Beauty is pain; this is a common saying which highlights that achieving beauty often requires sacrifice, both physically and emotionally.
In this case, we focus on the physical sacrifice of taking care of your piercings to avoid infections, prolonged healing time and allergic reactions among other factors.
We pierce ourselves for various reasons including self-expression, cultural or spiritual significance, aesthetics and personal empowerment.
An important part of the piercing process is the aftercare routine. Here is how you can take care of your piercings at home:
Cleaning: Body piercings can be cleaned with soapy water or water with salt. According to University Health Services, you must always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing.
The source also advises that it is not safe to use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they both slow down the healing of pierced areas by drying and killing new healthy cells.
“Use salt soaks for best care/cleaning of ring or stud and loosening dry material on the skin (¼ teaspoon of sea salt or teaspoon of table salt dissolved in 8oz of warm water). To clean the surrounding skin, use mild antiseptic products such as benzalkonium chloride, (Bactine, any liquid antibacterial soap – avoid perfumed products). Dilute 50/50 with water, if soap is too harsh.
“Twice a day saturate a cotton swab or Q-Tip with the cleaning solution, apply to the pierced area, and let soak for a few minutes. Remove any dried matter. Rotate the jewellery while the area is wet,” said University Health Services.
@blossomwithbosslady Replying to @raeeee🌼 there you go ❤️❤️🤭🌸#nosepiercing ♬ original sound – Blossom 🌸
According to Association of Professional Piercers, here is what to do:
- Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave the piercing alone except when cleaning.
- During healing, do not twist, spin, or rotate your jewellery.
- Exercise and sweating during healing is fine. Avoid activities that could jostle or aggravate the piercing. Keep the piercing protected from bacteria present on gym equipment or exercise mats.
- Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you are sleeping.
- Showers tend to be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbour bacteria. If you bathe in a tub, clean it well before each use and rinse off your piercing when you get out.
Association of Professional Piercers also shared what to avoid:
- Avoid over-cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
- Avoid undue trauma such as friction and pressure from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewellery, and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.
- Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
- Avoiding things like excessive stress, drug use, excessive caffeine, nicotine and alcohol is suggested as they can prolong the healing process.
- Avoid submerging the piercing in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, oceans, hot tubs, etc. Or, protect your piercing using a waterproof transparent film dressing. These are available at most pharmacies and are ideal for nipple, navel, and surface piercing placements.
- Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.
- Don’t hang charms or any object from your jewellery until the piercing is fully healed.
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