How to Take Care of a Body Piercing
Cleaning
The most important thing you can do to take care of a new body piercing is to keep it clean. This will help to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are some tips on how to clean your piercing:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your piercing.
- Use a mild, unscented soap to clean your piercing. Do not use harsh soaps or detergents.
- Gently wash your piercing with a clean washcloth or cotton ball.
- Rinse your piercing thoroughly with clean water.
- Pat your piercing dry with a clean towel.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times per day, or as directed by your piercer.
Avoidance
In addition to cleaning your piercing, there are a few things you should avoid to help it heal properly. These include:
- Touching your piercing with dirty hands.
- Using harsh soaps or detergents on your piercing.
- Exposing your piercing to harsh chemicals or pollutants.
- Swimming in pools or hot tubs.
- Sleeping on your piercing.
- Playing with your piercing.
Materials
In addition to cleaning your piercing and avoiding certain activities, you will also need to use the right materials to help it heal properly. These materials include:
- A mild, unscented soap
- A clean washcloth or cotton ball
- A clean towel
- A saline solution (optional)
Healing Time
The healing time for a body piercing varies depending on the type of piercing and your individual body chemistry. However, most piercings will take 4-8 weeks to heal completely. During this time, it is important to follow the care instructions provided by your piercer.
Signs of Infection
If you notice any of the following signs of infection, you should see a doctor immediately:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pus
- Pain
- Fever
Conclusion
Taking care of a body piercing is relatively simple. By following the tips in this article, you can help your piercing heal properly and avoid infection.
