New Piercings: Dos and Don'ts

Getting a new piercing is exciting! Whether it’s your ears, nose, or something more adventurous, a fresh piercing can be a great way to express yourself. But once the jewelry is in place, your journey isn’t over. Proper aftercare is critical to ensure your piercing heals well and avoids complications. Here are the essential dos and don'ts for new piercings.

DOs for Your New Piercing

1. Keep It Clean
   Clean your piercing daily with a saline solution or a professional piercing aftercare product. This helps keep bacteria at bay and promotes healing.

2. Wash Your Hands
   Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing. Germs from your hands can lead to infections.

3. Follow Your Piercer’s Instructions
   Your piercer is an expert—listen to their advice! They’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your specific piercing.

4. Wear Loose Clothing (for Body Piercings)
   If your piercing is on your body (e.g., navel, nipple), opt for loose, breathable clothing to reduce irritation and pressure on the piercing.

5. Stick to Simple Jewelry
   During the healing process, keep your initial jewelry in place. Switching it out too soon can lead to irritation or even infection.

6. Monitor for Signs of Infection
   Swelling, redness, heat, and discharge could be signs of infection. If you notice these, consult a professional piercer or a healthcare provider.

7. Be Patient
   Healing times vary depending on the location of your piercing. Ear lobes may heal in 6-8 weeks, while cartilage or body piercings can take several months. Stick with the recommended care for the duration.

DON’Ts for Your New Piercing

1. Don’t Touch or Twist It
   Avoid touching your piercing unnecessarily. Twisting or fiddling with the jewelry can irritate the piercing and introduce bacteria.

2. Don’t Use Harsh Products
   Skip alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments. These can dry out your skin and slow the healing process. Stick to saline or the solution recommended by your piercer.

3. Don’t Submerge It in Water
   Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the ocean during the healing period. These waters can introduce harmful bacteria to your piercing.

4. Don’t Remove the Jewelry
   Removing the jewelry too early can cause the hole to close or lead to complications. Wait until your piercer confirms it’s safe to switch.

5. Don’t Sleep on It
   For ear or face piercings, try to avoid sleeping on the piercing to prevent irritation and pressure.

6. Don’t Use Makeup or Lotions Nearby
   Keep products like makeup, sunscreen, or lotions away from the area during healing to avoid clogging or irritation.

7. Don’t Ignore Issues
   If you notice unusual pain, prolonged redness, or pus, seek professional help. Don’t try to self-diagnose or manage severe problems.

holly’s Tips

• Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Your body heals better when it’s healthy and well-nourished. Drink water, eat balanced meals, and get enough rest.

• Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: These can slow down the healing process, so reduce or eliminate them while your piercing heals.

• Trust Your Piercer: A professional piercer can answer questions, offer guidance, and help with any concerns. Holly is the best of the best!

By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be on the path to a smooth healing process and a piercing that you can’t show off.