College Health TV
Getting a new piercing does require some work. In order for your piercing to heal successfully and stay free of infection, you’ll need to know how to keep it clean during the weeks that follow your piercing appointment. Here are a few simple tips for keeping a new piercing clean.
Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you make contact with your piercing. No matter how clean you think your hands are, there’s always a chance they could transfer bacteria to the sensitive areas around your piercing. Keeping bacteria out is critical to avoiding infections.
Don’t Sleep On It
It’s important to avoid sleeping on a new piercing. Blocking airflow can lead to infection and slow the healing process considerably. This adjustment in your sleep routine, while sometimes inconvenient, is only temporary. You can stop worrying about it once your piercing is healed.
Clean Only With Approved Solutions
Acceptable cleaning solutions for new piercings are saltwater washes, saline solutions, antiseptic sprays, and antibacterial soap. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, as these will make your skin too dry and delay the healing process. Gently apply any cleaning solutions with a cotton swab.
Act On Infections
Redness or swelling around your piercing are sure signs of infection. Your piercing could also be infected if it seems to be hurting more than it should. To avoid further complications, visit a doctor immediately when you notice any of these things. Delaying the treatment of an infection will only make it more severe.
As long as you clean your piercing with the right solutions, avoid sleeping on it, keep an eye out for infection, and wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing, it will heal safely.
