heal more you can reduce the cleanings down to once a day. Be sure to continue this routine until the piercing is fully healed. This process can take several weeks or even months - everyone is different.
Get Your Next Piercing With The Help Of Skin & Bone Studio!
Skin & Bone Studio staffs professional piercers to ensure that each of your piercings goes as smoothly as possible. Our staff will ensure that you are comfortable and can fully enjoy our welcoming and clean environment. To schedule your next piercing appointment be sure to fill out a contact form right on our website!